If you’ve downloaded our latest FREE CV Writing eBook, you may have come across the term ‘action-orientated language’. What exactly does that mean and how can it help you stand out in the job market?
Action-orientated language is how you communicate your experience in a way that shows employers the results of your contributions. One of the most effective ways to do this is by carefully choosing the action verbs in your CV. They can make or break how your skills are perceived.
Why Action Verbs Matter in Your CV
The verbs you use in your CV influence how recruiters understand your role, responsibilities and impact. Simple changes in wording can completely transform the tone and clarity of your achievements.
Example 1:
‘Designed and presented reports to senior management to demonstrate sales performance, outline recommendations and influence strategic decisions’
Example 2:
Generated reports and analysed metrics to identify trends and highlight sales performance; presented findings to senior management to influence strategic decisions.
➡️ Both describe similar tasks, but the choice of verbs changes the reader’s interpretation. The first suggests a manual or creative process, while the second implies data analysis and software proficiency.
How to Choose the Right Action Verbs for Your CV
There’s no single ‘best’ verb to use. Choose words that accurately reflect your role, industry and professional journey.
Ask yourself:
- HOW did you accomplish this?
- WHY did you take that approach?
- WHAT was the outcome?
- WHO did you engage with?
Depending on your profession, here’s how your verb choice might vary:
Managers and Leaders:
- Traditional: Direct, Manage, Supervise, Support
- Influence-based: Coach, Mentor, Train, Empower
Tech or Data Roles:
- Develop, Analyse, Automate, Streamline, Integrate
Creative or Strategic Roles:
- Design, Innovate, Strategise, Craft, Launch
Using industry-specific verbs helps position you as an insider who speaks the language of that sector.
Pro Tips for Using Verbs Effectively
- Use the present tense for your current role: Direct, Lead, Oversee
- Use the past tense for previous jobs: Directed, Led, Oversaw
- Repeat key verbs at least twice in your CV to reinforce your strengths
- Focus on results and work backwards to highlight the action