'Contributed' is a good verb choice because it shows you're willing to take on responsibilities and new challenges. It also shows that you can take direction and work with other people. The verb can be used in multiple contexts, such as 'contributing to the team's success' or 'contributing with ideas.'

However, it's a problem to use 'contributed' in your resume because it is a weak verb that doesn't tell the reader what you contributed. When you use this word, you indirectly say that you were not the main force behind the project.

A better choice would be to use power verbs, such as 'fortified,' 'forwarded,' or 'rehabilitated.' These verbs communicate your skill level and accomplishments more clearly than a generic term like 'contributed.' It shows that you are an active participant in the success of your projects.

Using power instead of weak verbs in your resume will make it easier for the employer to understand what you did and how much value you added, which is a good selling point during an interview process! They clarify that your goal is to create something new and exciting rather than simply be part of a team effort.

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

Resume Synonyms for Contributed:

Implemented
Launched
Optimized
Revised
Spearheaded
Amplified
Elevated
Revamped
Terminated
Expedited
Pioneered
Analyzed
Streamlined
Orchestrated
Transformed
Customized
Maximized
Negotiated
Broadened
Revitalized
Championed
Modernized
Recalibrated
Established
Devised
Fortified
Cooperated
Adapted
Assessed
Clarified
Collaborated
Ensured
Prevented
Rehabilitated
Demonstrated
Diagnosed
Educated
Inspired
Represented
Verified
Explored
Monitored
Digitized
Saved
Forwarded

How to replace Contributed with a stronger action verb:

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

Before: Weak example using Contributed

• Contributed to the regulatory team and product delivery timelines

⤸

After: Using a stronger synonym• Initiated 15+ new budgetary processes that improved regulatory compliance rates and product delivery schedules..

Replacing Contributed with Implemented ▾

Before: Contributed

• Contributed to process improvements in the production team

⤸

After: Implemented• Implemented six sigma methodology in production processes, leading to a 30% reduction in wastage and 18% increase in efficiency.

The revised statement illustrates a clear and specific action executed by the individual (implementing six sigma methodology). The use of numbers indicates the significant impact of their actions on process efficiency and wastage reduction.

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 Contributed with Launched ▾

Before: Contributed

• Contributed to new product delivery

⤸

After: Launched• Launched five new products, catapulting profitability by 20% and gaining a 15% market share for the company within the first quarter.

Replacing 'Contributed' with 'Launched' allows for a more active indication of the candidate's role, which when coupled with specific metrics, provides a concrete view of the candidate's achievement.

Replacing Contributed with Optimized ▾

Before: Contributed

• Contributed to the improvement of website design

⤸

After: Optimized• Optimized the company's website design which led to a 25% boost in organic traffic and a 15% increase in customer conversion rate in the first three months

As a hiring manager, replacing 'Contributed' with 'Optimized' directly shows the candidate's role. The use of percentages unmistakably highlights their contribution to the business growth.

Replacing Contributed with Revised ▾

Before: Contributed

• Contributed to the drafting and editing of departmental reports

⤸

After: Revised• Revised the departmental reporting system, reducing production time by 40% and increasing report accuracy by 25%

This transformation illustrates a clear and specific action undertaken by the professional which significantly improved team efficiency and accuracy.

Replacing Contributed with Spearheaded ▾

Before: Contributed

• Contributed to the running of successful marketing campaigns

⤸

After: Spearheaded• Spearheaded impactful marketing campaigns which increased website traffic by 35%, and boosted email sign-ups by 20% within six months

The replacement of 'Contributed' with 'Spearheaded' not only demonstrates the candidate's leadership but it also gives potential employers a clear depiction of their quantifiable achievements.

Replacing Contributed with Amplified ▾

Before: Contributed

• Contributed to the enhancement of brand presence on social media channels

⤸

After: Amplified• Amplified brand presence on social media; gained 10K+ new followers and boosted engagement rates by 35% within two months

Amplified implies meaningful and impactful contribution, transforming a vague task into a specific, impactful achievement with direct results presented in numerical form.

