Soft Skills and the Relevant Action Verbs You Can Use on Your Resume

Your resume’s focus is to show your achievements and strongest skills. Hard (technical and/or industry specific) skills are commonly shown in a Professional Skills or Profile section. Soft skills are more generic and broader so it is best to avoid listing them on your resume as they can perceived as fluff words. A creative way, though, to show your soft skills is in your resume bullets. Choosing the right action verbs can not only show your achievements but can also illustrate your soft skills. Below is a list of common soft skills and accompanying action verbs that align with it.

Centralized • Converted • Customized • Integrated • Merged • Overhauled • Redesigned • Refocused • Refined • Remodelled • Reorganized • Shaped

Developed • Devised • Founded • Engineered • Formalized • Formulated • Generated • Implemented • Incorporated • Initiated • Launched •Pioneered

Acquired • Achieved • Attained • Boosted • Capitalized • Completed • Delivered • Expanded • Gained • Improved • Sustained

Advanced • Awarded • Earned • Exceeded • Expedited • Outperformed • Outpaced • Maximized • Reached • Succeeded • Surpassed

Aligned • Authorized • Chaired • Controlled • Coordinated • Cultivated • Delegated • Directed • Enforced • Enabled • Ensured • Executed • Facilitated • Headed • Regulated • Oversaw • Secured •Supervised • Trained • Taught • Verified

Conserved • Consolidated • Decreased • Deducted • Diagnosed • Lessened • Reconciled • Reduced • Resolved • Yielded

Collaborated • Fostered • Guided • Inspired • Influenced • Mentored • Mobilized • Motivated • Partnered • Negotiated • Unified • United

Zeinab Kahera M.Ed. is a native of Atlanta, GA and currently resides in Montreal, Quebec. © Zeinab Kahera Career Specialist. The information contained in our website, blog, guest blogs, e-mails, videos, programs, services and/or products is for educational and informational purposes only, and is made available to you as self-help tools for your own use.