Resume Synonyms for Improve

Want another word for Improve 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, "Improve".

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

The ability to improve something is a crucial skill for any employee, whether you're a manager or an entry-level employee. It shows that you're willing to take the initiative and make positive changes in your own action rather than waiting for someone else to tell you what needs fixing.

Using the verb 'improve' in your resume is a great way to demonstrate your ability to take action and improve outcomes. Be mindful, though, not to overuse this word in your resume. Doing so could make you look unable to elaborate on your accomplishments. Moreover, you should use the past tense of the verb ('improved') to show your achievements in the past.

Using synonyms helps alleviate this problem by allowing you to describe the same thing with other words. For example: 'improve' can be replaced with 'grew,' 'simplified,' or 'strengthened.' This way, you're not just using the same word repeatedly, but it also gives the reader a sense of what kind of improvement was made.

When writing a resume, using language that conveys your skills and experience as effectively as possible is essential. The use of different action verbs shows that you have a variety of skills while helping eliminate redundancy.

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

Resume Synonyms for Improve:

  • Simplified
  • Streamlined
  • Upgraded
  • Redesigned
  • Strengthened
  • Lifted
  • Raised
  • Stimulated
  • Amplified
  • Grew
  • Doubled
  • Mastered
  • Overhauled
  • Reduced
  • Converted
  • Elaborated
  • Slashed
  • Updated
  • Alleviated
  • Amended

How to replace Improve with a stronger action verb:

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

Before: Weak example using Improve

Improved company's retention rate

After: Using a stronger synonymCreated 11+ tracking and accountability controls, which aligned technical training with employee skills, increasing retention rate by 80% YoY. .

Replacing Improve with Optimized

Before: Improve

Improved ordering process

After: OptimizedOptimized the ordering process by implementing a digitized inventory system, which increased order correctness by 35% and reduced delivery times by 3 days.

To enhance this line, I wanted to showcase the candidate's specific actions and its measurable impact. Using 'Optimized' implies efficiency and directly conveys the improvements made.

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 Improve.


More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms

How to use Created on a resume:

Created and maintained models for M&A plans, Discounted Cash Flow Analysis, Product SVA Analysis, Credit Risk Assessment Models, and Common Stock Liquidity Comparisons.

How to use Developed on a resume:

Developed and maintained ETL scripts in Python and Perl to scrape data from external web sites into a mySQL database..

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 Spearheaded on a resume:

Spearheaded redevelopment of internal tracking system in use by 125 employees, resulting in 20+ new features, reduction of 20% in save/load time and 15% operation time.

How to use Promoted on a resume:

Promoted within 12 months due to strong performance and organizational impact - ahead of schedule by 12 months.

How to use Coordinated on a resume:

Coordinated a team of four developers and two designers to implement and launch online marketplace that connects students with tutors, within 6 months.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for Improve on a resume?

If you're looking for another word to use in place of Improve, consider using one of these stronger alternatives:

  • Updated
  • Streamlined
  • Stimulated
  • Grew
  • Reduced
  • Slashed

What can I say instead of Improve on a resume?

Below are some alternative words and synonyms to add to your resume instead of Improve:

  • Raised
  • Reduced
  • Alleviated
  • Streamlined
  • Redesigned
  • Amplified

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

Continuous Improvement

Customer Success

Operations Manager

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