Replacing Contributed with Elevated ▾

Before: Contributed

• Contributed to the team’s performance

⤸

After: Elevated• Elevated the team’s performance by implementing weekly strategic training, which led to a 30% increase in sales within the first quarter

The modification emphasizes that the candidate didn't just contribute but led the initiative. The addition of direct impact further quantifies their role.

Replacing Contributed with Revamped ▾

Before: Contributed

• Contributed to the restructuring of company operations

⤸

After: Revamped• Revamped company operations which led to a 20% increase in productivity and a 15% reduction in operational costs within six months

The action 'Revamped' suggests the candidate's role in systematic change. It is further enhanced by quantifiable impact metrics, thereby revealing substantial influence on the company's bottom line.

Replacing Contributed with Terminated ▾

Before: Contributed

• Contributed to cost reduction and budgeting techniques within the finance department

⤸

After: Terminated• Terminated ineffective cost practices, reducing the department’s expenses by $45K annually

Here, 'Terminated' clearly presents the candidate's ability to identify and remove inefficiencies. The metric drives home the significant financial impact this action had.

Replacing Contributed with Expedited ▾

Before: Contributed

• Contributed to the speed-up of customer service response rates

⤸

After: Expedited• Expedited customer service responses, reducing average response time by 50% and increasing customer satisfaction by 20%

The revised statement clarifies the candidate's direct involvement in the process by using the verb 'Expedited'. Quantifiable results aid in expressing the benefits of his actions.

Replacing Contributed with Pioneered ▾

Before: Contributed

• Contributed to the introduction of new technologies within the company

⤸

After: Pioneered• Pioneered the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, enhancing data processing times by 60%

By using 'Pioneered', the candidate positions themselves as an innovative trailblazer. Additionally, the efficiency metric clearly shows the candidate's achievements and positive impact.

Replacing Contributed with Analyzed ▾

Before: Contributed

• Contributed to the management of monthly sales data

⤸

After: Analyzed• Analyzed monthly sales data, identifying trends which resulted in a 15% increase in revenue over six months

This revision specifies the candidate's role as a keen and effective data analyst. The impact of the task is made apparent by providing measurable results.

Replacing Contributed with Streamlined ▾

Before: Contributed

• Contributed to the operations efficiency improvements

⤸

After: Streamlined• Streamlined operations workflows, decreasing downtime by 25% and increasing team’s productivity by 18%

The revised point is effective as the verb 'Streamlined' shows the candidate's commitment to improved efficiency, the results of which are detailed with specific numbers.

Replacing Contributed with Orchestrated ▾

Before: Contributed

• Contributed to the arrangement of successful conferences

⤸

After: Orchestrated• Orchestrated three annual conferences, handling logistics for over 500 participants and securing above-industry-standard speakers, leading to a 40% increase in sponsorship funds

Using 'Orchestrated' demonstrates leadership and initiative. The inclusion of measurable results provides a direct depiction of the candidate's ability.

Replacing Contributed with Transformed ▾

Before: Contributed

• Contributed to the company's digital shift

⤸

After: Transformed• Transformed a traditionally paper-driven workflow into a digital one, saving the company $20K in annual costs and reducing paper use by 70%

This change illuminates the candidate's capacity for impactful, strategic change. The addition of specific numbers showcases the tangible benefits this transformation achieved.

Replacing Contributed with Customized ▾

Before: Contributed

• Contributed to developing client relationship management tools

⤸

After: Customized• Customized a CRM system to better capture customer data, leading to a 15% improvement in lead conversion and a $1.2M revenue increase within a year

Replacing 'Contributed' with 'Customized' underscores the candidate's role in enhancing the CRM system. Specific numbers and compelling results make the candidate's achievements more tangible.

Replacing Contributed with Maximized ▾

Before: Contributed

• Contributed to expanding the company's profitability

⤸

After: Maximized• Maximized the company’s profitability by renegotiating contracts, resulting in a 20% annual cost saving

'Maximized' suggests a far-reaching, impactful contribution. It presents the candidate’s value to potential employers, especially when coupled with significant cost-saving metrics.

