Resume Synonyms for Perform

Want another word for Perform 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, "Perform".

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

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:

  • 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 synonymDeveloped 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: InitiatedInitiated 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.


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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