As an employee, 'operate' is often used to demonstrate your ability to take action and get things done. This means that when you operate, you are controlling an object or process, and you're taking action to move forward with a plan or idea—and that's exactly what employers look for when they read resumes!

While the word 'operate' is a strong action verb, using it excessively might make your resume seem less polished. Instead of using the same word multiple times, you should use synonyms and similar expressions. Also, when expressing what you did at your past jobs, it is recommended that you use the verb tense for actions in the past (e.g., 'operated' instead of the present tense verb 'operate').

Action verbs like 'drove' and 'piloted' can be used in place of 'operate'. This way, you can describe the same concept differently, helping you avoid being dull and repetitive.

Adapting synonyms gives you benefits, including clarity and specificity when discussing your previous work experiences on your resume. Moreover, using synonyms for 'operate' in your resume underscores that you're resourceful, flexible, and willing to work hard—someone who will always be ready to adapt and step up and solve problems.

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

Resume Synonyms for Operate:

Managed
Orchestrated
Controlled
Arranged
Coordinated
Administered
Presided
Oversaw
Directed
Governed
Maintained
Refined
Streamlined
Allocated
Balanced
Automated
Processed
Installed
Overhauled
Rectified
Navigated
Conducted
Distributed
Forwarded
Pursued
Monitored
Audited
Computed
Piloted
Drove

How to replace Operate with a stronger action verb:

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

Before: Weak example using Operate

• Operated manufacturing at different facilities

⤸

After: Using a stronger synonym• Created process improvements that boosted efficiency at 13 manufacturing facilities; reduced cycle time by 29%..

Replacing Operate with Managed ▾

Before: Operate

• Operated a team of sales associates.

⤸

After: Managed• Managed a sales team of 10 associates, fostering a 30% increase in monthly sales volume and reducing employee attrition by half during the first year.

In this rewrite, I chose 'Managed' because it emphasises leadership and control over a situation. Being more specific about the size and type of team, plus the measurable impacts of the management, make the bullet more compelling.

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.

Replacing Operate with Orchestrated ▾

Before: Operate

• Operated in cross-functional teams to complete projects.

⤸

After: Orchestrated• Orchestrated cross-functional initiatives, successfully executing 4 major projects that made a 15% increase in productivity.

With the term 'Orchestrated', we shift the focus onto the candidate's enabling and leadership role. The new bullet illustrates exactly how many projects and what the consequences were. It paints a clearer picture.

Replacing Operate with Controlled ▾

Before: Operate

• Operated budget for department.

⤸

After: Controlled• Controlled a department budget of $1 million, successfully limiting overspend and returning $75K worth of savings to bottom-line.

The term 'Controlled' draws attention to the candidate's fiscal responsibility. The additional specifics about the budget's size and savings realized also demonstrate good stewardship of resources.

Replacing Operate with Arranged ▾

Before: Operate

• Operated company meetings.

⤸

After: Arranged• Arranged and led weekly company meetings, improving internal communication efficiency by 25% and fostering greater team collaboration.

The verb 'Arranged' highlights the candidate's organizational skills and proactivity. Indicating the frequency and effect of the meetings provides concrete evidence of their added value.

Replacing Operate with Coordinated ▾

Before: Operate

• Operated the HR department.

⤸

After: Coordinated• Coordinated the Human Resources department, successfully decreasing hiring time by 30% and increasing employee retention rates by 20%.

By using 'Coordinated', I wanted to show that you didn't just operate but you actively made beneficial changes for the department. Adding specific metrics about hiring and retention gives it more weight.

Replacing Operate with Administered ▾

Before: Operate

• Operated company training program.

⤸

After: Administered• Administered company-wide training programs, bolstering staff productivity by an average 15% and developing 20 internal leaders within 1 year.

I used 'Administered' to emphasize your role in directing and overseeing the training program. Additionally, precise figures on productivity improvement and internal leadership development signify progression and success.

Replacing Operate with Presided ▾

Before: Operate

• Operated in five global projects.

⤸

After: Presided• Presided over five global projects resulting in a 35% reduction in costs and an overall savings of $2 million.

I exchanged 'Operated' with 'Presided' to underscore your executive role. Additionally, I illuminated the tangible outcomes of your efforts in terms of cost reduction and savings.

Replacing Operate with Oversaw ▾

Before: Operate

• Operated software development team.

⤸

After: Oversaw• Oversaw a software development team of 12, launching 3 groundbreaking products, increasing market share by 9%.

'Oversaw' showcases your authoritative role. Being concrete about the team size, products launched, and results gathered brings the point alive.

Replacing Operate with Directed ▾

Before: Operate

• Operated digital marketing campaign.

⤸

After: Directed• Directed an innovative digital marketing campaign, boosting web traffic by 35% and sales conversion by 15%.

'Directed' emphasizes a decisive command role. This gives recruiters an insight into your potentials as a hands-on, results-driven leader.

Replacing Operate with Governed ▾

Before: Operate

• Operated customer service department.

⤸

After: Governed• Governed a customer service department of 20, slashing resolution time by 50% and elevating customer satisfaction by 30%.

'Governed' reflects decision-making and leadership. Particular statistics about resolution times and customer satisfaction underline the real-life impact of your governing style.

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 Operate.

More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms

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 Led on a resume:

• Led 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 Prepared on a resume:

• Prepared a 100 page pitch book summarizing findings and presented analysis to managing directors.

How to use Interviewed on a resume:

• Interviewed future end users in London and New York daily to identify and analyse the inefficiencies in the existing manual process of bulk updating customer details.

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 Reduced on a resume:

• Reduced time to render the video by 75% by implementing prediction algorithm and delayed graphics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for Operate on a resume?

Generic language like Operate are considered to be buzzwords because they're used so often. Consider using synonyms like Forwarded, Piloted, Audited, Allocated, Automated or Navigated.

What is a better way of saying Operate on a resume?

Instead of passive phrases like Operate, use other words like Pursued, Navigated, Installed, Drove, Refined or Monitored. Using these verbs will help your accomplishments and bullet points stand out on your resume.

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

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Q: What is a better way of saying Operate on a resume?

Instead of passive phrases like Operate , use other words like Pursued, Navigated, Installed, Drove, Refined or Monitored. Using these verbs will help your accomplishments and bullet points stand out on your resume.

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