Demonstrate means to show or prove. In a resume context, it's used to capture that a person has the skill set needed for specific positions and responsibilities—you can take something from inception through implementation rather than talk about what you would do.

It's a great way to showcase your abilities so recruiters can see how well you've performed in prior positions. However, the repeated use of the word 'demonstrate' in your resume will make it seem like you lack the ability to express yourself and could bore hiring managers who are scanning for keywords.

It's often a good idea to substitute synonyms for frequently used words in your resume and use the past tense when describing accomplishments from your past. For instance, you can replace the word 'demonstrate' with other words such as 'proved,' 'exceeded,' or 'simplified.'

In a job application, it's essential to demonstrate that you can do what you say you can. If your resume lists one thing after another without any variety or change in style, this can come across as lazy or unprofessional. Using synonyms can help you avoid this problem, as well as show off your vocabulary without sacrificing clarity or brevity!

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

Resume Synonyms for Demonstrate:

Showcased
Quantified
Observed
Revamped
Analyzed
Streamlined
Implemented
Elevated
Transformed
Optimized
Formulated
Promoted
Influenced
Customized
Revitalized
Piloted
Proved
Exceeded
Exemplified
Determined
Examined
Tested
Validated
Sustained
Illustrated
Simplified
Substantiated
Documented
Verified
Communicated
Clarified
Interpreted
Publicized
Translated
Explained

How to replace Demonstrate with a stronger action verb:

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

Before: Weak example using Demonstrate

• Demonstrated ability to come up with innovative ways to reduce costs

⤸

After: Using a stronger synonym• Reduced design costs by 25 percent by creating a plan to merge related products into one, more streamlined product. .

Replacing Demonstrate with Showcased ▾

Before: Demonstrate

• Demonstrated strong project management skills.

⤸

After: Showcased• Showcased strong project management skills by completing a $1.4M project 3 months ahead of schedule, resulting in a 15% increase in productivity.

To improve this bullet point, I injected a number that quantifies the success I achieved. 'Showcased' was a more specific action verb that helped clarify the initiative and leadership I took.

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 Demonstrate with Quantified ▾

Before: Demonstrate

• Demonstrated analytical skills in financial reporting.

⤸

After: Quantified• Quantified financial irregularities, reduced reporting errors by 45% and ultimately saved over $250k annually.

As a hiring manager, I appreciate the concise, quantifiable explanation of the specific value you brought to your previous role. The verb 'quantified' showcases your analytical skills effectively.

Replacing Demonstrate with Observed ▾

Before: Demonstrate

• Demonstrated capability to handle customer issues.

⤸

After: Observed• Observed a recurring customer issue, implemented a new FAQs section on the website which reduced customer complaints by 35%.

What I liked about this revision is your exact solution to a problem that made an impact. 'Observed' is a strong action verb showing your ability to identify and tackle issues.

Replacing Demonstrate with Revamped ▾

Before: Demonstrate

• Demonstrated exceptional skills in rebranding strategy.

⤸

After: Revamped• Revamped branding strategy which increased online sales by 27% and expanded customer base by 15% over six months.

As a recruiter, I moved beyond generalities ('exceptional skills') and offered concrete results that 'revamped' suggests, showing your creative and innovative ability.

Replacing Demonstrate with Analyzed ▾

Before: Demonstrate

• Demonstrated ability to identify market trends.

⤸

After: Analyzed• Analyzed market trends, provided data-driven insights and helped increase sales by 40% as a result.

With 'Analyzed', you're showing off your strategic thinking. Also, the specific result you achieved paints your accomplishment in a measurable light.

Replacing Demonstrate with Streamlined ▾

Before: Demonstrate

• Demonstrated efficiency and effectiveness in workflow operations.

⤸

After: Streamlined• Streamlined workflow operations by automating the inventory management process which boosted operational efficiency by 38%.

To improve this vague bullet point, I employed the verb 'Streamlined' to convey the specifics of your action. I also quantified the improvement made.

Replacing Demonstrate with Implemented ▾

Before: Demonstrate

• Demonstrated resourcefulness in solving technical problems.

⤸

After: Implemented• Implemented a new tech support protocol that decreased technical issues by 50% and improved user experience.

I love how 'Implemented', along with clear metrics, highlights your problem-solving skills while illustrating you can turn ideas into concrete action.

Replacing Demonstrate with Elevated ▾

Before: Demonstrate

• Demonstrated success in sales performance.

⤸

After: Elevated• Elevated sales performance, grew regional sales by 70% within two years by aggressively prospecting and building a high-performing sales team.

