Resume Synonyms for Took

Want another word for Took 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, "Took".

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

In composing a resume, it's essential to demonstrate the ability to make decisions and take action when necessary. As such, the verb 'took' is a good choice for your resume as it shows that you can take control and direct others.

However, using 'took' in your resume can also come across as weak, so avoid using this verb whenever possible. For instance, you might see it like this: 'I took over the project and got it done.' This sentence fails to illustrate how you did the thing, only describing what you did.

When revising your resume, replace 'took' with action verbs like 'sustained,' 'bettered,' or 'succeeded' to describe what you did more powerfully. This will also help you show that you were active in the situation rather than just being involved by default.

Power verbs make you sound more active and give your resume more strength; this change will make your resume more concise and powerful. The longer your sentences are, the harder they are for hiring managers to read quickly and understand what you're trying to say. By using power verbs instead of generic or weak ones, you'll make sure that every word counts!

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

Resume Synonyms for Took:

  • Sustained
  • Designated
  • Acquired
  • Adopted
  • Embraced
  • Elected
  • Selected
  • Procured
  • Appointed
  • Secured
  • Nominated
  • Won
  • Gained
  • Garnered
  • Obtained
  • Acted
  • Succeeded
  • Bettered
  • Surpassed
  • Maneuvered

How to replace Took with a stronger action verb:

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

Before: Weak example using Took

Took over customer support from a previous employee, and made a big improvement

After: Using a stronger synonymSpearheaded a new technique that reduced average ticket resolution time from 24 hours to 2 hours, a 40% improvement from the previous technician. .

Replacing Took with Elevated

Before: Took

Took lead on software development project

After: ElevatedElevated project deliverables by assuming control of major software development project, optimizing resource allocation and trimming production time by 35%.

Replacing 'Took' with 'Elevated' emphasizes that you made a significant improvement. By quantifying the impact, it demonstrates the direct result of your leadership on the project.

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 Took.


More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms

How to use Conducted on a resume:

Conducted private equity due diligence in $400M portfolio. Performed strategic and analytical valuation of assets based on interviews with experts and created extensive models of the industries; persuaded client to move forward with acquisition.

How to use Overhauled on a resume:

Overhauled the company's website by increasing graphics usage by 50% and mobile responsiveness by 100%; generated 70% more leads via email capture forms, reduced bounce rate by 20%.

How to use Analyzed on a resume:

Analyzed global opportunities for the company's different membership tiers; designed and introduced a new membership tier which is projected to generate 300k new users in its first year.

How to use Created on a resume:

Created and implemented Google AdWords strategy; increased customer acquisitions by 20% and decreased cost per acquisition by 50%.

How to use Produced on a resume:

Produced comprehensive pitch decks, used for internal research and external marketing, on 1) an Indian real estate investment with a $4.5B market cap and 2) telecommunications in emerging markets.

How to use Spearheaded on a resume:

Spearheaded redevelopment of internal tracking system in use by 125 employees, resulting in 20+ new features, reduction of 20% in save/load time and 15% operation time.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for Took on a resume?

Instead of passive phrases like Took, use other words like Secured, Nominated, Garnered, Maneuvered, Won or Appointed. Using these verbs will help your accomplishments and bullet points stand out on your resume.

What can I use instead of Took on a resume?

If you're looking for another word to use in place of Took, consider using one of these stronger alternatives:

  • Obtained
  • Acquired
  • Embraced
  • Acted
  • Secured
  • Won

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

I'd recommend uploading your resume below to get a free resume review. You'll get a detailed analysis of your resume's action verbs and your experience, with instant suggestions on how to improve them based on recruiter insights.



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