If you're applying for a job, you must show that you have the qualifications needed to perform successfully in the position. One way of doing so would be using the word 'pursue' in your resume. When you use this action verb, employers will know that you're a self-starter who takes the initiative and gets things done.

Writing a resume, you might find yourself tempted to use the word 'pursue' (the present form of the action verb 'pursued') on every bullet point. After all, this word means that you're goal-oriented and driven—but don't overuse it. Doing so creates a repetitive, monotonous tone that makes reading your resume difficult. Using the verb's past tense when describing past achievements is also essential.

You can correct this problem by replacing repetitive words with synonyms. For example, 'pursue' could be replaced with 'visualized,' 'completed,' or 'perfected.' This will help you avoid redundant language and simplify your resume.

Synonyms show diversity in writing style—they show that you're not afraid to try new things and experiment with different ways of expressing yourself. They also give you more options for crafting the perfect sentence or phrase to emphasize one aspect of an accomplishment over another.

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

Resume Synonyms for Pursue:

Explored
Quested
Negotiated
Dedicated
Propelled
Seeked
Strove
Embarked
Campaigned
Expounded
Investigated
Researched
Analyzed
Examined
Reviewed
Checked
Scrutinized
Probed
Engaged
Tracked
Attained
Reached
Masterminded
Completed
Visualized
Forged
Perfected
Constructed

How to replace Pursue with a stronger action verb:

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

Before: Weak example using Pursue

• Pursued new sales opportunities using unique methods

⤸

After: Using a stronger synonym• Ignited 55 new sales opportunities via inbound lead follow-up and cold calls/emails which converted 60% of leads to RW clients within 3 weeks..

Replacing Pursue with Explored ▾

Before: Pursue

• Pursued a new marketing strategy

⤸

After: Explored• Explored and implemented a new data-driven marketing strategy, leading to a 30% increase in online traffic and 15% rise in conversion rates within 6 months.

As a hiring manager, it's crucial to see specific results. I replaced 'Pursued' with 'Explored and implemented' as it not only depicts initiative usage but also successful execution. Added metrics provide quantifiable results, demonstrating effectiveness.

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 Pursue with Quested ▾

Before: Pursue

• Pursued continuous improvement strategies

⤸

After: Quested• Quested efficient continuous improvement strategies, decreasing overall production time by 20% and improving product quality by 15% within a year.

I changed 'Pursued' to 'Quested' as it suggests an active search. I added quantifiable improvements and a timeframe to make the impact clear. Always include exact parameters to paint a clear picture of your contributions.

Replacing Pursue with Negotiated ▾

Before: Pursue

• Pursued corporate partnerships

⤸

After: Negotiated• Negotiated and secured three major corporate partnerships, contributing to an increase of 25% in annual revenue.

Here, I swapped 'pursued' for 'negotiated' and included specifics about the results. The purpose is to not only demonstrate job role but also to show your ability to effect change and deliver results.

Replacing Pursue with Dedicated ▾

Before: Pursue

• Pursued the goals of the sales department

⤸

After: Dedicated• Dedicated effort in strategically driving the sales team, resulting in exceeding annual targets by 35%.

By replacing 'Pursued' with 'Dedicated,' it shows commitment. It adds vigor to the phrase and, combined with precise metrics, shows the significant impact of your dedication.

Replacing Pursue with Propelled ▾

Before: Pursue

• Pursued professional development opportunities.

⤸

After: Propelled• Propelled my professional growth by attaining four industry-specific certifications, increasing my project completion rate by 15%.

In this instance, 'Propelled' trades vagueness to portray an active approach towards professional development. Including the outcome of your actions is necessary to illustrate the real-world effects of your efforts.

Replacing Pursue with Seeked ▾

Before: Pursue

• Pursued better client relationships

⤸

After: Seeked• Seeked and nurtured client relationships, which resulted in a 20% increase in client retention over two quarters.

By switching 'pursued' to 'seeked and nurtured', I emphasize a proactive approach and the success it delivered. This paints a more vibrant picture of engagement and results achieved.

Replacing Pursue with Strove ▾

Before: Pursue

• Pursued a solution to software bugs

⤸

After: Strove• Strove and successfully rectified 90% of software bugs, enhancing end-user experience by 25% within 4 months.

'Pursued' was replaced with 'strove' to reflect an overcoming of difficulty. This demonstrates resilience along with concrete results to showcase capabilities and achievements.

Replacing Pursue with Embarked ▾

Before: Pursue

• Pursued new business leads

⤸

After: Embarked• Embarked in sourcing new business leads, securing 50 new clients which led to a quarterly revenue boost of 18%.

In this scenario, we replaced 'pursued' with 'embarked' to show initiative and completed the picture with quantifiable results - ensuring that the claim is verifiable.

Replacing Pursue with Campaigned ▾

Before: Pursue

• Pursued company-wide sustainable practices

⤸

After: Campaigned• Campaigned for and implemented sustainable practices across departments, resulting in a 30% reduction in carbon emissions over one year.

'Campaigned' replaces 'pursued' to give a sense of leadership and activism. Specific results give a clear insight into practical achievements from these efforts.

Replacing Pursue with Expounded ▾

Before: Pursue

• Pursued software training for staff

⤸

After: Expounded• Expounded software training to staff, leading to a 50% increase in department productivity and 30% decrease in software-related employee queries.

I replaced 'pursued' with 'expounded,' showing a clear delineation of training activities. By mentioning both productivity and reduction in software-related queries, the benefit for the company becomes explicit.

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 Pursue.

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 Performed on a resume:

• Performed a gap analysis by conducting a current state assessment to understand the inefficiencies associated with the existing manual business process.

How to use Designed on a resume:

• Designed and implemented operational efficiency improvement program for leading UK energy supplier to reduce rate of energy outages by 60% in three years.

How to use Overhauled on a resume:

• Overhauled the obsolete legacy source code of two production applications, resulting in increased usability and reduced run time performance by 50%.

How to use Led on a resume:

• Led interview campaign with existing customers (300+ person survey, 40+ face-to-face discussions) to formulate requirements of a new product to help couples manage their expenses; outputs directly impacted product roadmap.

How to use Streamlined on a resume:

• Streamlined the implementation process and reduced the average product delivery time from 10 days to 4 days by redefining responsibilities and improving accountability of employees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for Pursue on a resume?

You should vary up your language on your resume, instead of using Pursue over and over again. Good synonyms to use instead include:

Analyzed
Attained
Completed
Checked
Researched

What is a better word for Pursue on a resume?

You can say Researched, or Constructed instead of Pursue.

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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