Resume Synonyms for Handled
Want another word for Handled 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, "Handled".
While it may seem like a small thing, the word 'handled' indicates a certain level of responsibility and experience. Handling is taking on a challenge and successfully completing it, so when you see this word in your resume, it means that you have successfully completed tasks previously given to you.
But if you're writing a resume and want to make sure you're using strong verbs, you probably shouldn't use 'handled.' Handling is a pretty weak verb. It doesn't say what you actually did. You can handle something (like a situation) in many different ways; not all are good or effective.
The easiest way to fix this problem is by replacing 'handled' with power verbs that describe what you did. For example, instead of saying, 'I handled the company's finances,' say something like: 'I managed the company's finances.'
Power verbs add a sense of action and energy to your resume, making it easier for the recruiter to picture you doing the work described in the job description. They also give you the opportunity to showcase your skills and accomplishments, which can help you stand out from other candidates.
I've compiled some synonyms you can use instead of Handled on your resume, followed by real examples I've written for clients (feel free to use them!).
Resume Synonyms for Handled:
- Orchestrated
- Championed
- Steered
- Executed
- Influenced
- Produced
- Boosted
- Fielded
- Managed
- Commanded
- Steered
- Operated
- Piloted
- Conducted
- Led
- Headed
- Governed
- Processed
- Delivered
- Resolved
- Counseled
- Advised
- Supervised
- Employed
- Represented
- Regulated
- Directed
How to replace Handled with a stronger action verb:
Let's look at examples of how you can remove and replace the overused phrase, Handled, with a stronger synonym and alternative that is more effective at highlighting your achievements.
Before: Weak example using Handled
• summer interns and created a mentorship program in the new Berlin office
⤸
After: Using a stronger synonym• 30 summer interns and launched a mentorship program for new joiners in the Berlin office.
Replacing Handled with Orchestrated ▾
Before: Handled
• various events in the annual marketing calendar
⤸
After: Orchestrated• over 30 high-impact events in the annual marketing calendar, resulting in a 20% increase in customer engagement and lead generation.
The use of 'Orchestrated' suggests a set of complex and careful planning tasks, better than 'handled'. It's much more impactful to include specifics about the number of events, the results, and the goal (customer engagement and lead generation).
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 Handled with Championed ▾
Replacing Handled with Steered ▾
Replacing Handled with Executed ▾
Replacing Handled with Influenced ▾
Replacing Handled with Produced ▾
Replacing Handled with Boosted ▾
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 Handled.
More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms
How to use Analyzed on a resume:
• 50+ companies to identify potential investments, built valuation models, and visited 90+ members of senior management in Germany, Nigeria, Indonesia and Singapore to evaluate companies' growth outlook.
How to use Prepared on a resume:
• a 100 page pitch book summarizing findings and presented analysis to managing directors.
How to use Streamlined on a resume:
• the implementation process and reduced the average product delivery time from 10 days to 4 days by redefining responsibilities and improving accountability of employees.
How to use Created on a resume:
• content and copy for social media channels (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram) and email newsletter; assessed customer response to create targeted messaging and inform future content; social media following grew 125%+ organically.
How to use Led on a resume:
• consolidation of 8 data systems into 1; resulted in over $55k in annual savings.
How to use Developed on a resume:
• and implemented heavily parallelized algorithms to resize and watermark 5MM+ images of different sizes using Amazon EC2.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is another word for Handled on a resume?
You should vary up your language on your resume, instead of using Handled over and over again. Good synonyms to use instead include:
- Supervised
- Processed
- Conducted
- Employed
- Represented
- Regulated
What is a better word for Handled on a resume?
You should vary up your language on your resume, instead of using Handled over and over again. Good synonyms to use instead include:
- Governed
- Conducted
- Advised
- Resolved
- Piloted
- Processed
Get a free resume review: Find out if your action verbs are strong enough.
I'd recommend uploading your resume below to get a free resume review. You'll get a detailed analysis of your resume's action verbs and your experience, with instant suggestions on how to improve them based on recruiter insights.
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