Resume Synonyms for Working

Want another word for Working 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, "Working".

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

When you write a resume, you want to show that you're an active, engaged person. One way to do this is by including the verb 'working' (present participle of work) in your resume. This word shows that you're taking action and making things happen.

A resume is a tool that can help you land your dream job. And it has to be perfect—carefully crafted and full of insightful words about what you did at past jobs. Having said that, the problem with using 'working' is that it doesn't give any insight into what you did at your job. It fails to demonstrate how you contributed to the company's success.

Choose power verbs to help you tell your story—they will highlight the skills and accomplishments that are most relevant to the job. Use also the past tense of the verb unless it's an ongoing role. For instance, replace 'working' with other words like 'actualized' or 'furthered.'

Power verbs help you communicate specific actions and results in clear terms. They also give the reader of your resume an idea of what kind of person they should expect if they bring you on board—someone who gets things done quickly, efficiently, and effectively.

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

Resume Synonyms for Working:

  • Catalyzed
  • Invoked
  • Induced
  • Determined
  • Inaugurated
  • Cultivated
  • Empowered
  • Forwarded
  • Furthered
  • Rendered
  • Actuated
  • Impelled
  • Extended
  • Revised
  • Actualized
  • Enforced
  • Realized

How to replace Working with a stronger action verb:

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

Before: Weak example using Working

Working with data science teams to improve recommendations

After: Using a stronger synonymPartnered with data science to develop the front end for a product recommendation engine that increased user time on page by 5 minutes.

Replacing Working with Championed

Before: Working

Working on improving team morale

After: ChampionedChampioned a culture shift that led to a 35% reduction in employee turnover and increased team cohesion within 3 months

As a recruiter, it's important to highlight the impact of your work. This revision eliminates the vague 'Working' and specifies the actions taken and the measurable results achieved, namely within a certain timeframe. Using 'Championed' suggests leadership and a proactive attitude, which is appealing to hiring managers.

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 Working.


More resume bullet point samples that use strong synonyms

How to use Created on a resume:

Created and maintained models for M&A plans, Discounted Cash Flow Analysis, Product SVA Analysis, Credit Risk Assessment Models, and Common Stock Liquidity Comparisons.

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 business relationships with 10 clients, including Volkswagen, Deutsche Bank and McDonalds and presented marketing strategies to senior management to drive ROI and re-engineer sales operations, generating $2MM+ in annual revenue.

How to use Crafted on a resume:

Crafted strategic plan for a major client with revenues >$40B through insights from market trend analysis, organizational effectiveness diagnostic, and interviews with senior stakeholders.

How to use Designed on a resume:

Designed and implemented 50+ E2E tests using Selenium & Protractor, simulating each user group's actions.

How to use Analyzed on a resume:

Analyzed 50+ companies to identify potential investments, built valuation models, and visited 90+ members of senior management in Germany, Nigeria, Indonesia and Singapore to evaluate companies' growth outlook.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for Working on a resume?

You can say Cultivated, Extended or Induced instead of Working.

What is another way of saying Working on a resume?

You can say Furthered, Catalyzed or Forwarded instead of Working.


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

If you haven't yet, you should probably use the free tool below that's designed to help you update your existing resume. You'll also find out if your resume can be read by resume screeners, as well as if it passes key criteria recruiters look for. Just upload your resume below to start.



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