Resume Synonyms for Negotiate

Want another word for Negotiate 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, "Negotiate".

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

In many industries, negotiating is a critical skill. It shows that you're able to work with other people to achieve a common goal. When applying for a new job, you must show the skills that make you unique and valuable—and the present tense verb 'negotiate' is one way to do so!

Negotiation takes a lot of time and energy, and it's not something everyone wants to do—but when you have that skill, it puts you ahead of most applicants. However, the word 'negotiate' can be a problem to use repeatedly in your resume because it can sound redundant and make you seem like you're trying too hard to sell yourself.

It's good to use synonyms for 'negotiate' to avoid redundancy. Also, using the verb's past tense is suitable when detailing your past roles. For example, instead of saying 'negotiate,' say 'proposed', 'intermediated', or 'settled'.

Using synonyms will help keep your resume from sounding repetitive and effectively describe what you did at different points. It also helps demonstrate your skills in a more specific way so hiring managers can see how well-suited you would be for the position they're hiring for—someone who can work with others to reach the desired outcome.

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

Resume Synonyms for Negotiate:

  • Settled
  • Cooperated
  • Lobbied
  • Influenced
  • Liaised
  • Transacted
  • Partnered
  • Sourced
  • Proposed
  • Spoke
  • Intermediated
  • Networked
  • Consulted
  • Adjusted
  • Agreed
  • Bargained
  • Contracted

How to replace Negotiate with a stronger action verb:

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

Before: Weak example using Negotiate

Negotiated costs for housing contracts

After: Using a stronger synonymReduced costs for housing projects by 30% through negotiating contracts and comparing costs of procurement. .

Replacing Negotiate with Merged

Before: Negotiate

Negotiated company merger

After: MergedSpearheaded a company merger by establishing cross-functional communication, leading to an increase of 15% in enterprise value within the first quarter.

The verb 'Spearheaded' is more descriptive and demonstrates leadership. The improved bullet point further emphasizes the candidates' role and the specific impact they had, providing tangible evidence of their influence.

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 Negotiate.


More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms

How to use Managed on a resume:

Managed a cross-functional team of 10 in 3 locations (London, Mumbai and New York), ranging from entry-level to Ph.D. analysts, and closely collaborated with business development, data analysis, operations and marketing teams.

How to use Enabled on a resume:

Enabled integration with existing systems by creating tool that extracts metadata from images and provides metadata to a system-wide search database..

How to use Coordinated on a resume:

Coordinated a team of four developers and two designers to implement and launch online marketplace that connects students with tutors, within 6 months.

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 Analyzed on a resume:

Analyzed company's 24-month sales results to develop five-year monthly projections by revenue and customer type.

How to use Conducted on a resume:

Conducted private equity due diligence in $400M portfolio. Performed strategic and analytical valuation of assets based on interviews with experts and created extensive models of the industries; persuaded client to move forward with acquisition.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for Negotiate on a resume?

Instead of passive phrases like Negotiate, use other words like Bargained, Lobbied, Networked, Liaised, Contracted or Settled. Using these verbs will help your accomplishments and bullet points stand out on your resume.

What is a better word for Negotiate on a resume?

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

  • Influenced
  • Contracted
  • Spoke
  • Consulted
  • Proposed
  • Adjusted

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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