Resume Synonyms for Obtain
Want another word for Obtain 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, "Obtain".
To make sure your resume speaks volumes about you and gets noticed by hiring managers, it must be carefully crafted. In order to do this, use a great verb like obtain to show that you can accomplish goals and meet your employer's expectations—that you'll do whatever it takes to get the job done.
It's important to show hiring managers how capable you are of obtaining your goals. However, using the present-tense verb 'obtain' repeatedly in your resume can make it sound like you're listing off tasks or responsibilities or that you're not very good at communicating your accomplishments.
To prevent this from happening, use synonyms. It's also a good practice to write using the verb's past tense ('obtained') in itemizing your past achievements. Instead of 'obtain,' use other words like 'acquired,' 'negotiated,' and 'realized.' These synonyms communicate that you have a track record of success.
Using synonyms allows you to choose the word that best communicates what you want to say, which helps recruiters reading your resume understand it more clearly. It also helps you stay focused on the content of your resume—telling employers that you have the ability to get things done, even when there are obstacles or challenges.
I've compiled some synonyms you can use instead of Obtain on your resume.
Resume Synonyms for Obtain:
- Acquired
- Earned
- Collected
- Procured
- Negotiated
- Recruited
- Captured
- Gained
- Garnered
- Awarded
- Gathered
- Realized
- Won
- Scored
- Accumulated
- Purchased
- Retrieved
How to replace Obtain with a stronger action verb:
Let's look at a before and after example of how you can remove and replace the overused phrase, Obtain, with a stronger synonym and alternative that is more effective at highlighting your achievements.
Before: Weak example using Obtain
• a promotion for successfully managing hundreds of purchase orders
⤸
After: Using a stronger synonym• an early promotion by successfully executing the placement, management and data entry process for 700 purchase orders in 3 countries..
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 Obtain.
More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms
How to use Led on a resume:
• training and peer-mentoring programs for the incoming class of 25 analysts in 2012; developed and maintained training program to reduce onboarding time for new hires by 50%.
How to use Developed on a resume:
• and implemented heavily parallelized algorithms to resize and watermark 5MM+ images of different sizes using Amazon EC2.
How to use Conducted on a resume:
• competitor benchmarking analysis, competitor/distributor interviews and data analysis to determine that the existing sustained decline in a luxury skincare product business was reversible, building the case for a successful $150MM acquisition.
How to use Promoted on a resume:
• within 12 months due to strong performance and organizational impact - ahead of schedule by 12 months.
How to use Created on a resume:
• a performance reporting template, achieving an 80% reduction in the preparation time of standard client materials.
How to use Generated on a resume:
• 12,000 unique users, 30,000 page views, and 2000+ newsletter signups in 3 weeks by successfully leveraging social media advertising (Facebook and Instagram).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is another word for Obtain on a resume?
Here are some synonyms for commonly repeated words, like Obtain, I see on resumes:
- Retrieved
- Won
- Collected
- Gained
- Earned
- Negotiated
What is a better way of saying Obtain on a resume?
Synonyms you can use instead of the overused phrase Obtain include:
- Purchased
- Captured
- Gained
- Collected
- Realized
- Garnered
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.
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