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Action verbs for job descriptions are the most effective when trying to attract top talent.
What is an action verb? It’s a verb that expresses physical or mental action.
Examples of action verbs:
- The CEO motivates his team.
- The developer writes code.
- The accountant approves the balance sheet
An action verb is distinct from linking verbs (am, are, is, was, were, etc.). and helping verbs (can, shall, will, could, would, should, etc.).
It’s almost always a good idea to use action verbs for job descriptions instead of helping/linking verbs.
Below is a list of 200 action verbs for job descriptions (with their definitions). So, I’ve found these 200 to be the most useful in writing job descriptions here at Ongig. I’ve also categorized them the best I can though there’s a lot of overlap.
Note: If you want a little extra automated help on writing JDs better, check out The Top 6 Augmented Writing Tools for Job Descriptions. And, for even more tips on writing job descriptions, check out How to Write a Job Description — Best Practices & Examples.
Enjoy!
The Comprehensive List of Action Verbs for Job Descriptions
Action Verbs for Management & Leadership
| Action Verb | Definition |
|---|---|
| Achieve | To bring to a successful end. |
| Advise | Offer suggestions about the best course of action. |
| Announce | To provide a public statement or release of information. |
| Appoint | Set officially, arrange. |
| Approve | Accept as satisfactory; exercise final authority with regard to commitment of |
| Assign | Specify or designate tasks or duties to be performed by others. |
| Assess | To evaluate or estimate a specific quality. |
| Authorize | Approve. |
| Decide | Select a course of action. |
| Delegate | To entrust to another |
| Develop | To cause to grow or expand. |
| Determine | To resolve or fix conclusively or authoritatively. |
| Direct | To cause to turn, move, or point undeviatingly or to follow a straight course |
| Enforce | To effect or gain by force. To carry out effectively. |
| Establish | To institute permanently by enactment or agreement. |
| Execute | to carry out fully : put completely into effect |
| Finalize | Complete a task or decision based on an agreed version. |
| Initiate | Set going or introduce. |
| Manage | To handle or direct with a degree of skill. |
| Oversee | To manage or coordinate. |
| Reject | To refuse to accept, consider or submit to. |
| Represent | Officially act or speak on behalf of a group or company. |
| Require | To ask for by right and authority, request. |
| Supervise | To be in charge of. |
| Motivate | To move or drive someone to an action. |
Action Verbs for Design & Creation
| Action Verb | Definition |
|---|---|
| Create | Produce through imaginative skill. |
| Code | To write computer/software code. |
| Combine | Merge two or more elements for a single purpose. |
| Copy | Reproduce an identical product or idea. |
| Design | To create, fashion, execute, or construct according to plan. |
| Develop | Disclose, discover, perfect or unfold a plan; includes to "develop" software. |
| Devise | Come up with something new by combinations or applications of ideas. |
| Highlight | To draw added attention to a specific point. |
| Illustrate | To enlighten. |
| Import | To transport a file or data. |
| Invent | To create something. |
| Program | To write code for (e.g. a software application). |
| Structure | Arrange according to a plan or established pattern. |
| Upgrade | To raise the standards of systems and components. |
Action Verbs for Exchange & Transactions
| Action Verb | Definition |
|---|---|
| Accept | Give admittance or approval to. |
| Acquire | Come into possession or control of an item or items. |
| Arrange | Make preparation for; put into proper order. |
| Budget | To plan allotment of (funds, time, etc.). |
| Buy | Acquire possession, ownership or rights to the use of services, items. |
| Collect | To gather. |
| Deliver | Send or bring a desired object. |
| Discuss | Talk or write about something with someone. |
| Distribute | Deliver or hand out to several or many. |
| Exchange | Give and receive reciprocally. |
| Forward | Send goods or information onward. |
| Furnish | Provide or equip with what is needed. |
| Gather | Bring together or collect parts of a group. |
| Get | Obtain or receive. |
| Give | Grant or yield to another. |
| Install | To set up for use. |
| Initiate | To begin. |
| Issue | "To put forth or distribute usually officially". |
| Negotiate | To bring to settlement. |
| Network | Interact with others for the exchange of information and develop professional relationships. |
| Obtain | Gain or possess. |
| Originate | To begin or start or take origin of. |
| Procure | Get possession or obtain by particular care and effort. |
| Provide | To supply or make available. |
| Pull | Demand or obtain advantage by use of exertion or influence. |
| Purchase | Gain or acquire by labor, money. |
| Recall | Call back or cancel. |
| Receive | Come into possession of or acquire an item, idea. |
| Recruit | Increase numbers of a group or bring in new members. |
| Render | Deliver or hand down. |
| Request | Formally ask for something in a polite manner. |
| Secure | Put beyond hazard or receive lasting control. |
