Career Handbook
7th Edition
Action Verbs
As a rule, students are often too brief in their description of their skills, qualities and traits. Consult the following list of action verbs when writing your resume and describing your experience.
A Helpful Strategy for Using These Verbs:
- Print the Action Verbs list (pdf).
- Go through the entire list and check off all of the action verbs (skills) employers in your intended career field look for.
- Go through the list a second time and check off all of the verbs you have used in the experiences you are describing on your resume.
- Note the words that you have checked twice. Incorporate into your resume (and cover letters) the words that best sell your skills and abilities.
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