Power words and action verbs are instrumental in the success of your CV. By leading with strong, results-oriented language, you transform passive descriptions into proactive achievements that command a recruiter's attention.

The "Power Verb" Effect
Passive "I was responsible for increasing sales through cold calling."
Proactive "Increased sales through strategic cold calling and lead generation."

How to Use Action Verbs Effectively

The words you choose should reflect your specific industry and seniority. A managerial candidate should leverage words like "oversaw" or "restructured", while a creative professional might focus on "conceptualised" or "illustrated". Avoid 'keyword stuffing'; instead, use these verbs to anchor your bullet points in measurable reality.

Power Verbs for Organisational Skills

Arranged Categorised Collected Compiled Corrected Distributed Filed Incorporated Logged Maintained Monitored Observed Ordered Organised Prepared Recorded Registered Reserved Responded Reviewed Scheduled Screened Supplied Updated

Power Verbs to Highlight Achievements

Achieved Built Created Developed Established Expanded Founded Identified Implemented Increased Initiated Instigated Launched Lead Managed Reduced Solved Streamlined

Strategic & Analytical Power Verbs

Administered Advised Analysed Approved Completed Conducted Controlled Coordinated Defined Delivered Demonstrated Designed Instructed Introduced Oversaw Performed Planned Presented Supervised Supported

Looking for a more extensive list of example power verbs?

Is Your CV Not Working?

The employment market is constantly evolving at a rapid pace. A CV that previously secured you an interview years ago might not be working for you in today's market.

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