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:

Elevated
Initiated
Overhauled
Executed
Championed
Mobilized
Revitalized
Orchestrated
Cultivated
Pioneered
Expedited
Revamped
Accelerated
Deciphered
Spearheaded
Bolstered
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 synonym• Spearheaded 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: Elevated• Elevated 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.

Replacing Took with Initiated ▾

Before: Took

• Took charge of coordinating team meetings

⤸

After: Initiated• Initiated a streamlined process that improved meeting efficiency, reducing their duration by 40% and saving the team an estimated 15 hours per month.

As a hiring manager, 'Initiated' suggests proactivity. Moreover, quantifying the time saved and improved efficiency gives concrete proof of the beneficial impact of your strategies.

Replacing Took with Overhauled ▾

Before: Took

• Took responsibility for the company's outdated website

⤸

After: Overhauled• Overhauled the company's web presence, introducing a modern design - leading to a 30% increase in online traffic over 6 months.

By using 'Overhauled', it portrays an image of a complete transformation. Detailing the changes made, and the subsequent results, provides a clear depiction of your capability.

Replacing Took with Executed ▾

Before: Took

• Took part in developing the new marketing campaign

⤸

After: Executed• Executed a go-to-market strategy for a new product that boosted sales by 20% in the first quarter.

While 'Executed' suggests active participation, the inclusion of the outcome and its corresponding metrics highlight your significant contribution.

Replacing Took with Championed ▾

Before: Took

• Took on the role of project manager

⤸

After: Championed• Championed a project that ultimately saved the company $50,000 in outsourcing costs and concluded three weeks ahead of schedule.

We have replaced 'Took' with 'Championed' to portray determination. The detailed account of your efficiency and cost-saving ability will make your resume stand out.

Replacing Took with Mobilized ▾

Before: Took

• Took up the challenge of team leadership

⤸

After: Mobilized• Mobilized a bottom-ranked team to achieve top 5 status within the company within a six-month period.

As a recruiter, using 'Mobilized' instead of 'Took' indicates proactivity and successful leadership. The concrete metric of improvement further boosts your credibility.

Replacing Took with Revitalized ▾

Before: Took

• Took care of the failing sales department

⤸

After: Revitalized• Revitalized a underperforming sales division, strategizing a new sales framework that resulted in a 25% increase in revenue within the first quarter.

The term 'Revitalized' conjures a picture of reenergized and improved operations. By quantifying the revenue increase, it becomes evident your strategic initiatives create real-world results.

Replacing Took with Orchestrated ▾

Before: Took

• Took up the task of organizing the annual company event

⤸

After: Orchestrated• Orchestrated the company's annual gala, which attracted 500 attendees, a 25% increase from the previous year.

The verb 'Orchestrated' has a robust, controlled image that 'Took' lacks. Citing the increased attendance verifies the success of your organization skills.

Replacing Took with Cultivated ▾

Before: Took

• Took the mandate of improving team synergy

⤸

After: Cultivated• Cultivated a dynamic team environment that boosted productivity by 20% over the course of six months.

As a hiring manager, 'Cultivated' suggests growth and nurturing. Documenting the productivity increase promptly solidifies your claim.

Replacing Took with Pioneered ▾

Before: Took

• Took the job of improving company CSR

⤸

After: Pioneered• Pioneered a ground-breaking CSR initiative that increased the company's community outreach by 45%.

‘Pioneered' implies innovation and leadership which always stands out. Giving a metric for the result reinforces this impression.

Replacing Took with Expedited ▾

Before: Took

• Took responsibility of the project timeline

⤸

After: Expedited• Expedited the project process, delivering the entire project 2 weeks ahead of the schedule.

‘Expedited’ paints a picture of speed and efficiency, which is a valued trait in any candidate. Clearly stating the time saved makes the point succinct and impactful.

Replacing Took with Revamped ▾

Before: Took

• Took upon the task of modifying training materials

⤸

After: Revamped• Revamped training materials, and as a result, the employee productivity saw an escalated growth of 30%.

Using 'Revamped' instead of ‘Took’ signifies creativity and improvement. Mentioning the increased productivity percent makes the statement more credible.

Replacing Took with Accelerated ▾

Before: Took

• Took the role of improving sales

⤸

After: Accelerated• Accelerated the sales process, implementing changes that drove a 25% increase in quarterly revenue.

‘Accelerated’ implies speed and proactivity. By specifying the increased revenue, we emphasize the positive impact of your actions.

Replacing Took with Deciphered ▾

Before: Took

• Took the task of analyzing company data

⤸

After: Deciphered• Deciphered complex data trends, proposing a new marketing strategy which saw a 15% increase in customer acquisition

The verb 'Deciphered' emphasizes your analytical ability. By detailing the marketing strategy and its results, this statement puts your technical skills in the limelight.

Replacing Took with Spearheaded ▾

Before: Took

• Took on the key account of the company

⤸

After: Spearheaded• Spearheaded successful negotiations for a key account, resulting in a contract renewal worth $1.2 million.

By using 'Spearheaded', it portrays a picture of leadership and control. The explicit statement of the contract renewal’s worth makes the accomplishment truly impressive.

Replacing Took with Bolstered ▾

Before: Took

• Took the challenge of increasing brand visibility

⤸

After: Bolstered• Bolstered brand visibility through a targeted online marketing campaign that boosted website traffic by 50%.

Swapping 'Took' with 'Bolstered' focuses on your impact. Stating the percentage increase in website traffic quantifies your achievement.

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

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Q: 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.

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