The Ultimate Guide to CV Action Verbs: Make Your CV Stand Out in 2025

The Ultimate Guide to CV Action Verbs: Make Your CV Stand Out in 2025

How to Use Action Verbs to Transform Your CV

One of the quickest ways to strengthen your CV is to replace weak, passive phrasing with powerful action verbs.

Instead of sounding like you were simply “responsible for” tasks, action verbs show that you took initiative, delivered results and created impact.

 

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These tools pull back the curtain on the hiring process, cutting
through the smoke and mirrors so you understand exactly what
employers and ATS systems are really looking for

Let’s look at how to use them effectively.

Why Action Verbs Matter

Recruiters skim CVs in seconds. They’re looking for evidence that you:

  • Led teams or projects

  • Improved processes or performance

  • Delivered measurable results

  • Solved problems and added value

Compare the difference:

❌ Responsible for managing a team of analysts
✅ Led a team of 12 analysts to deliver a £2M cost reduction programme within 12 months

One feels like a job description. The other feels like an achievement.

Categories of Action Verbs (With Examples)

Instead of memorising hundreds of verbs, focus on selecting the right one for the story you’re telling.

1. Leadership & Team Management

  • Led, Directed, Oversaw, Managed, Supervised
    Example:
    Led a cross-functional team of 20 to launch a new product line, achieving £5M in first-year revenue.

2. Achievement & Results

  • Achieved, Delivered, Exceeded, Surpassed
    Example:
    Exceeded annual sales targets by 35%, ranking in the top 5% of UK regional managers.

3. Problem-Solving & Innovation

  • Improved, Redesigned, Streamlined, Transformed
    Example:
    Redesigned reporting system, cutting month-end close from 10 to 5 days.

4. Strategy & Growth

  • Developed, Devised, Spearheaded, Launched
    Example:
    Spearheaded expansion into EMEA markets, growing regional revenue by £10M in two years.

5. Communication & Influence

  • Negotiated, Persuaded, Advocated, Presented
    Example:
    Negotiated multi-year supplier contracts, reducing costs by 15% without compromising quality.

6. Technical & Analytical

  • Analysed, Engineered, Designed, Programmed, Tested
    Example:
    Engineered automation scripts that reduced manual data entry by 40 hours per month.

How to Craft Strong Sentences

A strong CV bullet point should always combine:

  1. Action Verb – shows initiative (Led, Achieved, Improved)

  2. Task/Project – what you worked on

  3. Impact/Result – numbers, savings, growth, efficiencies

Formula: Action verb + What you did + Measurable outcome

Example:
Developed new operating system that reduced headcount by 20, saving £350,000 annually.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don’t start every bullet with the same verb (e.g. Managed, Managed, Managed). Mix it up.

  • Avoid filler words like “helped” or “assisted.” Instead, isolate your contribution.

  • Don’t use generic adjectives (hard-working, motivated) – show it through results.

In Summary

Your CV isn’t about listing responsibilities. It’s about proving impact. Action verbs are the tools that help you show, not just tell.

Next time you write a bullet point, ask yourself: Does this start strong? Does it prove value? If not, sharpen it with a verb that makes you sound like a leader, a problem-solver, or a results-driver.

To find out more, visit our website www.cvpilots.co.uk If you have any further questions, you can either book a consultation call with one of our team, or get in touch via email on team@cvpilots.co.uk 

Q1: What are action verbs on a CV?
Action verbs are powerful words like “led,” “achieved,” or “developed” that describe your impact and accomplishments. They help your CV stand out to recruiters and applicant tracking systems.

Q2: Why should I use action verbs on my CV?
Using action verbs makes your CV more engaging and achievement-driven, showing employers what you accomplished rather than just listing responsibilities.

Q3: Can you give examples of CV action verbs?
Examples include: “Spearheaded,” “Negotiated,” “Reduced,” “Transformed,” and “Delivered.” When combined with metrics, they highlight measurable results.

Q4: What are the best words to avoid on a CV?
Avoid vague words like “responsible for,” “helped,” or “worked on.” They sound passive and don’t demonstrate impact.

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