Harvard Action Verbs for Resumes
Harvard categorizes effective action verbs by the skills they demonstrate, making it easier to select the right words for different types of achievements.
Action Verbs
Use these verbs at the start of your bullet points to describe what you did.
Leadership
Verbs that show you guided, directed, and inspired others.
Communication
Verbs that show you shared, negotiated, and connected with others.
Problem-Solving
Verbs that show you identified issues and found solutions.
Innovative
Verbs that show you created, designed, and built something new.
Finance
Verbs that show you managed, analyzed, and optimized financial resources.
Technical
Verbs that show you built, programmed, and maintained systems.
Management
Verbs that show you organized, oversaw, and delivered results.
Research
Verbs that show you investigated, studied, and validated findings.
Power Words
Harvard-approved power words make your resume stand out by showcasing achievements, leadership, and skills with authority and impact.
Result
Power words that show you delivered and exceeded goals.
Analytical
Power words that show you assessed and interpreted data.
Creativity
Power words that show you imagined and built something original.
Communication
Power words that show you connected and conveyed ideas effectively.
How to use these verbs
Start each resume bullet with a strong action verb, then describe what you did, how you did it, and the impact it had. Pick verbs that honestly match your experience.
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