Resume Synonyms for Selected

Want another word for Selected 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, "Selected".

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

If you're looking to demonstrate that you were proactive, organized, and efficient in your work, the verb 'selected' is a great way to do it. When you use this word in your resume, it shows that you were able to prioritize tasks correctly and make good decisions about which projects to take on.

The verb is also a great way to show off your ability to choose from various options and select the best one for the situation. However, the term 'selected' doesn't tell the recruiter what you actually did, which is what they want to know.

To rectify this, you can use action verbs like 'adopted' or 'appointed.' For example: 'Adopted new processes for tracking employee data.' This shows that you took charge of a project, adopted new processes, and implemented them.

Using power verbs in your resume makes it easier for the hiring manager to understand what you did at each job without having to read through a long list of responsibilities or duties. They also help the reader imagine themselves doing those things if they were hired for that position, making them more likely to call you in for an interview!

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

Resume Synonyms for Selected:

  • Elected
  • Appointed
  • Designated
  • Nominated
  • Adopted
  • Embraced
  • Stipulated
  • Identified
  • Classified
  • Analyzed
  • Initiated
  • Managed
  • Developed
  • Led
  • Incorporated
  • Cultivated
  • Settled
  • Determined
  • Constituted

How to replace Selected with a stronger action verb:

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

Before: Weak example using Selected

Selected as one of the highest performing sales people

After: Using a stronger synonymIntroduced mobile payments and mobile shopping; exceeded sales target by 95% in 2020, winning the Business Store Award in 2020..

Replacing Selected with Opted

Before: Selected

Selected to provide customer service support during peak shopping seasons.

After: OptedOpted to provide customer service support during the chaotic Christmas shopping season, successfully solving 98% of customer complaints within 24 hours, leading to a 35% increase in customer satisfaction ratings.

By specifying which peak shopping season the candidate worked in and defining what 'success' means, the candidate’s contribution is quantified. The action verb 'Opted' shows initiative and willingness, demonstrating a proactive mindset.

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 Selected.


More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms

How to use Promoted on a resume:

Promoted to Associate Consultant in 2 years (1 year in advance); the only member in a cohort of 45 Analysts to be fast-tracked.

How to use Pitched on a resume:

Pitched 25+ stocks to the investment team and portfolio managers, resulting in the addition of 6 stocks to the firm's portfolio with investment returns of more than 15% in 12 months.

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 Managed on a resume:

Managed a cross-functional team of 10 in 3 locations (London, Mumbai and New York), ranging from entry-level to Ph.D. analysts, and closely collaborated with business development, data analysis, operations and marketing teams.

How to use Developed on a resume:

Developed an iPhone app to help medical professionals measure the insulin needs of patients with diabetes.

How to use Generated on a resume:

Generated 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 Selected on a resume?

Generic language like Selected are considered to be buzzwords because they're used so often. Consider using synonyms like Appointed, Settled, Adopted, Nominated, Incorporated or Constituted.

What are other words for Selected on a resume?

Generic language like Selected are considered to be buzzwords because they're used so often. Consider using synonyms like Managed, Incorporated, Developed, Determined, Settled or Initiated.


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

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