Resume writing is a specific type of writing that requires its language. It's not just about words; it is about presenting yourself in the best possible light. The verb 'utilizing' (the present participle of the verb utilize) is a great way to show that you can use your skills, knowledge, and experience to solve problems and make things happen. Employers want to hire people who can demonstrate their skills in a variety of settings.

However, using 'utilizing' in your resume can make it difficult to understand what you did at previous jobs. It's a generic verb that doesn't show the reader how you did what you did. Additionally, when describing past jobs, it's recommended to use the past tense of the verb (i.e., utilized).

The word 'utilizing' can be replaced by a more specific action verb like 'implemented' or 'deployed', which shows that you used your skills and knowledge to implement solutions.

Action verbs allow you to showcase your skills and abilities, whereas generic verbs state only what was done. It will enable the recruiter to understand how you did what you did and see that these are not just simple tasks but rather complex projects that require specific skills.

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

Resume Synonyms for Utilizing:

Deployed
Applied
Harnessed
Mobilized
Operated
Exercised
Employed
Marshalled
Wielded
Executed
Exploited
Leveraged
Activated
Incorporated
Enforced
Exercised
Harnessed
Wielded
Implemented
Applied
Exerted
Maneuvered
Manipulated
Operated
Deployed
Employed
Mobilized
Fielded
Ushered
Marshalled

How to replace Utilizing with a stronger action verb:

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

Before: Weak example using Utilizing

• Utilized data available on spending patterns to build models

⤸

After: Using a stronger synonym• Examined customer purchase behavior through SQL queries and built segmentation models using R programming language to identify 450+ HNIs and optimize RW's marketing campaigns appropriately..

Replacing Utilizing with Deployed ▾

Before: Utilizing

• Utilized marketing automation software in day-to-day tasks

⤸

After: Deployed• Deployed sophisticated marketing automation software to boost campaign productivity by 45%, leading to a 30% uplift in lead generation within the first two months.

In the revamped bullet, I replaced 'utilized' with 'deployed' to depict more action and control. Secondly, I ensured mention of quantitative results or impact. This not only reflects competence but also offers the scale of 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 Utilizing with Applied ▾

Before: Utilizing

• Utilized leadership skills for team management

⤸

After: Applied• Applied innovative leadership practices to drive team success, culminating in a 35% increase in project completion rate and a 25% reduction in team turnover.

The revised sentence uses 'Applied' instead of 'Utilized', showing that you weren't just using skills but applying them effectively. This bullet also shines by quantifying the impact you made on project completion and team turnover.

Replacing Utilizing with Harnessed ▾

Before: Utilizing

• Utilized data to make strategic decisions

⤸

After: Harnessed• Harnessed analytical insights from vast data sets using data mining tools, augmenting the conversion rate by 20% in the first quarter.

The term 'Harnessed' is powerful and reflects that you actively used data for enhancement. By specifying the mechanism and quantifying the results, you show more concrete evidence of your abilities.

Replacing Utilizing with Mobilized ▾

Before: Utilizing

• Utilized resources to achieve project goals

⤸

After: Mobilized• Mobilized internal and external resources that resulted in timely completion of three major projects with a combined budget of over $2M.

The revised version uses 'Mobilized', a strong verb which indicates initiative and direction. Including specific numbers and stating the achievement gives clarity and adds credibility.

Replacing Utilizing with Operated ▾

Before: Utilizing

• Utilized software to accomplish tasks

⤸

After: Operated• Operated an innovative SaaS platform to streamline project processes, increasing operational efficiency by 15% over six months.

Switching 'utilized' to 'operated' demonstrates hands-on, technical competency. Furthermore, by citing specific software, tasks accomplished, and metrics achieved, your value is well highlighted.

Replacing Utilizing with Exercised ▾

Before: Utilizing

• Utilized problem-solving skills in project execution

⤸

After: Exercised• Exercised advanced problem-solving skills to mitigate project risks, curtailing project delays by 70% and saving $200K annually.

I replaced 'utilized' with 'Exercised' demonstrating action and self-control. Adding the metrics shows your value in monetary terms and effectively communicates the critical skills you brought.

Replacing Utilizing with Employed ▾

Before: Utilizing

• Utilized creativity in designing marketing campaigns

⤸

After: Employed• Employed cutting-edge design solutions, catapulting social media engagement by 60% and increasing web traffic by 35% within 3 months.

I replaced 'Utilized' with 'Employed', which denotes strategic execution. Utilizing quantifiable metrics in describing the outcome conveys your value, showing your clear impact on web traffic and social media engagement.

