The inclusion of the verb 'juggle' on a resume shows that an applicant has the ability to be flexible and adaptable. It also shows that they can juggle multiple tasks without sacrificing quality or efficiency. Employers look for this trait in applicants because it shows they can successfully manage unexpected changes.
While it may be accurate that the verb 'juggle' means that you can deal with several tasks at once, keep track of all of them, and prioritize them effectively, this word is a weak verb; it doesn't indicate how skilled or experienced you are with juggling. When writing past accomplishments, it's also acceptable to use verbs in their past tense unless it's a current role.
A better way to communicate that you're someone who can juggle multiple responsibilities is to use power verbs like 'prioritized' or 'managed.' This will provide the recruiter insight into how well you can handle a large workload and prioritize tasks to get things done efficiently.
Power verbs help you present yourself as capable and driven—someone who can succeed when given a challenge or task. They also help you demonstrate that you have substantial experience because they are more specific than general terms like 'juggle.'
I've compiled some synonyms you can use instead of Juggle on your resume, followed by real examples I've written for clients (feel free to use them!).
Resume Synonyms for Juggle:
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Directed
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Administered
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Operated
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Executed
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Led
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Navigated
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Spearheaded
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Overhauled
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Instrumental
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Orchestrated
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Cultivated
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Championed
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Pioneered
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Advanced
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Boosted
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Revitalized
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Transformed
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Elevated
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Optimized
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Mastered
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Performed
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Balanced
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Managed
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Prioritized
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Ensured
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Chaired
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Planned
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Supervised
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Contracted
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Coordinated
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Presided
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Secured
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Facilitated
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Expedited
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Tracked
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Monitored
How to replace Juggle with a stronger action verb:
Let's look at examples of how you can remove and replace the overused phrase, Juggle, with a stronger synonym and alternative that is more effective at highlighting your achievements.
Before: Weak example using Juggle• Juggled a number of different types of issues and resolved customer complaints
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After: Using a stronger synonym• Attended to over 6,000 client queries, emails, and calls to resolve issues related to Growthsi’s e-commerce applications with SQL which increased average sales by 75 percent and profit margin by 20 percent.
Before: Juggle• Juggled several complex, multi-faceted projects at once
⤸After: Directed• Directed three multi-phase implementation projects concurrently - advancing them on-time and within budget, improving overall project efficiency by 20%
As a recruiter, I improved this vague point by being more specific about the achievement and the result. Instead of using the vague verb 'juggled', I chose 'Directed', which displays a more leadership-focused, hands-on approach and showcases the candidate's management skills.
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.
Before: Juggle• Juggled multiple tasks and deadlines
⤸After: Administered• Administered simultaneous operations, reducing project completion time by 30%, effectively managing and meeting 100% of deadlines
To improve this bullet point, I used 'Administered' which suggests a high level of responsibility and authority. The after statement is more specific, including the accomplishment and the impact on the project’s timelines - all of which appeals to hiring managers.
Before: Juggle• Juggled various assignments under tight deadlines
⤸After: Operated• Operated and delivered five major assignments within tight deadlines, resulting in a 35% increase in client satisfaction
What I like about this change is that it emphasizes the number of assignments handled and the positive results achieved. By using 'Operated', we highlight the candidate's ability to function effectively under pressure.
Before: Juggle• Juggled different roles and responsibilities
⤸After: Executed• Executed dual roles as sales manager and client liaison, driving a 25% increase in sales while enhancing client relationships
In order to improve this, I made it clear about the roles played and the results obtained. The verb, 'Executed' implies that the candidate actively took on and accomplished the dual roles.
Before: Juggle• Juggled several tasks at once
⤸After: Led• Led simultaneous product development efforts, accelerated the release cycles by 30%, gaining a significant market advantage
The word 'Led' communicates more authority and leadership rather than 'juggled'. The reworked statement gives a clearer picture of the specific tasks and the resultant impacts.
Before: Juggle• Juggled multiple customer complaints at once
⤸After: Navigated• Navigated resolution of over 300 customer complaints daily, boosting customer retention rate by 40%
To improve this section, I replaced 'juggled' with 'Navigated', to demonstrate problem-solving skills. It is detailed, highlighting exactly what was achieved, thus providing a quantifiable measure of success.
Before: Juggle• Juggled numerous responsibilities
⤸After: Spearheaded• Spearheaded inventory control and management tasks that led to a 20% reduction in overhead costs
In this revision, 'Spearheaded' was used to denote initiative and leadership. The new details explain what was done and quantify the results providing clear proof of the candidate’s skills.
