Action Verbs That Make Your CV Pop

Many candidates get stuck when they start writing their CV and aren’t sure how to avoid using the same action verbs repeatedly. Words like assisted and managed are often overused and don’t make the most impact.

Using the right action verbs on your CV helps demonstrate your achievements and gives your application a stronger, more professional tone. It’s important to consider the job description and the company culture you’re applying to — this helps you choose verbs that reflect the right skills and attitude.

Here are some powerful action verbs for CVs that can make your application stand out to recruiters.

Achieved

Use the action verb “achieved” to highlight measurable accomplishments in your role. For example:

“Achieved employee of the month on six occasions” or “Achieved a 50% increase in online sales through a targeted marketing campaign.”

Whenever possible, quantify your results — it gives your CV credibility and shows you deliver tangible outcomes.

Negotiated

Many roles require strong negotiation skills, whether you’re managing contracts, client relationships, or internal policies.

For example:

“Negotiated contract terms with new suppliers to secure cost savings and long-term value.”

Using negotiated as a CV keyword demonstrates communication skills, confidence, and emotional intelligence — all traits that employers value.

Improved

Employers are drawn to people who can identify problems and make improvements. Using “improved” on your CV shows initiative and forward-thinking.

For example:

“Improved employee retention by introducing a new staff incentive program.”

This action verb signals that you are proactive and results-driven — something every hiring manager wants to see.

Translated

If you have language skills or have worked in international contexts, translated is a valuable verb to include.

For example:

“Translated marketing materials from English to French, helping expand our services to new markets.”

This demonstrates versatility and cross-cultural communication skills — highly desirable in today’s global job market.

Implemented

If your role involves project management, leadership, or change management, “implemented” is a strong choice.

For example:

“Implemented a new customer relationship management (CRM) system to streamline client interactions and boost efficiency.”

It suggests confidence, innovation, and the ability to deliver results — all of which enhance your professional image.

If you want to ensure your CV uses the right language and structure, we can help. At Inspired CVs, we offer professional CV writing services — including graphically designed and traditional CVs — tailored to your career goals.

Contact us today or order your new CV here, and we’ll arrange a consultation to discuss your needs in more detail.