'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:

Implemented
Initiated
Orchestrated
Revamped
Streamlined
Spearheaded
Optimized
Pioneered
Introduced
Developed
Amplified
Elevated
Formulated
Targeted
Increased
Incorporated
Achieved
Maximized
Linchpinned
Catalyzed
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 synonym• Analyzed 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: Implemented• Implemented 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.

Replacing Utilize with Initiated ▾

Before: Utilize

• Utilized online marketing tools to draw audience attention

⤸

After: Initiated• Initiated an online marketing campaign using Google Adwords, resulting in a 45% increase in website traffic and a 25% increase in product purchases

I replaced 'utilized' with 'initiated' to emphasize the proactive nature of the candidate. The new bullet point states exactly what strategies they used and the results they achieved, giving a clear picture of their skills and accomplishments.

Replacing Utilize with Orchestrated ▾

Before: Utilize

• Utilized team members to complete project tasks

⤸

After: Orchestrated• Orchestrated a cross-functional team of 12 to successfully complete a $500K project 2 weeks ahead of schedule

The words 'utilized team members' makes the candidate sound like they are just using people. By changing this to 'orchestrated', it shows that the candidate can lead and manage a team effectively. Including the project value and completion time gives a clear overview of the accomplishment.

Replacing Utilize with Revamped ▾

Before: Utilize

• Utilized data analysis to optimize processes

⤸

After: Revamped• Revamped 5 key operational processes by incorporating data-driven strategies, boosting production efficiency by 20%.

In the 'after' statement, we use 'revamped' instead of 'utilized'. This indicates responsibility and proactive behavior while providing a measurable outcome, showing the direct result of the candidate’s initiative.

Replacing Utilize with Streamlined ▾

Before: Utilize

• Utilized space effectively in office design

⤸

After: Streamlined• Streamlined office design for optimal space utilization, resulting in a 30% increase in operational efficiency and improved employee satisfaction ratings.

'Streamlined' indicates a clear strategy and vision while space utilization, quantifiable improvement and impact on staff morale show the tangible benefits of the candidate's actions.

Replacing Utilize with Spearheaded ▾

Before: Utilize

• Utilized coding skills to create a new app

⤸

After: Spearheaded• Spearheaded development of an innovative mobile app that achieved 10,000 downloads within the first week of launch.

Switching 'utilized' for 'spearheaded' emphasizes leadership and initiative. A key result adds quantifiable impact to the accomplishment, making the candidate’s contribution clear.

Replacing Utilize with Optimized ▾

Before: Utilize

• Utilized SEO techniques for the website

⤸

After: Optimized• Optimized company website by applying advanced SEO tactics, leading to a 35% increase in organic traffic within 3 months.

The word 'optimized', replacing 'utilized', shows strategic work. The increase in organic traffic gives hiring managers a measurable insight into the candidate's SEO skills.

Replacing Utilize with Pioneered ▾

Before: Utilize

• Utilized customer feedback to improve website

⤸

After: Pioneered• Pioneered a website improvement strategy based on direct customer feedback, causing a user engagement increase of 40% within a month.

‘Pioneered’ has a stronger impact than 'utilized' and emphasizes the candidate's leadership and innovation. The measured improvement in user engagement showcases the success of their initiative.

Replacing Utilize with Introduced ▾

Before: Utilize

• Utilized new teaching methods in the classroom

⤸

After: Introduced• Introduced interactive learning tools into a classroom of 30 students, boosting grades by an average of 15%.

Using 'introduced' instead of 'utilized', we highlight proactivity and innovation. The direct impact on grades provides a quantifiable metric that illustrates the candidate’s effectiveness.

Replacing Utilize with Developed ▾

Before: Utilize

• Utilized research to shape company strategy

⤸

After: Developed• Developed a data-driven company strategy that increased market share by 8% in a highly competitive industry.

'Developed' shows that the candidate can take initiative and drive change. By stating the tangible result of their actions, potential employers can better evaluate their capabilities.

