Resume Synonyms for Utilizing

Want another word for Utilizing 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, "Utilizing".

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

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:

  • 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 synonymExamined 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: DeployedDeployed 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.


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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