How to Use Action Words in Your CV to Showcase Your Work Experience

The words words have power written in chalk on a chalk board

You’ve probably heard people say that using action words on your CV is important. But what does that really mean, and how can it help you stand out?

In this blog, you’ll find tips to make your CV stand out by using action words. Whether you’re a neurodivergent job seeker (like someone with ADHD or autism) or simply want to improve how you showcase your experience, these tips will help.

What Are Action Words?

Action words, or power verbs, are strong, active words that show what you did, how you did it, and the impact you made. Instead of saying, “I was responsible for…,” you can use words like “Led,” “Created,” “Improved,” or “Organised.” They’re specific and give your CV energy, helping employers see the value you bring to a role.

Why Action Words Matter

Using action words makes your CV:

  1. More engaging: Recruiters don’t have much time to read every CV. Action words quickly grab attention.
  2. Clearer:
    They show exactly what you’ve achieved without being vague.
  3. Stronger:
    Instead of saying what you were assigned to do, they highlight the results of your work.
  4. Empowering:
    If you’re neurodivergent and find it challenging to articulate your achievements, action words can help you clearly explain your skills and strengths.
 
 

How to Use Action Words to Showcase Your Experience

Here are some tips to effectively use action words in your CV:

1. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities

Employers want to know what impact you made, not just what tasks you performed. For example:

  • Instead of: “Handled customer complaints,” Say: “Resolved 95% of customer complaints on the first call, improving customer satisfaction ratings.”

If you’re neurodivergent, think about times when your unique perspective helped solve a problem or create a new way of doing things.

2. Match Your Action Words to the Role

Tailor your CV to each job application. Use action words that match the job description. For example, if the role is about teamwork, use words like “Collaborated,” “Coordinated,” or “Supported.”

3. Highlight Transferable Skills

If you’re switching careers or entering the job market for the first time, use action words to show transferable skills like problem-solving, organisation, or creativity.
For instance:

  • Instead of: “Worked on a school project,”Say: “Designed and led a group project that improved team collaboration and met all deadlines.” 
 

4. Use Numbers to Add Impact

Quantify your achievements when possible. Numbers make your contributions more tangible.

For example:

  • Instead of: “Managed social media accounts,” Say: “Increased social media engagement by 35% through creative content strategies.”
 

Examples of Powerful Action Words

Here’s a list of action words you can use in your CV, grouped by type of skill:

Leadership and Management

  • Led
  • Supervised
  • Directed
  • Mentored
  • Motivated

Problem-Solving

  • Solved
  • Resolved
  • Analysed
  • Improved
  • Designed

Creativity and Innovation

  • Created
  • Developed
  • Innovated
  • Planned
  • Launched

Teamwork and Collaboration

  • Collaborated
  • Supported
  • Coordinated
  • Contributed
  • Facilitated

Organisation and Efficiency

  • Organised
  • Streamlined
  • Prioritised
  • Scheduled
  • Executed
 

Tips for Neurodivergent Job Seekers

If you have ADHD, autism, or another neurodivergence, using action words can help you communicate your strengths clearly and confidently. Here are some specific suggestions:

  1. Think about your unique problem-solving skills. Did you find a way to make a
    process more efficient or come up with a creative solution? Use words like
    “Improved” or “Redesigned.”
  2. Highlight your hyperfocus or special interests. If you’ve gone above and beyond
    on a project because it aligned with your passions, say so! Use words like
    “Achieved” or “Mastered.”
  3. Showcase your ability to adapt. Many neurodivergent people excel at finding new
    ways to approach challenges. Words like “Adapted” or “Optimised”
    can reflect this.
 

Putting It All Together

Here’s an example of how action words can transform a CV bullet point:

  • Before: “Worked in a busy retail store helping customers.”
  • After: “Provided exceptional customer service in a fast-paced retail
    environment, increasing customer satisfaction scores by 20%.”

 

Need Extra Help?

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about how to describe your work experience, don’t worry that’s where I can help. As an Inclusive job coach, I specialise in supporting job seekers, including those who are neurodivergent. I can help you identify your strengths, craft an impactful CV, and feel confident about your job search.

 

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