The way you write your resume can significantly impact whether or not you get the job. You should ensure that it highlights everything about you that makes you qualified for the position. The action verb 'cleaned' is a good choice to emphasize that you're organized, attentive to detail, and precise.

However, to be effective, use the word sparingly in your resume. Using 'cleaned' multiple times in one document is a common mistake that can make your resume look unprofessional and repetitive. When you repeat words, it seems you are unaware of your writing, making you look careless.

You can fix this by finding different ways to express the same idea, such as using synonyms. For instance, 'cleaned' can be replaced by 'compiled,' 'edited,' or 'collated.' Using these synonyms provides more descriptive detail about what you did while maintaining the same meaning as 'cleaned.'

These words will help to reinforce your skillset and highlight the positive impact that you've had on previous employers—which is keeping things in order. Additionally, synonyms can give your resume more variety without sacrificing meaning or clarity. This will help you retain the attention of your reader, which can result in getting hired.

I've compiled some synonyms you can use instead of Cleaned on your resume, followed by real examples I've written for clients (feel free to use them!).

Resume Synonyms for Cleaned:

Organized
Revamped
Improved
Rearranged
Updated
Simplified
Standardized
Revised
Transformed
Consolidated
Synthesized
Streamlined
Enhanced
Optimized
Maximized
Clarified
Explained
Cleared
Simplified
Standardized
Systemized
Verified
Summarized
Collated
Classified
Categorized
Sorted
Eliminated
Compiled
Edited
Streamlined

How to replace Cleaned with a stronger action verb:

Let's look at examples of how you can remove and replace the overused phrase, Cleaned, with a stronger synonym and alternative that is more effective at highlighting your achievements.

Before: Weak example using Cleaned

• Cleaned tons of raw data to get insights

⤸

After: Using a stronger synonym• Analyzed 5GB of raw data from 20+ sources to provide the chief security officer with actionable intelligence. .

Replacing Cleaned with Organized ▾

Before: Cleaned

• Cleaned and managed lots of data files

⤸

After: Organized• Organized 10,000+ company data files into an efficient, searchable system that saved the team 15 hours per week in manual search time.

As a hiring manager, the 'before' example does not stand out due to its lack of specifics. By quantifying the candidate’s experience and impact in the 'after' example, it showcases their ability to bring about efficiency.

Tip: I've prepared a ton of additional examples for you to give you inspiration. Please click on any of the following to expand and see real examples of how I've rewritten client bullet points.

Replacing Cleaned with Revamped ▾

Before: Cleaned

• Cleaned up old company documents

⤸

After: Revamped• Revamped 300+ outdated company documents, improving operational efficiency by over 25%.

Presenting the number of files you dealt with and the quantifiable change you brought about is always more appealing to hiring managers. Also, 'revamped' injects energy and dynamism into your resume.

Replacing Cleaned with Improved ▾

Before: Cleaned

• Cleaned the data sets

⤸

After: Improved• Improved the accuracy and reliability of 50+ large data sets, significantly reducing errors by 30%.

The updated example really captures the direct impact of your work on the business. 'Improved' shows you not only maintained the status quo but made things better.

Replacing Cleaned with Rearranged ▾

Before: Cleaned

• Cleaned the database

⤸

After: Rearranged• Rearranged the database to improve system performance by 15%, meeting the company’s annual goals three months in advance.

Here the improved version demonstrates your ability to have a strategic impact on business performance through the use of precision and metrics.

Replacing Cleaned with Updated ▾

Before: Cleaned

• Cleaned the web-based tracking system

⤸

After: Updated• Updated a web-based tracking system resulting in a 20% improvement in data accuracy and reducing data loss incidents by 50%.

By detailing the type of system involved and stating the specific outcomes of your work, it gives potential employers insight into the potential benefit of your skills.

Replacing Cleaned with Simplified ▾

Before: Cleaned

• Cleaned financial records

⤸

After: Simplified• Simplified financial records and cut down data entry time by 35%, which led to a smoother accounting process.

The verb 'simplified' demonstrates that you have the ability to make complex tasks more manageable, improving overall productivity.

Replacing Cleaned with Standardized ▾

Before: Cleaned

• Cleaned the paperwork

⤸

After: Standardized• Standardized the form and content of 200+ paper files, reduced search time per file by 60%.

