Completing an activity promptly and effectively is precisely what the word 'perform' signifies. Recruiters know that it's essential for them to have employees capable of performing their jobs, so they're looking for indicators that an applicant has these skills.

In a resume, the term 'perform' shows evidence of how well you've performed in previous positions, indicating how well you'll perform in your future job. But, using this word multiple times in your resume can make it sound like you are an automated machine that can't do anything but perform. This isn't a very good impression to give on your resume. Also, the word 'perform' is present form, which describes an achievement you're actively doing.

When describing your accomplishments, you must use the past tense of the action verb in your bullet points. For this instance, you should use 'performed' or try using better words that describe what you did and how you did it, like 'actualized,' 'analyzed,' or 'catalogued.'

Providing details in the resume about how you handled a situation, rather than simply stating facts or figures about your experience, can make it stand out as more human and persuasive.

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

Resume Synonyms for Perform:

Initiated
Orchestrated
Established
Transformed
Executed
Implemented
Negotiated
Revitalized
Generated
Elevated
Delivered
Acted
Actualized
Analyzed
Catalogued
Collected
Conducted
Distributed
Forwarded
Fulfilled
Installed
Investigated
Produced
Processed
Prospected
Proved
Recorded
Screened
Shipped
Skyrocketed
Transacted

How to replace Perform with a stronger action verb:

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

Before: Weak example using Perform

• Performed key e-commerce tasks like optimizing advertisement placement, newsletters and promotional communication

⤸

After: Using a stronger synonym• Developed e-commerce strategies for an online clothing retailer including optimizing advertisement placement, newsletters and promotional communication; increased online sales by 10%.

Replacing Perform with Initiated ▾

Before: Perform

• Performed the initial development of a new website user interface

⤸

After: Initiated• Initiated a full redesign of the website user interface, enhancing user experience which led to a 30% increase in site traffic within the first quarter

Instead of simply stating that the task was performed, the revision emphasizes that they initiated or started the redesign, giving them more ownership of the task. A metric was also added to highlight the outcome and success of the task.

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 Perform with Orchestrated ▾

Before: Perform

• Performed the role of project manager

⤸

After: Orchestrated• Orchestrated a team of software developers to deliver a critical project, improving service uptime from 85% to 98%

'Orchestrated' was selected to emphasize leadership and coordination. Metrics based on service uptime were added, attaching quantifiable results to the description.

Replacing Perform with Established ▾

Before: Perform

• Performed necessary customer relationship management tasks

⤸

After: Established• Established key customer relationships, boosting retention rate by 25% over 6 months

The revision clearly states the action taken to improve customer relationships. It also includes a strong metric to show the outcome of the task, providing the hiring manager with concrete evidence of the achievement.

Replacing Perform with Transformed ▾

Before: Perform

• Performed customer service tasks

⤸

After: Transformed• Transformed the customer service process, reducing complaint resolution time from 48 hours to 4 hours

The word 'transformed' implies a dramatic change. Adding a specific metric measures the improvement, which could potentially impress employers.

Replacing Perform with Executed ▾

Before: Perform

• Performed financial audits

⤸

After: Executed• Executed comprehensive financial audits, identifying $250,000 in potential cost savings

Replacing 'performed' with 'executed' signifies a higher level of attention and expertise. After, it adds the detail of cost savings from the task, acting as a strong metric to show competence and achievements.

Replacing Perform with Implemented ▾

Before: Perform

• Performed data analysis tasks

⤸

After: Implemented• Implemented advanced data analytics tactics which increased operational efficiency by 35%

'Implemented' adds an active, hands-on impression to the statement. The metric provided clearly shows the direct impact of the candidate's data analysis on the organization's efficiency.

Replacing Perform with Negotiated ▾

Before: Perform

• Performed sales tasks

⤸

After: Negotiated• Negotiated extraordinary sales deals to drive a 20% increase in annual profits

Instead of just 'performing sales tasks', the improved sentence portrays the candidate as a skilled negotiator, with specific quantifiable results to support their capabilities.

Replacing Perform with Revitalized ▾

Before: Perform

• Performed social media tasks

⤸

After: Revitalized• Revitalized the company's social media presence by appealing to younger demographics, leading to a 50% increase in followers

'Revitalized' shows an ability to adapt and bring new life. By quantifying the increase in followers, the accomplishment is made tangible and concrete.

Replacing Perform with Generated ▾

Before: Perform

• Performed email marketing tasks

⤸

After: Generated• Generated substantial email campaigns that led to a 15% increase in conversion rates

'Generated' brings in an aspect of creativity and ownership. More importantly, I added a concrete metric to demonstrate the effectiveness of their campaigns.

Replacing Perform with Elevated ▾

Before: Perform

• Performed training tasks

⤸

After: Elevated• Elevated staff's technical skills by conducting an intense training program, increasing overall efficiency by 30%

The term 'elevated' conveys a sense of upward movement and growth, referring to a positive change. A metric was added to indicate the impact of your work.

Replacing Perform with Delivered ▾

Before: Perform

• Performed operational tasks

⤸

After: Delivered• Delivered an operational improvement strategy that cut costs by 20%

By changing 'performed' to 'delivered', there's more emphasis on the tangible results of your actions. Your specific impact on cost reduction is then highlighted through a quantifiable metric.

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 Perform.

More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms

How to use Developed on a resume:

• Developed and implemented heavily parallelized algorithms to resize and watermark 5MM+ images of different sizes using Amazon EC2.

How to use Created on a resume:

• Created and maintained models for M&A plans, Discounted Cash Flow Analysis, Product SVA Analysis, Credit Risk Assessment Models, and Common Stock Liquidity Comparisons.

How to use Coached on a resume:

• Coached 30 summer interns and launched a mentorship program for new joiners in the Berlin office.

How to use Conducted on a resume:

• Conducted market analysis and competitor benchmarking analysis to evaluate the distribution strategy of luxury fashion brand; summarized findings in comprehensive report to client.

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 Performed on a resume:

• Performed financial analysis to evaluate public and private financing alternatives to strengthen client's balance sheet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for Perform on a resume?

You can say Fulfilled, Transacted or Actualized instead of Perform.

What is a better word for Perform on a resume?

You can say Distributed, Conducted or Processed instead of Perform.

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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