| Sell | Give up property in exchange for money. |
| Send | Deliver or dispatch as means of communication or delivery. |
| Solicit | To make a petition or request for services, money. |
| Sort | To systematically arrange. |
| Submit | To present or propose to another for review, consideration, or decision. |
| Supply | Make materials available for use. |
| Take | Get or seize into possession. |
| Transfer | Pass over from one person to another. |
| Withdraw | To draw back or remove. |
| Truncate | To shorten the duration or length of something. |
Action Verbs for Launch, Speed & Execution
| Action Verb | Definition |
|---|---|
| Accelerate | To make faster. |
| Activate | To make something reactive or more reactive. |
| Deploy | Bring into effective action. |
| Encourage | To give courage, spirit or confidence to. |
| Expedite | To speed up. |
| Further | To help forward or promote. |
| Implement | Carry out or fulfill by taking action. |
Action Verbs for Analysis & Review
| Action Verb | Definition |
|---|---|
| Forecast | Predict future events based on specific assumptions. |
| Analyze | Separate into elements and critically examine. |
| Appraise | Give an expert judgment of worth or merit. |
| Archive | To store and manage official records. |
| Ascertain | Find out or learn with certainty. |
| Calculate | Make a mathematical computation. |
| Check | To proof or review for errors. |
| Compare | To examine characteristics to discover similarities or differences. |
| Consider | To observe or think about with regard to taking some action. |
| Criticize | To evaluate and judge merits or faults. |
| Estimate | To determine roughly the size, extent, or nature of. |
| Evaluate | to determine the significance, worth, or condition of usually by careful appraisal and study'. |
| Examine | Investigate in order to determine progress, fitness or knowledge. |
| Forecast | Predict future events based on specific assumptions. |
| Formulate | Put into a systemized expression or statement. |
| Identify | The act of proving identity. |
| Inspect | Examine materials, equipment, reports, work, etc., to determine quality, suitability for use, etc. |
| Interpret | Explain something to others. |
| Interview | Obtain information through questioning. |
| Investigate | Uncover facts by systematically finding them, conducting a search, and examining various sources. |
| Limit | Set or serve as a restriction in value. |
| Measure | Control or regulate by a standard or in measured amounts. |
| Rate | Estimate or determine the relative value, rank, or amount of an item. |
| Research | To search or investigate exhaustively. |
| Resolve | Deal with a problem, dilemma successfully. |
| Review | To examine or study again. |
| Solve | Find a solution, answer, or explanation for a question or problem. |
| Study | Apply thought to any subject of investigation in order to arrive at the most suitable conclusion. |
| Summarize | To tell and reduce a story, idea. |
| Survey | Examine a condition, situation or value. |
| Test | To try out. |
| Weigh | To consider the importance of. |
| Revise | To examine and make corrections where required. |
Action Verbs for Communication
| Action Verb | Definition |
|---|---|
| Adjourn | To pause a meeting or event with the intention of resuming at a later time. |
| Author | To be the author of or originate or create a design for. |
| Clarify | To throw light on a subject or matter. |
| Collaborate | Work jointly with; cooperate with others. |
| Correspond | Communicate with. |
| Draft | Prepare in preliminary form. |
| Inform | Communicate knowledge to others. |
| Inquire | Ask or search into. |
| Notify | Give notice or a report on an occurrence or information. |
| Repeat | To do or say something again. |
| Reply | Respond verbally or by writing. |
| Report | Give notice or a report on an occurrence or information. |
| Update | To provide someone with the latest version of something. |
| Write | To express or communicate through written words. |
Action Verbs for Organization
| Action Verb | Definition |
|---|---|
| Accumulate | Increase gradually in quantity or number. |
| Align | Put things into perspective according to their relative positions. |
| Administer | Manage or direct the execution of affairs. |
| Arrange | Make preparations for, to plan. |
| Assemble | To bring together or gather in one place. |
| Commence | To begin a task, project, or initiative. |
| Compile | Put together information, collect from other documents. |
| Compliment | Politely congratulate or praise someone for an achievement or progress. |
| Consolidate | Bring together. |
| Coordinate | Bring together things or people for a desired result. |
| Invite | Formally request participation of an event or task. |
| Organize | To form as or into a whole consisting of interdependent or coordinated parts, especially for united action. |
| Order | Arrange or command to come to a specified place or decision. |
| Plan | To arrange a method or scheme beforehand for (any work, enterprise, or proceeding). |
| Plan | To design or plot a scheme or project by means or method devised for doing something to achieve an end. |
| Recover | Find or regain misplaced or stolen items and documents. |
| Schedule | To appoint, assign, or designate for a fixed time. |
Action Verbs for Compliance, Finance, etc.