The word 'standardized' shows that you were able to bring a system or order to the paperwork which increased efficiency.

Replacing Cleaned with Revised ▾

Before: Cleaned

• Cleaned the legal documents

⤸

After: Revised• Revised 100+ legal documents to ensure accuracy and compliance, leading to zero legal issues in the following year.

The emphasis on the outcome of your revision shows that you not only complete tasks but also understand their importance in the larger context.

Replacing Cleaned with Transformed ▾

Before: Cleaned

• Cleaned the storage area

⤸

After: Transformed• Transformed a disorganized storage area resulting in a 45% improvement in retrieval times, enhancing productivity.

To improve this bullet point, I used 'transformed' to better illustrate your passion for taking initiative and producing tangible results.

Replacing Cleaned with Consolidated ▾

Before: Cleaned

• Cleaned the client files

⤸

After: Consolidated• Consolidated 500+ client files into a streamlined system, reducing the time spent retrieving files by 20%.

What I like about this change is that it shows your ability to improve processes in a quantifiable way, using a dynamic synonym like 'consolidated'.

Replacing Cleaned with Synthesized ▾

Before: Cleaned

• Cleaned data from multiple sources

⤸

After: Synthesized• Synthesized data from 10 different sources into a unified database, reducing data inconsistency by 25%.

Here, instead of 'cleaned', the use of 'synthesized' gives an impression of your ability to merge various data sources and reduce discrepancies.

Replacing Cleaned with Streamlined ▾

Before: Cleaned

• Cleaned office systems

⤸

After: Streamlined• Streamlined antiquated office systems, leading to a better workflow and a 30% boost in productivity.

By stating the measurable results of your action, you are better able to present the full extent of your impact. 'Streamlined' represents improvement and efficiency.

Replacing Cleaned with Enhanced ▾

Before: Cleaned

• Cleaned the marketing data

⤸

After: Enhanced• Enhanced the accuracy of 50+ marketing data sets, increasing lead generation by over 15%.

Using a strong word like 'enhanced' and added metrics gives a clearer picture of the extent of your impact and the relevance of your skills.

Replacing Cleaned with Optimized ▾

Before: Cleaned

• Cleaned the product data

⤸

After: Optimized• Optimized product data management, leading to improved product performance and an overall sales increase of 20%.

You should always be as specific as possible about your achievements, allowing recruiters to see the direct impact of your work like in this revised statement.

Replacing Cleaned with Maximized ▾

Before: Cleaned

• Cleaned the old reports

⤸

After: Maximized• Maximized efficiency by overhauling 200+ legacy reports, leading to a time saving of 40 hours per week.

In this case, 'maximized' demonstrates that you can take existing resources and bring out their best potential to create efficiency in the organization.

How to use these synonyms in practice

We've put together an infographic to give you more examples of how to put this into practice. Note the use of strong action verbs instead of words like Cleaned.

More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms

How to use Developed on a resume:

• Developed turnaround strategy for leading telecoms provider with annual losses of $50MM; resulted in 10% increase in revenue, or $5MM profit in first year.

How to use Founded on a resume:

• Founded ReferRoom to organize social events for 500 young professionals, and grew it to $20k/year revenue and $8k/year profit..

How to use Earned on a resume:

• Earned expedited promotion to Senior Analyst after one year as Analyst (earned by less than 1% of cohort).

How to use Performed on a resume:

• Performed a gap analysis by conducting a current state assessment to understand the inefficiencies associated with the existing manual business process.

How to use Designed on a resume:

• Designed and implemented an automated system for processing employee timesheets, eliminating the need for manual handwritten timesheets and resulted in a 10/hr per week time saving.

How to use Led on a resume:

• Led consolidation of 8 data systems into 1; resulted in over $55k in annual savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for Cleaned on a resume?

Words like Cleaned are overused on resumes. Instead, you should use other phrases like Sorted, Clarified, Explained, Collated, Categorized or Simplified.

What is a better way of saying Cleaned on a resume?

You can say Explained, Edited or Clarified instead of Cleaned.

Get a free resume review: Find out if your action verbs are strong enough.

Hiring managers are unnecessarily picky when it comes to resumes, and it's hard to know what they want to see. That's why you should upload your resume to the free resume checker below. It'll check your bullet points and identify any mistakes on your resume that recruiters specifically look out for.

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