Resume Synonyms for Headed

Want another word for Headed 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, "Headed".

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

Employers value workers who are able to take charge and bring a project or situation to a successful conclusion. Including the action verb 'headed' in your resume shows that you have these abilities and are willing to put them into action for your next job!

However, using 'headed' time and time again in your resume will make it sound repetitious and can make the content seem less important. It is best to avoid using the same word in close succession, but if you must use a word multiple times, it's most effective to add synonyms to the mix so that your writing is varied and interesting.

To do this, substitute 'headed' with other words such as 'navigated,' 'spearheaded,' or 'ushered.' Using these synonyms will make your resume more dynamic and give it a more professional tone.

A diverse use of synonyms in your writing helps to make your resume lively and exciting. It also enables you to avoid sounding like everyone who uses 'headed' when describing their job responsibilities; adding synonyms will help set yourself apart from other applicants. This lets recruiters track what you're saying—that you can take charge and get things done.

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

Resume Synonyms for Headed:

  • Contracted
  • Coordinated
  • Empowered
  • Modeled
  • Restructured
  • Ushered
  • Spearheaded
  • Accomplished
  • Appointed
  • Approved
  • Assigned
  • Hosted
  • Navigated
  • Originated
  • Assumed
  • Elected
  • Enlisted
  • Influenced
  • Stimulated
  • Nurtured

How to replace Headed with a stronger action verb:

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

Before: Weak example using Headed

Headed a new training platform for the company

After: Using a stronger synonymSupervised the expansion of a web-based training platform that reduced the yearly training costs by $1.5M per quarter. .

Replacing Headed with Led

Before: Headed

Headed team projects

After: LedLed product development team to a successful 40% increase in quarterly revenue, while reducing project completion timeline by 2 weeks.

By replacing 'Headed' with 'Led', we specify the role filled by the candidate. Adding concrete numbers evidences the impact made by the leadership.

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 Headed.


More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms

How to use Created on a resume:

Created method to compute similarity of all methods in a code base; reduced time complexity from O(n2) to O(n log n).

How to use Managed on a resume:

Managed international stakeholders in India, United Kingdom and Hong Kong by hosting daily standups and coordinating weekly status reports.

How to use Led on a resume:

Led a 10-week engagement in a four-member team for a solar energy provider; assessed 30+ locations and provided a recommendation for the most suitable location of their new headquarters.

How to use Reduced on a resume:

Reduced signup drop-offs from 65% to 15%, increased user-engagement by 40%, and boosted content generation by 15%, through a combination of user interviews and A/B-testing-driven product flow optimization.

How to use Analyzed on a resume:

Analyzed private equity firm's historical track record, evaluated performance against public indexes, and validated claims with investors and CEOs, resulting in commitments in excess of $300MM.

How to use Delivered on a resume:

Delivered product solutions to institutional and corporate clients; grew customer base by +25% in Europe.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for Headed on a resume?

Synonyms you can use instead of the overused phrase Headed include:

  • Originated
  • Approved
  • Coordinated
  • Empowered
  • Elected
  • Accomplished

What is another way of saying Headed on a resume?

You should vary up your language on your resume, instead of using Headed over and over again. Good synonyms to use instead include:

  • Restructured
  • Nurtured
  • Appointed
  • Originated
  • Influenced
  • Elected

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

Want to know what's holding your resume back? Upload your resume to the tool below. You'll get a report outlining what you did well, and what you need to improve.



Related resume examples

Director of Product Management

Operations Manager

VP of Finance

Get a free resume review

job hunt

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
Transform your career. In 5 minutes a week.
~~
Get a free bi-weekly coaching email from a $750/hour career coach. Get proven strategies on how to unlock your career's potential, meet VIPs in your industry and turn your career into a rocketship.
Join the 1.2+ million professionals who are getting ahead in their careers, for free.
I'm not interested, let me read the article >