Resume Synonyms for Make

Want another word for Make 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, "Make".

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

To write a winning resume, you must use words that will communicate your skills and experience to the recruiter reading it. The present-tense verb 'make' shows an ability to produce results, which can appeal to employers who want proof that the person they hire will be able to make crucial decisions once on the job.

When you use 'make' in your resume, you're likely trying to convey that you're a doer, but it's not enough. The problem with using 'make' is that it's ambiguous and non-specific: it fails to specify what you've actually accomplished or made. Also, when writing about your past achievements, it's best to use the past tense of a verb (such as 'made').

Instead of 'make,' use power verbs like 'manufactured,' 'forged,' or 'actualized.' These more descriptive words will show how you did your work and help create an image in the reader's mind about what kind of person your resume describes—someone who is proactive.

When you use a power verb, it gives your resume more energy and conveys an overall sense of progress. Power verbs also make it easier to see what kind of work you've been doing because they're specific (like 'manufactured,' where 'made' isn't).

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

Resume Synonyms for Make:

  • Confected
  • Fabricated
  • Drafted
  • Framed
  • Molded
  • Conceptualized
  • Customized
  • Fashioned
  • Forged
  • Manufactured
  • Modeled
  • Erected
  • Structured
  • Raised
  • Catalyzed
  • Started
  • Actualized
  • Effectuated
  • Compelled
  • Inaugurated

How to replace Make with a stronger action verb:

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

Before: Weak example using Make

Made website and marketing plan for my employer

After: Using a stronger synonymRe-designed website and developed social media marketing plan; increased total membership by 28% and social media followers by 17%.

Replacing Make with Engineered

Before: Make

Made a process improvement report for the team

After: EngineeredEngineered a process improvement strategy by conducting rigorous team audits that boosted efficiency by 23%

Adding 'Engineered' instead of 'Made' gives the impact of the candidate's contribution. Plus, precise stats like 'boosted efficiency by 23%' adds credibility and clearly highlights the result of their effort.

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 Make.


More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms

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.

How to use Pitched on a resume:

Pitched 25+ stocks to the investment team and portfolio managers, resulting in the addition of 6 stocks to the firm's portfolio with investment returns of more than 15% in 12 months.

How to use Collaborate on a resume:

Collaborate with developers and product management team to assess project outcomes and prioritize future app features.

How to use Analyzed on a resume:

Analyzed brand's pricing, advertising and distribution data and identified seasonal trends and white space by integrating consumer insights; recommended strategic changes in portfolio and marketing plan to C-suite executives, reversing sales slump (+6.5%).

How to use Developed on a resume:

Developed and maintained ETL scripts in Python and Perl to scrape data from external web sites into a mySQL database..

How to use Led on a resume:

Led team of six analysts towards saving client 10MM USD; acted as Engagement Manager by managing relationships with senior client stakeholders.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for Make on a resume?

Below are some alternative words and synonyms to add to your resume instead of Make:

  • Drafted
  • Erected
  • Modeled
  • Molded
  • Forged
  • Actualized

What is a better word for Make on a resume?

You can say Inaugurated, Fabricated or Catalyzed instead of Make.


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

If you have a version of your resume ready, remember to get it checked using our free resume scanner below. It will make sure all your action verbs are strong enough, and give you feedback on any mistakes you might have overlooked, so you can fix them before a recruiter sees them.



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