| Action Verb | Definition |
|---|---|
| Audit | To examine for verification. |
| Check | To proof or review for errors. |
| Delete | Eliminate or wipe out. |
| Prevent | Keep from happening or holding back. |
| Return | Go back in thought or action. Give an official account to a superior. |
| Stop | Keep from carrying out a proposed action. |
| Accrue | Gradually accumulate or receive over time. |
| Allocate | Assign or apportion for a specific purpose or to a particular person. |
| Approve | To consent or agree to or authorize. |
| Audit | To examine for purposes of verification. |
| Check | To proof or review for errors. |
| Conserve | Slow or block the progress of something. |
| Control | To exercise influence over; or check, test or verify by evidence. |
| Edit | Alter, adapt or refine a written text, concept, or idea. |
| Enforce | To effect or gain by force. To carry out effectively. |
| Ensure | Make sure, certain, or safe. |
| Guarantee | Undertake to answer for debt and default or promise security. |
| Inspect | Examine materials, equipment, reports, work, etc., to determine quality, suitability for use, etc. |
| Protect | To cover or shield from injury or danger. |
| Regulate | Fix or adjust the time, amount, degree, or rate. |
| Restrict | Place under restriction as to use or distribution. |
| Review | Consider or examine facts or results for accuracy, completeness and suitability. |
| Verify | Confirm or substantiate by oath, law, or other documentation. |
Action Verbs for Job Descriptions (Misc.)
| Action Verbs | Definition |
|---|---|
| Adapt | Modify or change to fit new situations. |
| Control | Exercise restraint or direction over; dominate; command. |
| Cooperate | Act jointly with others. Act or work with others to obtain a mutual benefit. |
| Establish | To bring into existence. |
| Keep | Preserve or maintain in a good and orderly condition. |
| Listen | Pay quality attention to someone. |
| Maintain | To keep in an existing state (as of repair, efficiency, or validity) : preserve from failure or decline. |
| Participate | To take part in. |
| Review | Examine something for accuracy, completeness and suitability. |
| Serve | Comply with the commands and demands of a boss, group. |
Action Verbs for Job Descriptions: Help Candidates Take Action on Your Job Description
A job description (or job posting) wouldn’t be complete if you don’t ask the candidate to take action. Here are the top 2 keywords used for the candidate/employee to sign up for the opportunity:
| Action Verb | Definition |
|---|---|
| Apply | To apply to a job (or to dedicate oneself to something). |
| Join | To put or bring together as to form a unit. |
Action Verbs for Job Descriptions: Customer Service
| Action Verb | Definition |
|---|---|
| Resolve | To settle an issue or disagreement by finding a solution. |
| Assist | To offer support to someone. |
| Satisfy | To fulfill the needs of a customer. |
| Negotiate | To discuss to reach an agreement by resolving any problems. |
| Handle | To deal with a situation and fulfill the needs of someone. |
| Educate | To explain a concept to someone to improve their understanding. |
| De-escalate | To minimize the level of disagreement or conflict. |
| Empathize | To try to understand how another person is feeling. |
| Engage | To involve someone, maybe in a certain activity in a positive manner. |
| Address | To ensure something is dealt with or resolved. |
| Advise | To provide recommendations, support, or guidance. |
| Facilitate | To make a process easier for someone else. |
| Streamline | To boost the efficiency of a system, organization, or process by coming up with new strategies. |
Special thanks to these 2 sources:
The Benefits of Using Action Verbs for Job Descriptions
There are many benefits of using action verbs for job descriptions such as:
-
Improved clarity and expectations of the job’s function
With action verbs, you get to give detailed descriptions of the job duties and responsibilities. So, this helps candidates make an informed opinion on what is expected of them before applying for the job. For instance, instead of writing, “responsible for customer problems, “using, “fix customer complaints,” provides a good understanding of the person’s tasks.
