What is Action Verb?
An action verb is a strong, specific verb at the start of a CV bullet that shows what you achieved rather than what you were responsible for.
Weak bullets begin with passive phrases: 'Responsible for', 'Duties included', 'Helped with'. Stronger bullets lead with verbs that imply outcome: 'Delivered', 'Reduced', 'Negotiated', 'Designed', 'Led'. The verb sets expectations for the evidence that follows.
Match verbs to seniority. 'Supported' may suit an assistant role; 'Owned' or 'Directed' fits leadership. Verbs also carry implicit skills — 'Automated' suggests technical ability; 'Facilitated' suggests workshop or stakeholder skills.
Variety matters. Repeating 'Managed' on every line dulls impact. Keep a personal list of verbs grouped by theme (leadership, analysis, communication) and rotate them honestly across roles.
Pair each verb with a metric or scope where possible: budget, percentage improvement, timeline, or team size. Cvaluate highlights vague bullets that would benefit from sharper action language.
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