When you apply for jobs today, your resume often goes through a computer system first. This system is called an Applicant Tracking System or ATS. The ATS looks for special words in your resume. These words are called resume power words. Using the right ATS success words can help your resume get noticed by both computers and hiring managers.
Many job seekers don't know which words work best. They use weak words that don't show their skills properly. This makes their resume get rejected by the ATS. But when you use strong resume power words, you have a much better chance of getting an interview.
The good news is that learning these power words is not hard. You just need to know which ones work best and how to use them correctly. This guide will show you the top 10 power words that can make your resume stand out. We'll also teach you how to use these ATS success words in the right way.
Why Power Words Matter for Your Resume
Before we look at the specific words, let's understand why resume power words are so important. When you apply for a job, your resume competes with many others. Companies get hundreds of applications for each job. Your resume needs to stand out quickly.
ATS systems scan every resume that comes in. They look for keywords that match the job description. If your resume doesn't have the right words, the ATS might not even show it to a human. This means all your hard work could be wasted.
But ATS success words don't just help with computer systems. Human recruiters also look for these words. Strong action words make your resume more interesting to read. They show that you take action and get results. Weak words make you sound passive and boring.
Studies show that using strong action verbs can increase your chances of getting an interview by 140%. This is a huge difference that can change your job search success.
How ATS Systems Read Power Words
Modern ATS systems are smarter than old ones. They don't just look for exact word matches anymore. Today's systems can understand:
Similar Words: If the job asks for "project management," the ATS might also find "managed projects" or "led teams".
Context: The system looks at how you use words. It can tell if you really did something or just mentioned it.
Frequency: Using a keyword 2-3 times in your resume works better than using it once or many times.
This means you need to choose your resume power words carefully. The best words are ones that describe real actions you took and real results you achieved.
The Top 10 Power Words for ATS Success
Now let's look at the top 10 power words that work best with ATS systems and impress hiring managers. Each word comes with examples and tips for how to use it correctly.
1. "Achieved"
Why it works: This word shows you completed something important and got results. ATS systems love it because it suggests measurable outcomes.
How to use it: Always follow "achieved" with a number or specific result.
Good examples:
Achieved 25% increase in sales revenue within six months
Achieved 98% customer satisfaction rating through improved service
Achieved cost reduction of $50,000 by streamlining operations
Bad example: "Achieved good results in my role"
ATS tip: This word works well in all industries because every job has goals to achieve.
2. "Improved"
Why it works: Companies always want to make things better. This word shows you can identify problems and fix them.
How to use it: Show what you improved and by how much.
Good examples:
Improved team productivity by 30% through better training programs
Improved website loading speed by 45% using new optimization techniques
Improved customer response time from 24 hours to 2 hours
Bad example: "Improved various processes"
ATS tip: This is one of the most searched ATS success words across all job types.
3. "Led"
Why it works: Leadership skills are valuable in almost every job. This word shows you can guide others and take charge.
How to use it: Mention how many people you led and what you accomplished together.
Good examples:
Led team of 8 developers to launch new mobile app ahead of schedule
Led cross-functional project involving 15 departments and 50+ stakeholders
Led training program that increased employee retention by 40%
Bad example: "Led various teams"
ATS tip: Even if you weren't a manager, you can use this word for projects, initiatives, or temporary leadership roles.
4. "Created"
Why it works: This word shows innovation and the ability to build something new from scratch.
How to use it: Explain what you created and what impact it had.
Good examples:
Created new customer onboarding process that reduced setup time by 60%
Created social media strategy that increased followers by 200%
Created training materials used by 500+ employees company-wide
Bad example: "Created reports"
ATS tip: This resume power word works great for marketing, design, technology, and business roles.
5. "Managed"
Why it works: Management skills are always in demand. This word shows you can handle responsibility and oversee important tasks.
How to use it: Include specific details about what or who you managed.
Good examples:
Managed annual budget of $2.5 million for marketing department
Managed team of 12 customer service representatives across two locations
Managed inventory system that reduced waste by 20%
Bad example: "Managed daily tasks"
ATS tip: Don't overuse this word. Mix it with other ATS success words to avoid repetition.
