In today’s competitive job market, your resume has just 6 seconds to make an impression.
The difference between landing an interview and getting overlooked often comes down to one important aspect: the words you choose.
Harvard Career Services has studied what makes resumes work.
They found that using the right words can greatly improve your job search success.
Harvard words work better than basic descriptions, helping you get more interviews, which is exactly what you want.
To make it even easier, this blog includes a simplified Harvard words PDF you can download and use right away.
What Are Action Words?
Action verbs or action words are powerful, specific words that express leadership, impact, and achievement on your resume.
Unlike generic verbs that simply describe what you did, Harvard action verbs show how you made a difference and created value in your roles.
When choosing the right action words to use, it’s just as important to know how many bullet points per job on a resume to keep your experience clear and impactful.
Harvard Action Words List
Using strong action verbs makes your resume clear and impactful.
The right verbs highlight your skills, show real results, and make each bullet point stand out.
Below is a detailed list of action verbs, organized by category, that you can use to strengthen your resume.
Leadership & Management
Administered
Analyzed
Appointed
Approved
Assigned
Attained
Authorized
Chaired
Consolidated
Contracted
Controlled
Converted
Coordinated
Delegated
Developed
Directed
Eliminated
Established
Executed
Generated
Handled
Headed
Hired
Implemented
Improved
Increased
Initiated
Instituted
Led
Managed
Motivated
Organized
Originated
Oversaw
Planned
Prioritized
Produced
Recommended
Reorganized
Reviewed
Scheduled
Secured
Selected
Streamlined
Strengthened
Supervised
Communication
Addressed
Advertised
Arbitrated
Arranged
Authored
Clarified
Communicated
Composed
Condensed
Convinced
Corresponded
Delivered
Developed
Directed
Discussed
Drafted
Edited
Elicited
Enlisted
Formulated
Influenced
Interpreted
Lectured
Marketed
Moderated
Negotiated
Observed
Outlined
Participated
Persuaded
Presented
Promoted
Proposed
Publicized
Reconciled
Recruited
Referred
Reported
Resolved
Responded
Solicited
Specified
Spoke
Suggested
Synthesized
Translated
Wrote
Research & Analysis
Adapted
Analyzed
Assembled
Assessed
Audited
Calculated
Catalogued
Checked
Collected
Compared
Compiled
Computed
Critiqued
Detected
Determined
Diagnosed
Evaluated
Examined
Extracted
Forecasted
Identified
Inspected
Interpreted
Invented
Investigated
Located
Measured
Organized
Researched
Reviewed
Searched
Solved
Summarized
Surveyed
Systematized
Tested
Harvard Action Words for the Technical Field
Assembled
Built
Calculated
Computed
Designed
Devised
Engineered
Fabricated
Maintained
Operated
Overhauled
Programmed
Remodeled
Repaired
Solved
Specialized
Standardized
Studied
Upgraded
Learn how to create a standout technical writer resume and get more tailored tips.
Creative
Acted
Adapted
Composed
Conceived
Conceptualized
Created
Customized
Designed
Developed
Directed
Established
Fashioned
Formed
Formulated
Founded
Illustrated
Initiated
Instituted
Integrated
Introduced
Invented
Modeled
Modified
Originated
Performed
Photographed
Planned
Revised
Revitalized
Shaped
Visualized
Wrote
Teaching & Helping
Adapted
Advised
Assessed
Assisted
Clarified
Coached
Communicated
Coordinated
Demonstrated
Developed
Enabled
Encouraged
Evaluated
Explained
Facilitated
Guided
Informed
Instilled
Instructed
Motivated
Persuaded
Stimulated
Taught
Tested
Trained
Tutored
Financial / Organizational
Administered
Allocated
Analyzed
Appraised
Audited
Balanced
Budgeted
Calculated
Computed
Developed
Forecasted
Managed
Marketed
Measured
Planned
Projected
Researched
What Are Harvard Power Words?
Harvard power words are strong, result-focused words that highlight your achievements and outcomes on a resume.
They help recruiters quickly see the value you bring to an organization.
Below is a detailed list of power words you can use to strengthen your resume:
Achievement & Results
Accomplished
Attained
Completed
Delivered
Earned
Enacted
Exceeded
Finalized
Fulfilled
Implemented
Outperformed
Realized
Secured
Succeeded
Surpassed
Triumphed
Growth & Progress
Accelerated
Advanced
Amplified
Boosted
Broadened
Built
Capitalized
Cultivated
Enhanced
Expanded
Extended
Elevated
Increased
Maximized
Optimized
Promoted
Strengthened
Efficiency & Process
Administered
Allocated
Centralized
Clarified
Consolidated
Controlled
Corrected
Eliminated
Enforced
Improved
Integrated
Leveraged
Maintained
Modernized
Refined
Regulated
Simplified
Standardized
Streamlined
Systematized
Upgraded
Innovation & Change
Adapted
Architected
Conceived
Converted
Customized
Devised
Drafted
Established
Formulated
Generated
Instituted
Invented
Introduced
Launched
Modified
Originated
Pioneered
Redesigned
Refined
Reorganized
Restructured
Revamped
Revolutionized
Transformed
Influence & Leadership
Advocated
Aligned
Appointed
Chaired
Coached
Delegated
Directed
Empowered
Encouraged
Energized
Facilitated
Fostered
Guided
Headed
Inspired
Led
Mobilized
Motivated
Orchestrated
Oversaw
Persuaded
Piloted
Shaped
Spearheaded
Supervised
Unified
Problem-Solving & Impact
Addressed
Averted
Clarified
Conserved
Corrected
Diagnosed
Eliminated
Enforced
Generated
Improvised
Improved
Mitigated
Overcame
Prevented
Rectified
Refined
Resolved
Restored
Saved
Solved
Strengthened
Looking for a PDF version?
Download Harvard Resume Words PDF
This comprehensive resource includes:
- 100+ Action verbs by category
- 100+ Power words for impact
- Industry-specific word lists
Difference Between Action Verbs and Power Words
Both action verbs and power words make your resume stronger, but they play different roles.
Action verbs focus on what you did, while power words highlight the results and value you delivered.
| Aspect | Action Verbs | Power Words |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Show what you did and the skills you applied | Show what you achieved and the outcomes you delivered |
| Focus | Tasks, responsibilities, and skills | Results, impact, and measurable success |
| Tone | Demonstrates ability and initiative | Demonstrates achievement and influence |
| Usage | Best for describing daily work and contributions | Best for highlighting accomplishments and final outcomes |
| Example | “Coordinated a team of five to complete a project.” | “Surpassed project goals, boosting efficiency by 30%.” |
How to Use Action Verbs and Power Words in Your Resume?
Using action verbs and power words together makes your resume stronger and more compelling.
Action verbs show the tasks you handled, while power words highlight the results you achieved.
Here’s how to apply them:
-
Start Each Bullet with an Action Verb
-
Add Power Words to Show Impact
-
Balance Skills and Results
-
Match the Job Description
-
Keep It Concise
- Mention the action words in the resume summary.
Conclusion
A resume is more than a list of jobs. It should show your skills, results, and the value you bring.
By using Harvard’s action verbs and power words, along with the right format, you can turn a plain resume into one that gets noticed.
The words you choose can highlight your impact and help you stand out in a busy job market.
Be sure to download the Harvard words PDF from this blog. Use it as a quick guide when writing or updating your resume so every word works for you.
Once you’ve chosen the right words, make sure your format works too! Check out these resume templates and layouts to present your skills effectively.
Update your resume today. The right words can help you get your next interview.
