Getting the job you want is all about making sure you're showing your best self. Your resume is the first step in that process, and it's essential to ensure it's done right. Using the verb 'gained' in your resume is a way to do that—it's a word that implies success.

When you use 'gained' in your bullet points, you're stating that not only can you do something but also that you've already proven your ability by successfully doing it. But one common mistake on resumes is using the same word repeatedly. For instance, listing 'gained' in different places makes your resume feel repetitive rather than cohesive.

The way to fix this is to use synonyms instead of repeating words—switch up the word choice to create a fresher feel and some variety in your resume. For example, instead of saying 'gained,' try something like 'skyrocketed' or 'accelerated.' The key here is to use action verbs that mean roughly the same thing but have different connotations or implications.

Using synonyms in place of repeated words throughout your resume gives it a fresher tone while still conveying all of your essential information in an engaging way.

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

Resume Synonyms for Gained:

Expanded
Progressed
Bolstered
Boosted
Enhanced
Escalated
Nurtured
Optimized
Refined
Seized
Gathered
Grew
Achieved
Accomplished
Acquired
Doubled
Tripled
Accumulated
Amassed
Enriched
Extended
Earned
Captured
Garnered
Accelerated
Skyrocketed
Surged
Intensified
Peaked
Won

How to replace Gained with a stronger action verb:

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

Before: Weak example using Gained

• Gained additional R&D funding due to work completed

⤸

After: Using a stronger synonym• Analyzed Polyhire's market share figures to interpret historical trends that could affect future forecasts; submitted findings to management and received $500K additional R&D funding..

Replacing Gained with Expanded ▾

Before: Gained

• Gained experience in designing user interfaces

⤸

After: Expanded• Expanded the company’s design capabilities by conceptualizing and executing 10+ intuitive user interfaces for multi-platform applications.

The edited bullet initially replaces the weak verb 'Gained' with a stronger verb 'Expanded'. It also adds specificity, detailing the number of projects and platforms worked on, thus giving a clearer image of the candidate's skillset.

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 Gained with Progressed ▾

Before: Gained

• Gained knowledge about project management best practices

⤸

After: Progressed• Progressed through rigorous training and achieved mastery in Agile project management best practices, increasing team productivity by 25%.

To enhance this point, the verb ‘gained’ was replaced with ‘progressed’, emphasising the candidately learning journey. Also added metrics regarding productivity improvement to demonstrate tangible benefit of the candidate's skill acquisition.

Replacing Gained with Bolstered ▾

Before: Gained

• Gained new business contracts

⤸

After: Bolstered• Bolstered company portfolio by securing 15 high-value business contracts, resulting in a 30% annual revenue increase.

Here, 'Bolstered' replaces 'Gained' to provide a more impactful depiction of the candidate's efforts. The changes implemented also added a quantity-specific goal and the effect it had on company revenue.

Replacing Gained with Boosted ▾

Before: Gained

• Gained efficiency through innovation

⤸

After: Boosted• Boosted production efficiency by 40% by introducing a novel inventory management system, significantly reducing overhead costs.

I replaced 'Gained' with 'Boosted' to better communicate the candidate's action’s effect. Then I added more information to specifically state what innovative measure was introduced, showing how it increased efficiency and reduced costs.

Replacing Gained with Enhanced ▾

Before: Gained

• Gained high customer satisfaction

⤸

After: Enhanced• Enhanced brand reputation by boosting client satisfaction ratings to a record 95%, resulting from stellar customer-centric initiatives.

This point was improved by substituting 'Gained' with 'Enhanced' and by specifying customer satisfaction ratings to offer the hiring manager concrete proof of candidate's accomplishment.

Replacing Gained with Escalated ▾

Before: Gained

• Gained ROI through rationalization initiatives

⤸

After: Escalated• Escalated the ROI by 35% through the strategic integration of cost-saving rationalization initiatives, resulting in $2M annual savings.

I chose 'Escalated' as an alternative to 'Gained' to describe the candidate's action in a more significant way. I inserted explicit figures to demonstrate the magnitude of impact produced by individual initiative.

Replacing Gained with Nurtured ▾

Before: Gained

• Gained a strong relationship with clients

⤸

After: Nurtured• Nurtured relationships with clients by providing personalised solutions, leading to a 40% increase in repeat business.

In revamping this point, I substituted 'Gained' with 'Nurtured' for a more empathetic description of relationship building. A measurable impact on repeat business also helps highlight the candidate's effectiveness.

Replacing Gained with Optimized ▾

Before: Gained

• Gained productivity with new tech tools

⤸

After: Optimized• Optimized workforce productivity by 25% by implementing advanced tech tools and providing hands-on staff training.

Replacing 'Gained' with 'Optimized' gives a stronger representation of the action taken. I have also made it clear what specific steps the candidate took to impact productivity.

Replacing Gained with Refined ▾

Before: Gained

• Gained quality assurance on products

⤸

After: Refined• Refined quality assurance processes, resulting in a 30% decrease in defects and returns for company products.

I changed 'Gained' to 'Refined' to show a more pro-active approach and included a statistic to demonstrate the tangible benefit of the action.

Replacing Gained with Seized ▾

Before: Gained

• Gained expertise in competitor analytics

⤸

After: Seized• Seized new business opportunities by exploiting gaps identified from comprehensive competitor analytics, resulting in a market share increase of 15%.

I switched out 'Gained' with 'Seized' to reflect a more business-driven approach. I added a specific consequence of their expertise in competitor analytics, demonstrating its profitability for the company.

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 Gained.

More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms

How to use Built on a resume:

• Built complete investment pitch books for 4 deals at advanced stages and liaised with 12 prospective international co-investors.

How to use Crafted on a resume:

• Crafted strategic plan for a major client with revenues >$40B through insights from market trend analysis, organizational effectiveness diagnostic, and interviews with senior stakeholders.

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 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 Created on a resume:

• Created a DCF valuation model to analyze a potential IPO of a major technology startup in New York.

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 Gained on a resume?

You can say Enriched, Garnered or Tripled instead of Gained.

What are other words for Gained on a resume?

You can say Accomplished, Won or Enriched instead of Gained.

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.

Related resume examples

Chemistry

Chemistry Research Student

Go To Download Page

Chemistry Lab Technician

Go To Download Page

Chemistry Lab Assistant

Go To Download Page

Chemistry Research Student

Go To Download Page

Chemistry Lab Technician

Go To Download Page

Go to the full Chemistry Resume Guide or Chemistry CV Guide to see and download more proven templates.

Market Researcher

Qualitative Research Assistant

Go To Download Page

Market Research Specialist / Market Researcher

A market research specialist’s resume sample that highlights the applicant’s career progression and communication proficiency.

Go To Download Page

Insights Analyst

An insight analyst’s resume sample that highlights the applicant’s quantifiable success.

Go To Download Page

Market Research Analyst

Go To Download Page

Go to the full Market Researcher Resume Guide or Market Researcher CV Guide to see and download more proven templates.

UX Researcher

Entry-Level UX Researcher

Go To Download Page

UX Researcher

Go To Download Page

Go to the full UX Researcher Resume Guide or UX Researcher CV Guide to see and download more proven templates.

Get a free resume review

Get expert feedback on your resume, instantly. Our free AI-powered resume checker scores your resume on key criteria recruiters and hiring managers look for. Get actionable steps to revamp your resume and land more interviews.

Upload Resume

Jump to another phrase