Replacing Utilizing with Marshalled ▾

Before: Utilizing

• Utilized team members to meet company objectives

⤸

After: Marshalled• Marshalled a cross-functional team of 8 in achieving essential company objectives, which led to a 10% uptick in annual revenue.

'Marshalled' replaced 'utilized' to highlight your leadership and coordination skills. Also, showing specific team size and the impact on revenue paints a clear picture of your achievements.

Replacing Utilizing with Wielded ▾

Before: Utilizing

• Utilized industry knowledge for company improvement

⤸

After: Wielded• Wielded extensive industry knowledge to introduce pioneering best practices, driving a 20% boost in operational efficiency.

I replaced 'Utilized' with 'Wielded' to evoke a sense of command over the industry knowledge. Quantifying the improvements drives home the value you brought to your company.

Replacing Utilizing with Executed ▾

Before: Utilizing

• Utilized project management skills to run campaigns

⤸

After: Executed• Executed advertising campaigns using advanced project management techniques, generating a surge in lead generation by 50%.

Revised statement uses 'Executed' instead of 'Utilized', emphasizing actionable leadership. Moreover, by incorporating specifics such as the type of campaign and quantitative results, it raises the impact.

Replacing Utilizing with Exploited ▾

Before: Utilizing

• Utilized marketing trends for the company's benefit

⤸

After: Exploited• Exploited emerging marketing trends to craft high-impact strategies, resulting in a 40% boost in brand awareness within a year.

Instead of 'Utilized', 'Exploited' conveys shrewd business acumen. Quantifying the impact in terms of brand awareness communicated the overall success of your strategy.

Replacing Utilizing with Leveraged ▾

Before: Utilizing

• Utilized excellent communication skills to liaise with clients

⤸

After: Leveraged• Leveraged excellent communication skills to build and maintain relationships with key clients, thereby growing the client base by 30%.

'Leveraged' shows strategic use of skills and is a stronger verb choice than 'Utilized'. Furthermore, quantifiable growth of the client base gives the sentence more impact.

Replacing Utilizing with Activated ▾

Before: Utilizing

• Utilized UX design principles

⤸

After: Activated• Activated robust UX design principles that increased the website's user-friendliness, fostering a 30% increase in user retention rates.

Substituting 'Utilized' with 'Activated' indicates initiative and situational control. Detailing the outcome with a measurable impact paints a stronger image of your capability.

Replacing Utilizing with Incorporated ▾

Before: Utilizing

• Utilized feedback for service improvement.

⤸

After: Incorporated• Incorporated customer feedback into service upgrades, contributing to a boost in customer satisfaction scores by 25% in six months.

The word 'Incorporated' suggests a systematic approach to problem-solving, and therefore replaces 'Utilized'. Adding percentage increase as a measure of success helps set up a sense of improved customer satisfaction.

Replacing Utilizing with Enforced ▾

Before: Utilizing

• Utilized quality control measures

⤸

After: Enforced• Enforced stringent quality control measures that drastically reduced product defects, slashing returns by 30% in a year.

'Enforced' captures an authoritative ability to implement measures as compared to 'Utilized'. A specified reduction in returns enables prospective employers to visualize the effectiveness of the enforcement.

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 Utilizing.

More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms

How to use Designed, on a resume:

• Designed, executed, and optimized digital marketing campaign on Google's AdWords for $20B CPG company, yielding 20% ROI improvements.

How to use Assessed on a resume:

• Assessed the product portfolio and created a brand turnaround strategy for a global fashion company; conducted qualitative interviews with industry experts and quantitative analysis to determine barriers to purchasing and distribution.

How to use Managed on a resume:

• Managed team of four analysts to prepare training and proposal materials for strategic development of relationship with client.

How to use Generated on a resume:

• Generated insights on customer churn and renewal rates from data tables with 100M rows in SQL.

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 Raised on a resume:

• Raised awareness by regularly organizing and hosting collection and charity drives throughout local schools; increased donations by 50% since 2016.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for Utilizing on a resume?

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

Marshalled
Harnessed
Manipulated
Deployed
Applied
Implemented

What is another way of saying Utilizing on a resume?

Here are some synonyms for commonly repeated words, like Utilizing, I see on resumes:

Maneuvered
Ushered
Implemented
Exercised
Exerted
Employed

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

If you have a version of your resume ready, remember to get it checked using our free resume scanner below. It will make sure all your action verbs are strong enough, and give you feedback on any mistakes you might have overlooked, so you can fix them before a recruiter sees them.

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