Resume Synonyms for Use

Want another word for Use 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, "Use".

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

Job seekers make use of the present tense verb 'use' in their resumes to show off their skillset and how they can apply it to almost any job. It conveys that they can apply knowledge to solve problems and accomplish goals.

The word 'use' is a powerful tool in resume writing that indicates the ability to bring solutions to future employers. However, this word is too vague. It doesn't tell the recruiter what you actually did and does not set you apart from other candidates who use the same verb.

Instead of generic verbs, it's better to use action verbs that provide specific details about what you did. Using the verb's past tense when writing about past accomplishments is also preferred. To illustrate, replace 'use' with better words, like 'attuned' or 'intensified.' Using action verbs makes it clear that you have a lot of experience with the specific things you're describing.

Using action rather than generic verbs in your resume allows you to be more specific about the impact and value you've added to your previous roles. In addition to being more descriptive than 'use,' action verbs imply that you're taking action—which is precisely what potential employers want to see.

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

Resume Synonyms for Use:

  • Leveraged
  • Capitalized
  • Exercised
  • Wielded
  • Attuned
  • Employed
  • Applied
  • Mobilized
  • Harnessed
  • Deployed
  • Exerted
  • Restored
  • Revived
  • Intensified
  • Escalated

How to replace Use with a stronger action verb:

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

Before: Weak example using Use

Used blueprints to identify challenges and risks

After: Using a stronger synonymExamined blueprints to determine challenges and risks in 23+ projects by collaborating with other architects during the design process; reduced client complaints by 70%. .

Replacing Use with Operated

Before: Use

Used computer systems to keep records.

After: OperatedOperated enterprise computer systems to maintain and update records of 300+ clients, increasing data accuracy by 40%.

As a recruiter, I made sure the action verb and the result are more specific. The change from 'Used' to 'Operated' puts more emphasis on the candidate's hands-on experience. Furthermore, I included metrics to show the impact of the work on data accuracy.

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 Use.


More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms

How to use Collaborate on a resume:

Collaborate with developers and product management team to assess project outcomes and prioritize future app features.

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 Conducted on a resume:

Conducted the due diligence of three retailers for a private equity investor with potential EBITDA impact of $200MM+ by 2020; developed customer acquisition strategy across channels.

How to use Selected on a resume:

Selected as a case interviewer for analyst candidates (usually reserved for Senior Consultant+ level).

How to use Doubled on a resume:

Doubled new user acquisition from 10-15 users to 20-25 through the implementation of new marketing strategies focused on online advertising and improving the company's web presence, social media, and search engine optimization..

How to use Evaluated on a resume:

Evaluated acquisition opportunities for a German reinsurer. Performed accretion and dilution analyses, conducted market research to gauge the viability and long term prospects of target's businesses.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for Use on a resume?

Generic language like Use are considered to be buzzwords because they're used so often. Consider using synonyms like Applied, Exerted, Harnessed, Leveraged, Revived or Exercised.

What can I say instead of Use on a resume?

You can say Applied, Capitalized or Escalated instead of Use.


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

To figure out if you're using the right verbs on your resume, you should upload it to the tool below. It'll analyze at each of your resume's bullet points and verbs, as well as 20+ key criteria hiring managers look for, and tell you if you have any big mistakes that need fixing.



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