Top 20 Action Verbs to Use Instead of 'Managed' or 'Helped'

The first word of every bullet point on your resume is the most important. If you start your sentences with "Helped with..." or "Responsible for...", you are instantly diluting your impact.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and human recruiters look for Action Verbs that demonstrate ownership, scale, and results. Here are the top 20 verbs you should be using in 2026.

Stop Using "Managed" or "Led"

Quick Answer:

"Managed" is overused. Replace it with verbs that show exact execution: Orchestrated, Directed, Spearheaded, or Architected.

Instead of saying "Managed a team of 5," try:

Orchestrated: "Orchestrated a cross-functional team of 5 to deliver..."
Spearheaded: "Spearheaded the migration from legacy systems..."
Architected: "Architected a new database structure..."
Directed: "Directed the Q3 marketing initiative..."
Pioneered: "Pioneered a new internal testing framework..."

Stop Using "Helped" or "Assisted"

Quick Answer:

Never use passive verbs. Instead of "Helped," use active verbs that show your specific contribution: Facilitated, Collaborated, or Executed.

Instead of saying "Helped build the API," try: 6. Collaborated: "Collaborated with senior engineers to build..." 7. Facilitated: "Facilitated the integration of third-party APIs..." 8. Executed: "Executed the frontend redesign..." 9. Partnered: "Partnered with UX designers to..." 10. Catalyzed: "Catalyzed a 20% increase in user retention by..."

Stop Using "Improved" or "Increased"

Optimized
Accelerated
Maximized
Scaled
Overhauled

Stop Using "Created" or "Made"

Engineered
Forged
Formulated
Constructed
Drafted

Replace the weak verbs on your resume today, and watch your callback rate increase. Want to test these verbs in a beautiful layout? Try ResuPress for free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use the same action verb twice?
A: Try to avoid using the same verb more than twice on the entire page. Variety shows strong communication skills.

Q: Does the ATS track these verbs?
A: Yes! Modern semantic ATS parsers specifically tag action verbs to determine your level of responsibility and leadership.