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:

Operated
Launched
Implemented
Orchestrated
Directed
Established
Commandeered
Spearheaded
Administered
Promoted
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 synonym• Examined 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: Operated• Operated 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.

Replacing Use with Launched ▾

Before: Use

• Used social media to share company news.

⤸

After: Launched• Launched a consistent social media strategy across LinkedIn and Twitter, resulting in a 30% increase in engagement and website traffic.

The new bullet point describes the task with a more dynamic verb, 'Launched'. In addition, the revised version quantifies the impact made through this task, demonstrating the effectiveness of the candidate's actions.

Replacing Use with Implemented ▾

Before: Use

• Used SEO strategies for website traffic.

⤸

After: Implemented• Implemented advanced SEO strategies that improved website visibility on Google and consequently boosted organic traffic by 35%.

Instead of using 'Used', I switched to 'Implemented' to show the proactiveness of the task. Also, I made sure to quantify the results of implementing SEO strategies to show direct impact.

Replacing Use with Orchestrated ▾

Before: Use

• Used software programs to create designs.

⤸

After: Orchestrated• Orchestrated the use of advanced software programs to create experiential designs, resulting in a 22% increase in client satisfaction ratings.

Orchestrated is a robust, distinct verb that implies a higher level of involvement and control over a task. I added a specific benefit of the action about increasing client satisfaction ratings to show precise impact.

Replacing Use with Directed ▾

Before: Use

• Used team resources to deliver good customer service.

⤸

After: Directed• Directed a team of 8 towards deployment of resources to significantly improve customer service, successfully reducing customer complaints by 45%.

The change to 'Directed' suggests leadership and initiative, and adding in the number of people in the team paints a clearer picture. I also specified the percentage decrease in customer complaints due to improved service to show measurable results.

Replacing Use with Established ▾

Before: Use

• Used new technologies to solve problems.

⤸

After: Established• Established a hands-on approach to integrate new technologies, solving major functional issues and increasing system efficiency by 25%.

By using the term 'Established', it gives the impression of initiative and problem-solving skills. Additionally, the increase in system efficiency is quantified to show measurable success.

Replacing Use with Commandeered ▾

Before: Use

• Used meetings to build strong relationships with stakeholders.

⤸

After: Commandeered• Commandeered over 80 high-stress meetings with key stakeholders, facilitating open dialogue and securing pivotal support for new initiatives, leading to 20% increase in project funding.

The revised version implies the candidate's leadership and negotiation skills with high-ranking stakeholders. The specific increase in project funding denotes a tangible outcome of the meetings.

Replacing Use with Spearheaded ▾

Before: Use

• Used new policies to minimize risk.

⤸

After: Spearheaded• Spearheaded the implementation of new compliance policies, minimizing operational risks and reducing insurance costs by 18%.

The word 'Spearheaded' denotes leadership and initiative, which recasts the task more impressively. The later part specifies the benefits of implementing these policies in measurable terms, making it more impactful.

Replacing Use with Administered ▾

Before: Use

• Used database for scheduling the staff..

⤸

After: Administered• Administered the use of a complex database scheduling system to coordinate a 10-member staff, achieving 100% schedule accuracy.

The use of 'Administered' highlights the responsibility the person holds. By mentioning the team size and the achieved outcome, we give a clear and comprehensive view of their role and its impact.

Replacing Use with Promoted ▾

Before: Use

• Used office standards to foster a positive environment.

⤸

After: Promoted• Promoted office standards and culture resulting in a positive environment, leading to a 40% decrease in staff turnover rates.

By changing 'Use' to 'Promote', it highlights the candidate's active role in maintaining the office atmosphere. The impact of this action was also quantified in terms of decreased staff turnover rates to underline the effective result.

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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