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".

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

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, followed by real examples I've written for clients (feel free to use them!).

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 examples 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

Leading the launch of new employee corporate social responsibility program

After: Using a stronger synonymSpearheaded development and implementation of new employee corporate social responsibility program, leading to 4x more participation.

Replacing Lead with Orchestrated

Before: Lead

Lead the team in developing new marketing strategies

After: OrchestratedOrchestrated the development of innovative marketing strategies, increasing online engagement by 30% and driving a 15% increase in sales

The previous statement was vague and did not provide any concrete value to the applicant's achievement. In revising the statement, I used a stronger verb 'Orchestrated', and supplemented it with numbers and specific outcomes to emphasize the candidate's direct impact on the organization's success.

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 Lead.


More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms

How to use Analyzed on a resume:

Analyzed 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:

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

How to use Led on a resume:

Led 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:

Founded 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:

Overhauled 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:

Developed 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.



Related resume examples

Consultant

Insurance

Vice President of Operations

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 >