Replacing Utilize with Amplified ▾

Before: Utilize

• Utilized promotional tactics to increase brand awareness

⤸

After: Amplified• Amplified brand awareness via targeted social media campaigns, resulting in a 50% growth in follower count and a 30% uptick in website traffic.

In the revised sentence, 'amplified' highlights the candidate’s active role in expanding the company's reach. Metrics on follower growth and website traffic underscore the effectiveness of their promotional tactics.

Replacing Utilize with Elevated ▾

Before: Utilize

• Utilized graphic design skills for company projects

⤸

After: Elevated• Elevated the aesthetic standard of company's visual assets, leading to a 25% increase in social media engagement and widespread positive customer feedback.

The word 'elevated' portrays the candidate as a change-maker. The 'after' bullet provides metrics about the level of engagement and customer feedback, enabling a tangible measure of the candidate's impact.

Replacing Utilize with Formulated ▾

Before: Utilize

• Utilized knowledge of market trends to inform product development

⤸

After: Formulated• Formulated a new product range based on a deep understanding of market trends and customer preferences, resulting in $2M revenue within the first quarter.

By replacing 'utilized' with 'formulated', the candidate’s strategic competency is highlighted along with a clear and quantifiable outcome.

Replacing Utilize with Targeted ▾

Before: Utilize

• Utilized social media platforms for marketing company

⤸

After: Targeted• Targeted key demographics on top social media platforms, increasing brand's visibility by 45% and attracting additional 10,000 followers within 3 months

The term 'targeted' conveys more proactive and thought-out approach than 'utilized'. The specific metrics provided offer insight into the effectiveness of the social media strategy the candidate employed.

Replacing Utilize with Increased ▾

Before: Utilize

• Utilized sales techniques to attract customers

⤸

After: Increased• Increased customer base by 20% in the first quarter through a targeted, high-impact sales strategy, realizing a profit growth of 35%.

The word 'increased' shows the measurable impact of the candidate's actions far more explicitly than 'utilized'. The clear metrics in the bullet point highlights the candidate's strong sales capabilities.

Replacing Utilize with Incorporated ▾

Before: Utilize

• Utilized feedback for product improvements

⤸

After: Incorporated• Incorporated customer feedback into product redesign, improving user satisfaction by 40% and reducing product returns by 15%.

Revising 'utilized' to 'incorporated' better highlights the candidate's active response to feedback. Listing the positive outcomes illustrates how responsiveness led to specific improvements.

Replacing Utilize with Achieved ▾

Before: Utilize

• Utilized cost-cutting measures for project budget

⤸

After: Achieved• Achieved a 15% reduction in project budget by strategically implementing cost-cutting measures, enabling the allocation of funds to other key areas.

Replacing 'utilized' with 'achieved' focuses on the tangible outcomes of the candidate's effort. The specific metrics give clear proof of their ability to manage finances.

Replacing Utilize with Maximized ▾

Before: Utilize

• Utilized resources for project execution

⤸

After: Maximized• Maximized use of resources during a major $500,000 project, resulting in 20% cost savings without compromising on the project's quality or timeline.

The verb 'maximized' adds weight to the candidate's capability to handle resources effectively. The 'after' statement provides strong metrics about cost savings and project quality, adding credibility to the candidate's skills.

Replacing Utilize with Linchpinned ▾

Before: Utilize

• Utilized teamwork for successful problem-solving

⤸

After: Linchpinned• Linchpinned collaborative problem-solving that reduced project downtime by 25%, saving the team 10 hours a week and increasing productivity.

Replacing the passive 'utilized' with 'linchpinned' greatly emphasizes the candidate's role. The clear metrics within the bullet point highlight the impact this had on productivity.

Replacing Utilize with Catalyzed ▾

Before: Utilize

• Utilized staff training to improve sales output

⤸

After: Catalyzed• Catalyzed a 30% increase in sales by spearheading an intensive sales and customer service training program for a team of 20 representatives.

The term 'catalyzed' conveys that the candidate was the driving force behind the change. The robust metrics given show the direct impact that the candidate's initiative had on sales.

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

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