Before: Juggle• Juggled various department efficiencies
⤸After: Overhauled• Overhauled operational procedures, boosting department efficiencies by 35%
This improved statement uses 'Overhauled' to show proactive problem-solving skills and references a tangible improvement in efficiencies.
Before: Juggle• Juggled different marketing strategies
⤸After: Instrumental• Instrumental in devising and implementing innovative marketing strategies that increased branding exposure by 50%
Here I chose ‘Instrumental’ to demonstrate the significant role played. The revised statement includes specific strategic achievements and their direct impact on the business.
Before: Juggle• Juggled diverse team expectations
⤸After: Orchestrated• Orchestrated stakeholder relationships and exceeded team expectations, resulting in improved productivity by 30%
The word 'Orchestrated' replaced ‘Juggled’ to make the candidate look like an effective leader. Highlighting specific results offers tangible proof of the candidate's skills.
Before: Juggle• Juggled many complex client relationships
⤸After: Cultivated• Cultivated fruitful relationships with over 20 global clients, boosting client retention by 25%
As a hiring manager, I replaced 'Juggled' with 'Cultivated' to show growth and nurturing abilities. The new statement directly links the candidate's efforts with measurable success.
Before: Juggle• Juggled various strategies to improve sales
⤸After: Championed• Championed the implementation of a dynamic marketing strategy that resulted in an $3 million increase in annual sales
By replacing 'Juggled' with 'Championed', the statement became more impactful. The addition of a concrete result makes the candidate’s effectiveness evident.
Before: Juggle• Juggled changes to product lines
⤸After: Pioneered• Pioneered strategic product line adjustments that increased market share by 15%
Through this revision, 'Pioneered' was used to show initiative and originality. The addition of a tangible result makes this bullet point more impactful.
Before: Juggle• Juggled customer service tasks
⤸After: Advanced• Advanced the upgrade process in customer service tasks that reduced resolution time by 40%
In place of 'Juggled', 'Advanced' indicates a proactive approach towards change. Further, the new version quantifies the result for a clear picture of the candidate’s accomplishment.
Before: Juggle• Juggled multiple sales targets
⤸After: Boosted• Boosted annual sales targets by 25%, generating a revenue exceeding $15 million
I chose the action verb 'Boosted', to replace ‘Juggled’ to show positive impact. The update clearly communicates the sales targets and the candidate's role in the achieved revenue.
Before: Juggle• Juggled outdated business strategies
⤸After: Revitalized• Revitalized outdated business strategies, which led to a subsequent profit increase of 30%
Replacing vague term 'Juggled' with 'Revitalized' brings out the effort in rejuvenating the business strategies. The new statement states the efforts and the significant result.
Before: Juggle• Juggled poor performance issues
⤸After: Transformed• Transformed an underperforming team into the top revenue-generating unit, exceeding sales targets by 150%
To make this bullet point stronger, the verb 'Transformed' replaced 'Juggled'. It accurately shows the progression and impressive outcome achieved, thus demonstrating the candidate’s leadership skills.
Before: Juggle• Juggled workplace productivity issues
⤸After: Elevated• Elevated workplace productivity by introducing efficient workflows, which reduced operational costs by 20%
Instead of 'Juggled', I used 'Elevated' to highlight the candidate's problem-solving capabilities. The improved statement tells the specific action taken and its benefit to the organisation.
Before: Juggle• Juggled various databases
⤸After: Optimized• Optimized database management, reducing data redundancy by 40%, resulting in improved data quality
Here I have used 'Optimized' replacing 'Juggled' to show the candidate's efficiency. The updated phrase includes specific achievements and the positive impact made, which clearly demonstrates the candidate’s technical skills.
Before: Juggle• Juggled various software applications
⤸After: Mastered• Mastered use of four different software applications, increasing team efficiency by 25%
This revised statement presents the candidate as more competent, by using 'Mastered' instead of 'Juggled', reflecting a higher level of expertise. The effect of this proficiency is specified, making the statement more convincing.
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 Juggle.
More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms
How to use Conducted on a resume:
• Conducted 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 Promoted on a resume:
• Promoted to Associate Consultant in 2 years (1 year in advance); the only member in a cohort of 45 Analysts to be fast-tracked.
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.
How to use Optimized on a resume:
• Optimized $100MM+ retail company's advertising spend by media type through multivariable regression analysis; exceeded target growth by 15%.
How to use Formulated on a resume:
• Formulated implementation plans for transactions in collaboration with senior members of trading, sales, compliance and legal teams; generated annual profits of $10+ million.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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