-
Improved candidate engagement
Action verbs build an engaging job description. Therefore, they allow applicants to envision themselves doing the different tasks in the JD. So this builds an immediate impact and encourages applicants to apply for the jobs.
For example, “spearhead new sales projects, “ sounds more engaging than “work on sales projects”.
Plus use of correct action verbs motivates applicants to make the job of a hiring manager and potential employers easy by ensuring they write a cover letter that describes how well they have professional experience for the open position.
-
Improved job description SEO
Different candidates use specific keywords in their job search journey. And action verbs usually make it easy to use those keywords. So, for instance, a software engineer might write, “build mobile applications”, instead of “work on different software”.
-
Improved Applicant Tracking System(ATS) performance
ATS tools look for keyword matches between your job descriptions and the resume action verbs in the resumes of different candidates. So by incorporating industry-used action verbs for job descriptions, you improve your chances of getting qualified candidates.
-
Improved Performance evaluation
Image Source: Memento Media on Unsplash
Job descriptions with well-written action verbs provide a good opportunity for performance evaluation of candidates once they start working. For instance, if a job description was written, “spearhead and develop new sales strategies,” it’s easy to evaluate whether the candidate has met that goal compared to an unclear description such as, “have leadership and technical skills for sales”.
Top tips for Incorporating the Right Action Verbs in Job Descriptions
Knowing how to use the right action verbs will boost your job descriptions by making them easy to understand, effective, and engaging.
Here are some tips to get you started:
-
Tailor the verbs and action words to the role and your industry
Each position and industry has unique priorities and words used. So, select the right words that resonate with the nature of your open position and administrative structure. For instance, an administrative assistant role might use verbs such as “administer, “authorize”, and “consult” while a marketing manager role might use words such as, “analyze”, “write”, and “create”. This specificity shows your organization’s understanding of the role and helps attract top talent.
-
Use present tense for the current open positions
Use the present tense and active voice while describing the ongoing duties and responsibilities. Doing this builds a sense of immediacy for the open position and helps applicants visualize their day-to-day duties. For example, “oversees new sales projects”, instead of “oversaw new sales projects”. And the present tense also shows that these are important responsibilities and not outdated duties from another old version of the position.
-
Write bullet points with powerful action verbs
Begin writing each duty, qualification, and responsibility with a strong action verb. This way, you build an easy-to-scan document with detailed important JD information. For instance, instead of writing, “Your work will be to work on software,” write, “Resolve and code the backend logic to solve customer’s problems quickly,”.
And doing this also encourages candidates to submit a good application. For instance, they’ll present their work experience section with easy-to-read resume bullet points.
-
Avoid vague and weak action verbs
Avoid action verbs for job descriptions that don’t describe the specific details of the job title and duties well. For instance, common words like, “work on”, and “handle” are weak and don’t provide clear details of the duties and responsibilities. So write specific action verbs such as “administer” “arrange” and “assemble” because they help candidates understand what they’re supposed to do.
-
Where possible use measurable action verbs
In some situations, use verbs that show measurable outcomes of a role. This shows detailed expectations and helps you attract some top achievement-driven applicants. For instance, “boost sales growth by 30%” is more measurable than “boost sales”.
Read Also: How to Write a Job Description — Best Practices & Examples (2024 Update)
Why I wrote this?
Action verbs are key to effective job descriptions. And that’s the mission for my team here at Ongig. Please click the demo button on this page to find out more about Ongig’s Text Analyzer job description software. It helps you write the most effective job descriptions to attract top-tier, diverse talent.
