Resume Synonyms for Led

Want another word for Led 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, "Led".

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

To effectively display your leadership skills in terms of managing a team or group of people, you should use the word 'Led' in writing your resume. It shows that you can organize and delegate tasks, motivate people, and set goals—which can make you an asset to any company.

'Led' is a concise way to talk about leadership without going into too much detail. But you shouldn't use the same action verbs in your resume. If a recruiter reads through several of your bullet points that all use the same word to start, they are likely to grow bored and determine that your skills are limited.

Instead, you should use other words that describe the same actions and skills as led. Try using synonyms like piloted, planned, programmed, superintended, or steered.

Using synonyms is a great way to make your writing more engaging and dynamic. It also helps break up the monotony of reading long paragraphs of text that are all about the same thing.

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

Resume Synonyms for Led:

  • Assumed
  • Captained
  • Changed
  • Commanded
  • Conducted
  • Droved
  • Elected
  • Encouraged
  • Governed
  • Piloted
  • Planned
  • Programmed
  • Raised
  • Regulated
  • Superintended
  • Steered
  • Schooled

How to replace Led with a stronger action verb:

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

Before: Weak example using Led

Led Miami office with Director and recruited and managed new team

After: Using a stronger synonymLaunched Miami office with lead Director and recruited and managed new team of 10 employees. Grew office revenue by 200% in first nine months (representing 20% of company revenue).

Replacing Led with Spearheaded

Before: Led

Led a team to develop new software

After: SpearheadedSpearheaded a team of 8 developers to create innovative software, which boosted company efficiency by 25%.

The change from 'Led' to 'Spearheaded' provides insight into not only the leadership role but also the energetic pursuit of a project. Furthermore, by including specific metrics and project details, the accomplishment comes to life, making's professional impact more tangible.

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 Led.


More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms

How to use Developed on a resume:

Developed turnaround strategy for leading telecoms provider with annual losses of $50MM; resulted in 10% increase in revenue, or $5MM profit in first year.

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 Earned on a resume:

Earned expedited promotion to Senior Analyst after one year as Analyst (earned by less than 1% of cohort).

How to use Performed on a resume:

Performed a gap analysis by conducting a current state assessment to understand the inefficiencies associated with the existing manual business process.

How to use Designed on a resume:

Designed and implemented an automated system for processing employee timesheets, eliminating the need for manual handwritten timesheets and resulted in a 10/hr per week time saving.

How to use Led on a resume:

Led consolidation of 8 data systems into 1; resulted in over $55k in annual savings.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for Led on a resume?

You should vary up your language on your resume, instead of using Led over and over again. Good synonyms to use instead include:

  • Elected
  • Governed
  • Piloted
  • Changed
  • Planned
  • Assumed

What can I say instead of Led on a resume?

Here are some synonyms for commonly repeated words, like Led, I see on resumes:

  • Droved
  • Schooled
  • Regulated
  • Planned
  • Governed
  • Captained

Get a free resume review: Find out if your action verbs are strong enough.

If you haven't yet, you should probably use the free tool below that's designed to help you update your existing resume. You'll also find out if your resume can be read by resume screeners, as well as if it passes key criteria recruiters look for. Just upload your resume below to start.



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