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Writing an impressive job application
One of the main ways you can write an impressive job application is by using action verbs in your résumé and cover letter. Both documents should be direct and clear, and action verbs will help you achieve that goal.
Read more about the difference between active and passive verbs.
Using dynamic action verbs
Different jobs require different skills, so it can be helpful to categorize verbs according to the skills you’ll be highlighting in your résumé and cover letter. While many skills do apply to more than one type of job, the broad categories below may be useful.
Categories:
Executive and management
Executive and management positions typically involve facilitating an organization’s mission and goals; hiring, training, and evaluating staff; and instituting and streamlining procedures. The following action verbs are commonly used to highlight skills in these professions:
Verb | Example résumé bullet |
Lead |
|
Oversee |
|
Deliver |
|
Handle |
|
Orchestrate |
|
Communication
Communication positions require good writing, speaking, and presentation skills. Journalism, public relations, editorial, marketing, and development positions all fall in this category, which can overlap with several categories below. The following action verbs are commonly used to highlight skills in these professions:
Verb | Example résumé bullet |
Draft |
|
Edit |
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Collaborate |
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Synthesize |
|
Propose |
|
Research
Research positions span a broad range of industries and disciplines; research jobs are available at large corporations, small start-up firms, and academic institutions, among many other options. The following action verbs are commonly used to highlight skills in these professions:
Verb | Example résumé bullet |
Investigate |
|
Measure |
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Analyze |
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Interpret |
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Test |
|
Technical and production
Technical and production positions range from IT jobs requiring knowledge of computer hardware and software to positions designing and servicing everything from cars to plumbing to elevators. The following action verbs are commonly used to highlight skills in these professions:
Verb | Example résumé bullet |
Design |
|
Fabricate |
|
Operate |
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Maintain |
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Convert |
|
Teaching
Teaching positions are available at public and private institutions and at all levels, from preschool through higher education. Teachers also work in corporations, government offices, and community centers, among other places. The following action verbs are commonly used to highlight skills in these professions:
Verb | Example résumé bullet |
Develop |
|
Coach |
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Motivate |
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Train |
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Tutor |
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Financial
Financial positions include accountants, bankers, analysts, asset managers, stockbrokers, auditors, and many others. The following action verbs are commonly used to highlight skills in these professions:
Verb | Example résumé bullet |
Calculate |
|
Project |
|
Allocate |
|
Balance |
|
Conduct |
|
Creative
Creative positions exist in almost every industry, though when you hear the word “creative” you may think first of the arts. But design is central to marketing and advertising and even workspaces in every field, and innovation takes many forms and is needed in every job sector. The following action verbs are commonly used to highlight skills in these professions:
Verb | Example résumé bullet |
Conceptualize |
|
Launch |
|
Integrate |
|
Customize |
|
Strategize |
|
Helping
Helping positions include social workers; psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors; speech and physical therapists; nurses and doctors; and Emergency Medical Technicians, fire fighters, and police officers, among others. The following action verbs are commonly used to highlight skills in these professions:
Verb | Example résumé bullet |
Advocate |
|
Support |
|
Provide |
|
Supply |
|
Expedite |
|
Administrative
Administrative positions include a wide range of possible responsibilities, including but not limited to answering phones, data entry, billing, and writing reports and correspondence. The following action verbs are commonly used to highlight skills in these professions:
Verb | Example résumé bullet |
Implement |
|
Schedule |
|
Route |
|
Assist |
|
Order |
|
Back to Applying for a job.
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