Resume Synonyms for Handle
Want another word for Handle 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, "Handle".
Use verbs that show experience and ability to handle situations in the future when writing a compelling resume. The word 'handle' is a present tense verb often used in resumes by applicants who want to convey their potential for managing, controlling, or dealing with a situation.
However, the word 'handle' can be somewhat vague. It means to deal with or manage something, but it doesn't specify how you do that. Instead, you should use an action verb to show what you did.
Action verbs are words that specifically describe the action you took in your job title. It's also appropriate to describe your past achievements using the past tense of the verb, for example, 'handled.' So, instead of saying 'handle,' say 'governed,' 'leveraged,' or 'controlled.'
Using action verbs in your resume instead of generic ones will help you outstand other applicants. Generic verbs like 'handled' are used by everyone and don't explain anything about your work. Action verbs show what you did—it's more meaningful and descriptive than just saying that you handled something. This can be especially helpful if recruiters are looking for someone with specific skill sets, such as training or management!
I've compiled some synonyms you can use instead of Handle on your resume, followed by real examples I've written for clients (feel free to use them!).
Resume Synonyms for Handle:
- Directed
- Oversaw
- Managed
- Orchestrated
- Spearheaded
- Governed
- Extended
- Diverted
- Enacted
- Engaged
- Operated
- Commenced
- Registered
- Employed
- Controlled
- Harmonized
- Reconciled
- Merged
- Aided
- Centralized
- Empowered
- Ensured
- Leveraged
- Optimized
- Preserved
How to replace Handle with a stronger action verb:
Let's look at examples of how you can remove and replace the overused phrase, Handle, with a stronger synonym and alternative that is more effective at highlighting your achievements.
Before: Weak example using Handle
• different projects like redesigning the RW knowledge base
⤸
After: Using a stronger synonym• and led 3 projects in 8 months, including redesigning the Resume Worded handbook and knowledge base, which reduced support calls by 45%. .
Replacing Handle with Directed ▾
Before: Handle
• the training of new staff members
⤸
After: Directed• and trained 10 new employees within their first week, resulting in their faster integration into the team and a short-term increase in productivity by 20%
To improve this bullet point, I replaced the word 'Handled' with 'Directed' as it emphasizes the ability to control and guide a team. I also embedded specific numbers to show tangible results and the positive impact that the candidate brought to the team. Specific details such as 'resulting in faster integration into the team...' also make the candidate's action more engaging and compelling.
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 Handle with Oversaw ▾
Replacing Handle with Managed ▾
Replacing Handle with Orchestrated ▾
Replacing Handle with Spearheaded ▾
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 Handle.
More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms
How to use Performed on a resume:
• financial analysis to evaluate public and private financing alternatives to strengthen client's balance sheet.
How to use Managed on a resume:
• a 10-member cross-functional (engineering, product, sales, support) team and coordinated with five business partners towards the successful launch of an e-commerce website.
How to use Analyzed on a resume:
• industry trends in the automobile sector and presented long and short equity investment ideas for 12 large-cap stocks that outperformed the Bloomberg sector benchmark by 7% in 2014..
How to use Collaborate on a resume:
• with developers and product management team to assess project outcomes and prioritize future app features.
How to use Conducted on a resume:
• the due diligence of three retailers for a private equity investor with potential EBITDA impact of $200MM+ by 2020; developed customer acquisition strategy across channels.
How to use Reduced on a resume:
• time to render the video by 75% by implementing prediction algorithm and delayed graphics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is another word for Handle on a resume?
If you're looking for another word to use in place of Handle, consider using one of these stronger alternatives:
- Optimized
- Ensured
- Aided
- Empowered
- Employed
- Registered
What is a better word for Handle on a resume?
You should vary up your language on your resume, instead of using Handle over and over again. Good synonyms to use instead include:
- Enacted
- Registered
- Leveraged
- Preserved
- Empowered
- Reconciled
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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