Resume Synonyms for Leading

Want another word for Leading 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, "Leading".

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

A well-written resume uses verbs that showcase your skills and experiences. One of the most important verbs to include in your resume is 'leading.' Having this word on your resume shows that you are a leader—that you're good at leading people and projects and can do so with confidence and skill.

The ability to lead is a vital skill for success in any field and can be highlighted on your resume by using the action verb 'leading,' which is the present participle of lead. But remember that it would be best to keep your resume brief and to the point by minimizing the repetition of this word in writing your leadership achievements.

To do this, use synonyms to replace repetitive words or phrases in your resume. Additionally, use the past tense ('led') when describing accomplishments in the past; otherwise, write in the present tense of the verb if it's a current role. For example, you can interchangeably use 'led' with 'ushered' or 'guided.'

Rewriting your resume using synonyms will help you sound natural and less mechanical. It also ensures that essential information isn't lost in the repetitive language.

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

Resume Synonyms for Leading:

  • Ushered
  • Guided
  • Steered
  • Captained
  • Superintended
  • Shepherded
  • Mentored
  • Taught
  • Nurtured
  • Advised
  • Coached
  • Mapped
  • Officiated
  • Ordered
  • Oriented
  • Educated
  • Magnified

How to replace Leading with a stronger action verb:

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

Before: Weak example using Leading

Leading a team to commercialize new products

After: Using a stronger synonymSupervised a 7-member cross-functional team to commercialize 12+ new products; generated $550K within the first month of release to the public. .

Replacing Leading with Administered

Before: Leading

Leading the implementation of new software

After: AdministeredAdministered the company-wide deployment of CRM software, successfully training 150+ staff members and improving sales tracking efficiency by 65%

To improve this bullet point, I made sure we were more specific about the results and the stakeholders. I also changed the action verb to 'Administered', suggesting an active, managerial role rather than a generic leadership responsibility.

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 Leading.


More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms

How to use Coordinated on a resume:

Coordinated execution of LBO in foodservice sector in South Africa, the PE fund's largest investment; led a team of four analysts; negotiated bank financing and developed hedging strategy.

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 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 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 Delivered on a resume:

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

How to use Assessed on a resume:

Assessed the product portfolio and created a brand turnaround strategy for a global fashion company; conducted qualitative interviews with industry experts and quantitative analysis to determine barriers to purchasing and distribution.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for Leading on a resume?

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

  • Magnified
  • Advised
  • Steered
  • Captained
  • Nurtured
  • Shepherded

What is another way of saying Leading on a resume?

You can say Mapped, Coached or Officiated instead of Leading.


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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