Resume Synonyms for Lead
Want another word for Lead 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, "Lead".
Leading others is one of the most essential skills for any job, so if you can show that on your resume, it will get noticed by hiring managers. They want to hire people who can lead their company forward, not just be a part of it. Using 'lead' to describe your work experience is a perfect word to demonstrate this.
If you have led various projects, 'lead,' a present-tense form of the verb 'led,' is an excellent word to use in your resume. However, remember to use the word in moderation—repeating the same word multiple times can make your writing seem choppy and unengaging. In addition, it's best to use the past tense of lead in your resume unless you're talking about something that is an ongoing role or achievement.
One way to ensure your resume is less repetitive is by using synonyms. Words to use on the resume instead of 'lead' include: championed, enforced, founded, optimized, and facilitated.
When you use synonyms, it improves the flow of your writing. You create a more fluid flow that's easier for readers to follow, making your resume more interesting to read.
I've compiled some synonyms you can use instead of Lead on your resume.
Resume Synonyms for Lead:
- Fielded
- Managed
- Commanded
- Steered
- Operated
- Piloted
- Conducted
- Headed
- Governed
- Processed
- Delivered
- Resolved
- Hosted
- Presided
- Directed
- Ushered
- Instructed
How to replace Lead with a stronger action verb:
Let's look at a before and after example of how you can remove and replace the overused phrase, Lead, with a stronger synonym and alternative that is more effective at highlighting your achievements.
Before: Weak example using Lead
• the launch of new employee corporate social responsibility program
⤸
After: Using a stronger synonym• development and implementation of new employee corporate social responsibility program, leading to 4x more participation.
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 Lead.
More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms
How to use Analyzed on a resume:
• fundamental growth drivers via top-down (macro/sector trends, competition) and bottom-up (growth strategy, revenue forecast, cost allocation) approaches, and analysis of senior management and shareholding structure..
How to use Coached on a resume:
• 30 summer interns and launched a mentorship program for new joiners in the Berlin office.
How to use Led on a resume:
• five developers to establish client's ERP system; identified $1.5MM in cost savings, and secured $1MM+ in additional work for Accenture.
How to use Founded on a resume:
• ReferRoom to organize social events for 500 young professionals, and grew it to $20k/year revenue and $8k/year profit..
How to use Overhauled on a resume:
• the obsolete legacy source code of two production applications, resulting in increased usability and reduced run time performance by 50%.
How to use Developed on a resume:
• an iPhone app to help medical professionals measure the insulin needs of patients with diabetes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is another word for Lead on a resume?
You can say Presided, Headed or Operated instead of Lead.
What is a better word for Lead on a resume?
You can say Hosted, Managed or Headed instead of Lead.
Get a free resume review: Find out if your action verbs are strong enough.
Hiring managers are unnecessarily picky when it comes to resumes, and it's hard to know what they want to see. That's why you should upload your resume to the free resume checker below. It'll check your bullet points and identify any mistakes on your resume that recruiters specifically look out for.
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