6. "Increased"
Why it works: Growth and improvement are what every business wants. This word shows you can help companies grow.
How to use it: Always include numbers to show exactly how much you increased something.
Good examples:
Increased website traffic by 150% through SEO optimization
Increased customer retention rate from 75% to 90% in one year
Increased production efficiency by 35% using lean manufacturing principles
Bad example: "Increased performance"
ATS tip: This is one of the most powerful resume power words because it shows measurable business impact.
7. "Developed"
Why it works: Development shows growth, learning, and building for the future. Companies value people who can develop new solutions.
How to use it: Describe what you developed and how it helped the organization.
Good examples:
Developed employee mentoring program that improved job satisfaction by 40%
Developed mobile app that reached 10,000+ downloads in first month
Developed partnership with 5 major vendors, saving company 15% on supplies
Bad example: "Developed my skills"
ATS tip: This word works well for both technical and non-technical achievements.
8. "Implemented"
Why it works: Implementation shows you can turn ideas into action. You don't just plan – you make things happen.
How to use it: Explain what system, process, or solution you put in place.
Good examples:
Implemented new CRM system that improved sales tracking by 80%
Implemented safety protocols that reduced workplace accidents by 50%
Implemented quality control measures that decreased defect rates by 25%
Bad example: "Implemented changes"
ATS tip: This ATS success word is especially valuable for technical, operations, and management positions.
9. "Optimized"
Why it works: Optimization means making things work better and more efficiently. This shows analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
How to use it: Show what you optimized and what the results were.
Good examples:
Optimized supply chain processes, reducing delivery time by 3 days
Optimized marketing campaigns to achieve 25% higher conversion rates
Optimized database queries, improving system performance by 60%
Bad example: "Optimized operations"
ATS tip: This word is perfect for technology, marketing, operations, and data analysis roles.
10. "Collaborated"
Why it works: Teamwork is essential in most jobs today. This word shows you can work well with others to achieve goals.
How to use it: Mention who you worked with and what you accomplished together.
Good examples:
Collaborated with design team to launch product 2 months ahead of schedule
Collaborated with 3 departments to reduce processing time by 40%
Collaborated with external partners to secure $500,000 in new funding
Bad example: "Collaborated with colleagues"
ATS tip: This resume power word shows soft skills that are valuable in every industry.
How to Use These Power Words Correctly
Now that you know the top 10 power words, here's how to use them effectively in your resume:
Start Your Bullet Points Right
Every bullet point in your work experience should start with a strong action word. Don't use weak phrases like "responsible for" or "worked on". These phrases make you sound passive.
Weak: "Responsible for managing a team"
Strong: "Led team of 8 sales representatives to exceed quarterly targets by 15%"
Add Numbers and Results
ATS success words work best when you pair them with specific numbers and results. This shows the real impact of your work.
Without numbers: "Improved customer service"
With numbers: "Improved customer satisfaction ratings from 3.2 to 4.7 out of 5.0"
Don't Repeat the Same Words
Using the same power word multiple times makes your resume boring. Vary your language to keep readers interested.
Bad: "Managed budget, managed team, managed projects"
Good: "Managed $500K budget, led 6-person team, coordinated 3 major projects"
Match the Job Description
Look at the job posting and use resume power words that match what they're looking for. If they mention "project management," use words like "led," "coordinated," or "managed."
Use the Right Context
Make sure your power words make sense in context. Don't use technical words if you work in a non-technical field, and don't use creative words if you work in a conservative industry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using ATS success words, avoid these common mistakes:
Keyword Stuffing
Don't cram too many power words into one sentence. This makes your resume hard to read and might hurt your ATS score.
