Use strong, achievement-oriented action verbs such as led, developed, implemented, optimized, spearheaded, designed, streamlined, generated, coordinated, and achieved. Avoid passive phrases like “responsible for.” Tip: Tailor your verb choices to the job description to pass ATS filters and always quantify accomplishments to clearly demonstrate your impact.

It depends on your experience and your job targets. A recent grad likely hasn’t “orchestrated” many projects. Verbs like built, analyzed, and researched are great for a technical role, whereas verbs like coordinated, initiated, and managed make sense for a leadership role. If you’re stuck, study a few job descriptions for language patterns and vary your verbs (a thesaurus is your friend).

The verb that kills more resumes than any other? “Assisted.” It makes you the sidekick in your own career story. Lead every bullet with a verb that owns the result: Delivered, Negotiated, Transformed, Launched. Then add the number. “Reduced client onboarding 40%” beats “Helped with onboarding.” Match verbs to level: contributors build and execute; leaders drive and transform.