Replacing Contributed with Negotiated ▾

Before: Contributed

• Contributed to securing good deals with suppliers

⤸

After: Negotiated• Negotiated favorable terms with suppliers, resulting in 25% cost savings and a 15% reduction in delivery times

Here, 'Negotiated' showcases the candidate's direct interaction with suppliers, offering potential employers a perspective on the individual's real-world negotiation skills and the results they achieved.

Replacing Contributed with Broadened ▾

Before: Contributed

• Contributed to growing the customer base

⤸

After: Broadened• Broadened the company's market reach, acquiring 10 new large-scale clients and growing the customer base by 15% within a year

'Broadened' shows that the candidate did more than just contribute; they expanded the company's market. Specific numbers further emphasize the direct impact on the company's growth they had.

Replacing Contributed with Revitalized ▾

Before: Contributed

• Contributed to the enhancement of customer engagement

⤸

After: Revitalized• Revitalized the company's email marketing strategy, resulting in a 50% increase in clickthrough rates and a 30% rise in conversions within six months

With 'Revitalized', it becomes evident that the candidate did not just contribute but took decisive action to improve the company's marketing strategy, demonstrated by significant metrics.

Replacing Contributed with Championed ▾

Before: Contributed

• Contributed to consumer relationship improvement

⤸

After: Championed• Championed a new consumer relationship strategy, driving up retention by 20% and boosting customer lifetime value (CLV) by $500 per client

'Championed' indicates that the candidate stood at the forefront of the change, improving customer relationships leading to impressive improvement in retention and customer lifetime value.

Replacing Contributed with Modernized ▾

Before: Contributed

• Contribited to updating the company's technology infrastructure

⤸

After: Modernized• Modernized the company's technology infrastructure, achieving a 70% reduction in system downtime and a 30% increase in processing speed

As a recruiter, 'Modernized' provides a clear picture of the candidate's role in updating the infrastructure and quantifying the value added from their actions.

Replacing Contributed with Recalibrated ▾

Before: Contributed

• Contributed to enhancing the quality of services

⤸

After: Recalibrated• Recalibrated the project management processes, leading to a 20% reduction in errors and a 15% increase in project delivery efficiency

The revised version gives a clear insight into the active role played by the candidate in enhancing service quality. The measurable outcomes testify to the impact of their work.

Replacing Contributed with Established ▾

Before: Contributed

• Contributed to setting up a standard for team communication

⤸

After: Established• Established a standard communication framework leading to a 35% improvement in team collaboration and a 30% reduction in miscommunication errors

In this context, 'Established' shows the active role in directly setting up a standard, with the clear metrics revealing the effectiveness of the new standard.

Replacing Contributed with Devised ▾

Before: Contributed

• Contributed to strategic planning

⤸

After: Devised• Devised three new market entry strategies, resulting in increased brand footprint and 25% increase in regional sales over six months

'Devised' reveals the candidate's strategic approach and creativity with the metrics detailing the high-impact, successful results of their strategies.

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 Contributed.

More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms

How to use Created on a resume:

• Created and maintained models for M&A plans, Discounted Cash Flow Analysis, Product SVA Analysis, Credit Risk Assessment Models, and Common Stock Liquidity Comparisons.

How to use Conducted on a resume:

• Conducted private equity due diligence in $400M portfolio. Performed strategic and analytical valuation of assets based on interviews with experts and created extensive models of the industries; persuaded client to move forward with acquisition.

How to use Analyzed on a resume:

• Analyzed global opportunities for the company's different membership tiers; designed and introduced a new membership tier which is projected to generate 300k new users in its first year.

How to use Promoted on a resume:

• Promoted within 12 months due to strong performance and organizational impact - ahead of schedule by 12 months.

How to use Assessed on a resume:

• Assessed the product portfolio and created a brand turnaround strategy for a global fashion company; conducted qualitative interviews with industry experts and quantitative analysis to determine barriers to purchasing and distribution.

How to use Optimized on a resume:

• Optimized production line, resulting in 10% throughput increase and standardized processes in bulk production.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for Contributed on a resume?

If you're looking for another word to use in place of Contributed, consider using one of these stronger alternatives:

Represented
Fortified
Clarified
Ensured
Adapted
Digitized

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

You can say Clarified, Cooperated or Verified instead of Contributed.

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