Resume Synonyms for Developing

Want another word for Developing to use on your resume? Our team's compiled the most effective action verbs and synonyms you can use instead of the overused resume phrase, "Developing".

Kimberley Tyler Smith Author Photo
Compiled by: Kimberley Tyler-Smith
Senior Hiring Manager
20+ Years of Experience

To stand out from the crowd, consider using the verb 'developing,' which is the present participle of 'develop,' when describing your skills. It shows that you can take on challenges and complete them successfully. It also demonstrates that you're a forward-thinker who is always looking for ways to improve yourself and the world around you.

Still, when writing resumes, it's essential to use language that's both professional and unique. While 'developing' is a word that can be useful in describing your work experience, overusing it on your resume could bore the recruiter and skip over important information. Additionally, when listing your past accomplishments, it's better to use the verb's past tense ('developed') than its present-tense form ('developing').

To fix this problem, consider using synonyms for 'developing,' such as 'progressed,' 'grew,' and 'materialized.' These words give more flexibility when describing your work experience and make it clear that your skills are strong in development and innovation.

Synonyms allow you to use more descriptive language in your resume without giving too much detail—you tell the recruiter how you seek ways to improve the company while using your skills, but you don't have to list every single one of them.

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

Resume Synonyms for Developing:

  • Progressed
  • Elaborated
  • Materialized
  • Reached
  • Nurtured
  • Grew
  • Amplified
  • Forged
  • Tailored
  • Contrived
  • Actuated
  • Impelled
  • Prospered
  • Succeeded
  • Flourished
  • Reinforced
  • Extended
  • Commenced
  • Increased
  • Enlarged

How to replace Developing with a stronger action verb:

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

Before: Weak example using Developing

Developed marketing plans to increase company's fan base

After: Using a stronger synonymCreated a launch plan and 15 digital campaigns on Facebook including posts and promotions, and grew the fan base from 25K to 89K in a little under 4.5 weeks..

Replacing Developing with Designed

Before: Developing

Developing and implementing advertising campaigns

After: DesignedDesigned and executed 5 successful advertising campaigns in various social media platforms that boosted company's online visibility by 35% in Q2 2021.

By swapping 'Developing' with 'Designed', the bullet point starts off with a strong action verb that specifically describes the candidate's role. Also, including a measurable achievement helps recruiters understand the results of the candidate's actions.

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.


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 Developing.


More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms

How to use Developed on a resume:

Developed strategies to trade and manage risk on the trading book comprising 30+ indices; 2016 P&L: $8M.

How to use Analyzed on a resume:

Analyzed company's 24-month sales results to develop five-year monthly projections by revenue and customer type.

How to use Assessed on a resume:

Assessed capacity risks and developed an operating cost model of a $100MM supplier for a private equity client, highlighting $4-6MM potential savings opportunities.

How to use Led on a resume:

Led 2 business analysts to automate repetitive process flows using Excel Macros / VBA and reduce analysis time by 10+ hours per week.

How to use Coordinated on a resume:

Coordinated a team of four developers and two designers to implement and launch online marketplace that connects students with tutors, within 6 months.

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.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for Developing on a resume?

Generic language like Developing are considered to be buzzwords because they're used so often. Consider using synonyms like Actuated, Tailored, Increased, Materialized, Forged or Commenced.

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

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

  • Nurtured
  • Amplified
  • Tailored
  • Reached
  • Actuated
  • Impelled

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

As a next step, I'd recommend going through each of your resume's verbs and improving each one with stronger action verbs. The most effective way to do that is by uploading your resume to tool below. It'll tell you which parts of your resume need work, so you can improve them before a recruiter rejects you for them.



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