Given the active verb 'Elevated', one can infer your ability to improve and grow sales; using hard numbers makes it easy to understand the magnitude of this success.

Replacing Demonstrate with Transformed ▾

Before: Demonstrate

• Demonstrated ability to improve team morale.

⤸

After: Transformed• Transformed team morale by instituting Friday interactive sessions, leading to a 15% increase in employee retention over a year.

Instead of just saying you 'improved morale', 'Transformed' along with specific actions taken and quantifiable improvements, offers a more vivid picture of your leadership style.

Replacing Demonstrate with Optimized ▾

Before: Demonstrate

• Demonstrated skills to improve supply chain processes.

⤸

After: Optimized• Optimized supply chain processes by implementing a new tracking system, reducing delivery time by 30% and saving $500k annually.

Using 'Optimized' shows your capability of boosting performance. The statement is made stronger by adding a clear action, consequence, and quantifiable metrics.

Replacing Demonstrate with Formulated ▾

Before: Demonstrate

• Demonstrated effectiveness in marketing campaigns.

⤸

After: Formulated• Formulated a comprehensive marketing campaign resulting in a 60% increase in leads within 3 months.

With 'Formulated', you're showing initiative and creativity. By quantifying the results, you're demonstrating the tangible impacts of your effectiveness.

Replacing Demonstrate with Promoted ▾

Before: Demonstrate

• Demonstrated commitment to work and exceptional performance.

⤸

After: Promoted• Promoted to a lead role within 12 months due to exceeding performance expectations by 35% and improving team productivity.

'Promoted' clearly implies commitment and performance. Providing specifics about the time frame and why you were promoted makes your achievement more credible.

Replacing Demonstrate with Influenced ▾

Before: Demonstrate

• Demonstrated ability to support organizational change.

⤸

After: Influenced• Influenced organizational change by introducing a new software, improving administrative efficiency by 25%.

'Influenced' conveys leadership and the capacity for positive change. Mentioning the actual change you made and results achieved makes your achievements clearer.

Replacing Demonstrate with Customized ▾

Before: Demonstrate

• Demonstrated versatility in software development.

⤸

After: Customized• Customized software solutions for clients, leading to a 45% increase in client satisfaction and a 30% increase in repeat business.

'Customized' clarifies the specific action taken and its impact. It also showcases your versatility and a skill crucial to the field – client satisfaction.

Replacing Demonstrate with Revitalized ▾

Before: Demonstrate

• Demonstrated contribution to product innovation.

⤸

After: Revitalized• Revitalized aging product lines, resulting in a 30% increase in sales and opening up a new customer segment.

Using 'Revitalized' gives a clear picture of what you did and underscores your innovative abilities. Including metrics makes your contribution more impressive and believable.

Replacing Demonstrate with Piloted ▾

Before: Demonstrate

• Demonstrated leadership on critical projects.

⤸

After: Piloted• Piloted a critical project to improve website functionality, which led to a 50% increase in web traffic in 6 months.

With 'Piloted', you demonstrate leadership and success. The specific results show the value of your work and imply a positive impact on 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 Demonstrate.

More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms

How to use Led on a resume:

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

How to use Developed on a resume:

• Developed an iPhone app to help medical professionals measure the insulin needs of patients with diabetes.

How to use Conducted on a resume:

• Conducted sector research in TMT space through expert interviews, market reports, and engagement with external advisors; created sector map of big data analytics space; prepared recommendations on attractiveness and feasibility on 6+ prospects.

How to use Handpicked on a resume:

• Handpicked by global head of operations from among 50+ senior associates to lead first-ever strategic alliance project with Company in Hong Kong.

How to use Analyzed on a resume:

• Analyzed fundamental growth drivers via top-down (macro/sector trends, competition) and bottom-up (growth strategy, revenue forecast, cost allocation) approaches, and analysis of senior management and shareholding structure..

How to use Managed on a resume:

• Managed business relationships with 10 clients, including Volkswagen, Deutsche Bank and McDonalds and presented marketing strategies to senior management to drive ROI and re-engineer sales operations, generating $2MM+ in annual revenue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for Demonstrate on a resume?

Synonyms you can use instead of the overused phrase Demonstrate include:

Simplified
Proved
Substantiated
Explained
Translated
Communicated

What can I use instead of Demonstrate on a resume?

Words like Demonstrate are overused on resumes. Instead, you should use other phrases like Exceeded, Substantiated, Illustrated, Verified, Exemplified or Publicized.

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