Cv Action Verbs

The verb opening each bullet decides how strong the message lands. "Responsible for" weakens it; "led" strengthens it. This guide gives precise alternatives and how to choose.

The steps

1. Delete every phrase like "responsible for" or "duties included"
2. Replace each with a single strong past-tense verb
3. Choose the verb by your actual role: leading, delivering or analysing
4. Make sure each verb is followed by a clear result
5. Keep tenses consistent between past and current roles

Practical tips

• Leadership verbs for leadership, delivery verbs for delivery, analysis verbs for analysis
• Do not repeat the same verb on two consecutive bullets
• The verb is always the first word of the bullet
• Present tense for your current role, past for previous ones

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using the passive voice, which erases your contribution
• Repeating "worked on" on every line
• Opening bullets with nouns instead of verbs

Frequently asked questions

Past or present tense?

Present for your current role, past for everything before it. The key is not to mix them within one section.

Which verbs work best on a CV?

Specific ones: led, built, reduced, designed, analysed, managed. Avoid weak verbs like helped or assisted where you can.