Resume Synonyms for Handling

Want another word for Handling 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, "Handling".

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

Recruiters think of 'handling,' the present participle of the word handle, as a verb that shows you can take on a problem and solve it—whether that means handling the situation or people. It's a word that demonstrates your ability to think on your feet, work through a problem, and come up with solutions.

It also shows that you have strong communication skills, which go hand-in-hand with the ability to manage situations and people. But, using 'handling' in your resume is a problem—it's vague and unspecific. This leaves the recruiter unable to see how you add value to a role.

For example, if you say that you're 'handling' something in your job, it might be unclear whether you were in charge of the project or just responsible for a small part of it. Additionally, the verb's past tense is more appropriate in writing your experience unless it's an ongoing role. If you say that you 'maneuvered' or 'resolved,' however, it's clear that you were responsible for the whole thing.

Power verbs are action-oriented words that describe what someone does, in contrast to describing their role or responsibilities. They're also more precise than generic verbs like 'handling,' which leaves room for interpretation.

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

Resume Synonyms for Handling:

  • Maneuvered
  • Compiled
  • Controlled
  • Processed
  • Equipped
  • Targeted
  • Pursued
  • Acted
  • Diverted
  • Commenced
  • Resolved
  • Regulated
  • Stewarded
  • Guided
  • Headed
  • Monitored
  • Shepherded
  • Coached
  • Counseled
  • Taught

How to replace Handling with a stronger action verb:

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

Before: Weak example using Handling

Handling all training processes and onboarding material

After: Using a stronger synonymDeveloped training process manuals, guidelines, or course materials, such as handouts and visuals; increased participant engagement by 30%. .

Replacing Handling with Administered

Before: Handling

Handling general office duties and administrative tasks

After: AdministeredAdministered general office duties that streamlined weekly procedures, reducing paper use by 40% and saving 10 hours a week.

Moving away from the vague 'handling', I chose 'administered' to underscore your active role in managing tasks. By adding numerical impact, I made your efficiency abundantly clear.

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 Handling.


More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms

How to use Managed on a resume:

Managed a cross-functional team of 10 in 3 locations (London, Mumbai and New York), ranging from entry-level to Ph.D. analysts, and closely collaborated with business development, data analysis, operations and marketing teams.

How to use Coached on a resume:

Coached 30 summer interns and launched a mentorship program for new joiners in the Berlin office.

How to use Pitched on a resume:

Pitched 25+ stocks to the investment team and portfolio managers, resulting in the addition of 6 stocks to the firm's portfolio with investment returns of more than 15% in 12 months.

How to use Developed on a resume:

Developed a prototype to identify key influencers on Twitter using clustering techniques over 100,000 data points in Python.

How to use Generated on a resume:

Generated 12,000 unique users, 30,000 page views, and 2000+ newsletter signups in 3 weeks by successfully leveraging social media advertising (Facebook and Instagram).

How to use Designed, on a resume:

Designed, executed, and optimized digital marketing campaign on Google's AdWords for $20B CPG company, yielding 20% ROI improvements.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for Handling on a resume?

Generic language like Handling are considered to be buzzwords because they're used so often. Consider using synonyms like Acted, Shepherded, Commenced, Controlled, Equipped or Pursued.

What can I use instead of Handling on a resume?

Words like Handling are overused on resumes. Instead, you should use other phrases like Maneuvered, Processed, Shepherded, Monitored, Commenced or Headed.


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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