Bad: "Led, managed, coordinated, and implemented team project to achieve improved results"
Good: "Led cross-functional team of 5 to implement new process, reducing costs by 20%"
Using Weak Words
Some words sound like action words but they're actually weak. Avoid these:
"Helped" (use "assisted" or "supported" instead)
"Tried" (use "attempted" or better yet, show what you actually did)
"Worked" (use specific action words like "developed" or "created")
Forgetting to Proofread
Resume power words don't work if they're spelled wrong. ATS systems are very picky about spelling. Always double-check your resume for mistakes.
Using Outdated Words
Some action words were popular years ago but now they sound old-fashioned. Avoid words like:
"Utilized" (just say "used")
"Facilitated" (unless you actually facilitated meetings)
"Spearheaded" (it's overused now)
Power Words for Different Industries
Different industries value different ATS success words. Here are some examples:
Technology Jobs
Programmed
Automated
Debugged
Integrated
Deployed
Sales Jobs
Negotiated
Closed
Prospected
Converted
Exceeded
Marketing Jobs
Launched
Promoted
Branded
Analyzed
Targeted
Healthcare Jobs
Diagnosed
Treated
Monitored
Assisted
Coordinated
Education Jobs
Taught
Mentored
Assessed
Guided
Instructed
Choose resume power words that fit your industry and the specific job you want.
Testing Your Resume Power Words
After you add ATS success words to your resume, you should test how well they work. Here are some ways to do this:
Use ATS Testing Tools
There are online tools that can check how well your resume works with ATS systems. These tools show you which keywords are working and which ones you might be missing.
Ask for Feedback
Show your resume to people in your industry. Ask them if the resume power words you chose make sense and sound natural.
Track Your Applications
Keep track of how many interviews you get after using your new power words. If you're getting more responses, your words are working!
Avoid These Red Flags
Some resume mistakes can hurt your chances even if you use great power words. Make sure to avoid these common ATS red flags that prevent your resume from being seen. Also, check that you're not making common ATS formatting mistakes that can confuse the system.
Beyond Power Words: Complete ATS Strategy
While resume power words are important, they're just one part of ATS success. Here are other things that matter:
Format Your Resume Correctly
Use a clean, simple format with clear headings. ATS systems have trouble reading fancy designs or unusual layouts.
Include Relevant Keywords
Besides action words, include keywords from the job description. These might be:
Technical skills (like software names)
Industry terms
Job titles
Certifications
Keep It Simple
Use standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman. Save your resume as a Word document or PDF.
Update for Each Job
Don't use the same resume for every job application. Change your ATS success words and keywords to match each job description.
Success Stories: Power Words in Action
Here are real examples of how the right resume power words made a difference:
Before: "Worked on social media for the company"
After: "Increased social media engagement by 300% and grew follower base from 1,000 to 15,000 in 6 months"
Before: "Was responsible for customer service"
After: "Improved customer satisfaction ratings from 3.1 to 4.6 while reducing response time by 50%"
Before: "Helped with marketing projects"
After: "Led email marketing campaign that generated $250,000 in revenue and achieved 25% open rate"
These changes show the power of using strong, specific resume power words with measurable results.
Conclusion: Your Path to ATS Success
Using the right resume power words can transform your job search. The top 10 power words we covered – Achieved, Improved, Led, Created, Managed, Increased, Developed, Implemented, Optimized, and Collaborated – are your keys to ATS success.
Remember these key points:
Start with action: Begin every bullet point with a strong power word
Add numbers: Always include specific results and metrics
Match the job: Use words that fit the job description
Vary your language: Don't repeat the same words too often
Test and improve: Track your results and adjust your approach
ATS success words work because they show employers exactly what you can do for them. Instead of just listing your job duties, you're proving your value with concrete examples and measurable results.
Your resume is often your first chance to make an impression. Make it count by using resume power words that show your skills, experience, and achievements in the best possible light.
Start updating your resume today with these powerful words. Choose the ones that best describe your experience and accomplishments. Add specific numbers and results wherever possible. Test your resume with ATS tools to make sure it works well with computer systems.
With the right ATS success words, you'll get more interviews, meet more hiring managers, and have better chances of landing the job you want. Your next career opportunity could be just one well-written resume away!