Resume Synonyms for Utilize

Want another word for Utilize 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, "Utilize".

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

'Utilize' is a great way to show that you have the ability to find creative solutions to problems, as well as the ability to use available tools and resources. You can use this word on your resume if you want hiring managers to know that you are resourceful and can get things done.

Using 'utilize' on your resume makes you appear well-rounded, so recruiters—often looking for versatile employees who can succeed at many different positions—will like it. But, it doesn't communicate action or impact like other action verbs. It's used to indicate that something has been used but doesn't imply that anything has been accomplished. Additionally, you should write your resume in the past tense—not an ongoing one like 'utilize'—to emphasize duties completed.

You could fix this by using power verbs that show action and impact—employed, adopted, applied, revived, deployed, and so on. For example, if you were a software developer and built a new feature for your company's client portal, you would use 'deployed' instead of 'utilized.'

Strong action verbs add punch and vitality to your resume. In addition, they help you communicate your experience more clearly—making recruiters notice you more quickly.

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

Resume Synonyms for Utilize:

  • Employed
  • Adopted
  • Mobilized
  • Applied
  • Deployed
  • Fabricated
  • Restored
  • Revived
  • Adapted
  • Assembled
  • Calculated
  • Computed
  • Conserved
  • Converted
  • Determined
  • Fortified
  • Installed
  • Standardized
  • Repaired
  • Rectified

How to replace Utilize with a stronger action verb:

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

Before: Weak example using Utilize

Utilized surveys to understand customer needs

After: Using a stronger synonymAnalyzed 1500+ responses to a consumer survey to evaluate brand perception and customers' willingness to pay; findings informed launch of flagship new product.

Replacing Utilize with Implemented

Before: Utilize

Utilized new software to manage client communications

After: ImplementedImplemented cutting-edge CRM software across the team of 35, improving the client experience and boosting communication efficiency by 30%

In the revised sentence, I replaced the vague 'utilized' with 'Implemented', highlighting the action taken by the candidate. The after statement provides specific figures about the size of the team and the improvement in communication efficiency, giving hiring managers a clear metric to measure their achievements.

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 Utilize.


More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms

How to use Built on a resume:

Built complete investment pitch books for 4 deals at advanced stages and liaised with 12 prospective international co-investors.

How to use Optimized on a resume:

Optimized $100MM+ retail company's advertising spend by media type through multivariable regression analysis; exceeded target growth by 15%.

How to use Analyzed on a resume:

Analyzed brand's pricing, advertising and distribution data and identified seasonal trends and white space by integrating consumer insights; recommended strategic changes in portfolio and marketing plan to C-suite executives, reversing sales slump (+6.5%).

How to use Evaluated on a resume:

Evaluated strategies and synergies surrounding potential acquisition targets for a major car manufacturer..

How to use Conducted on a resume:

Conducted sector research in TMT space through expert interviews, market reports, and engagement with external advisors; created sector map of big data analytics space; prepared recommendations on attractiveness and feasibility on 6+ prospects.

How to use Collaborate on a resume:

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


Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for Utilize on a resume?

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

  • Calculated
  • Rectified
  • Standardized
  • Revived
  • Employed
  • Fortified

What is a better word for Utilize on a resume?

You should vary up your language on your resume, instead of using Utilize over and over again. Good synonyms to use instead include:

  • Deployed
  • Applied
  • Fabricated
  • Mobilized
  • Fortified
  • Adopted

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

Don't forget to upload your resume to the tool below for a free resume review. Our platform will instantly scan it for common things hiring managers look for and tell you where it falls short. You'll get instant feedback on your action verbs, bullet points and skills.



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