another word for directed on resume

19 Led Synonyms for Resume

Try out these Led synonyms for your resume instead. Make your resume concise, sharp, and more impactful with these Led synonyms.

In this article, we will show you:

• Synonyms for Led that you should use or avoid.
• Example of how to use these Led synonyms on your resume.

Top 19 Led Synonyms for Your Resume in 2022

• Administered
• Superintendent
• Under Authority

Examples of Using Another Word for Led on Resume

• “Supervised a staff…”
• “Managed and supervised…”
• “Drive higher…”
• “Guided the…”
• “Marshaled a team of…”
• “Piloted a team of…”

You can use these words instead of “Led” on your resume. We will show a few examples of Led synonyms below.

Other Led Synonyms for Resume that are not a Great Fit (Use With Caution)

Where to highlight led synonyms on your resume.

Generally, you can add Led to the following sections of your resume:

• "Led" synonym on your resume’s summary or objective
• "Led" synonym on your resume’s work history section.
• "Led" synonym on your resume skills section.
• "Led" synonym on your resume’s education section.

Using Synonyms Instead of Led on Resume - Examples

Commanded instead of led on resume - example.

“Commanding new cadets and harnessing them to a joint unit force.”

Superintendent Instead of Led on Resume - Example

“Operations Superintendent of 10+ years for Food processing companies.”

Supervised Instead of Led on Resume - Example

• “Supervised sanitation schedules, calendar management, worker resource management, sanitation priorities, and issue resolution.”
• “Supervised a staff of 20 people and managed an operating budget of $900k/year.”
• “I supervise the east coast sales team at ACME.”
• “Managed and supervised all QA work at 3 separate production lines at ACME.”
• “Supervised and assisted students with their end of the year projects.”

Oversee Instead of Led on Resume - Example

• “Oversee all accounting operations at KPMG’s NYC office.”
• “I oversee all compliance-related audits at Hershey's. My day-to-day responsibilities include supplier compliance verification, traceability, and maintenance paperwork verification.”
• “Oversee all safety training programs and work with HR to ensure compliance.”

Marshaled Instead of Led on Resume - Example

“Marshaled a team of real estate brokers to manage the bay area real estate market and provide 100% customer satisfaction.”

Directed Instead of Led on Resume - Example

• “Directed and produced several small music videos for Portuguese artists.”
• “Directed and managed advertising campaigns for several large fast food brands.”

Drive Instead of Led on Resume - Example

• “Drive revenue through advertising and local event marketing.”
• “Drive the business roadmap for ACME’s supply chain line of business.”
• “Drive higher productivity and team engagement through SCRUM.”

Piloted Instead of Led on Resume - Example

• “Piloted community outreach program that reached 60,000+ people and gathered 500 volunteers per event.”
• “Piloted a team of field data collectors to collect viral infection data in the northwest region.”
• “Piloted 1:1 service customization based on client requirements.”

Ushered Instead of Led on Resume - Example

“Ushered our team in an unpredictable and complex environment while exceeding our team’s goal.”

Guided Instead of Led on Resume - Example

• “Guided the corporate strategy and implementation of new processes for six operation teams.”
• “Guided the change management team at ACME and resolved change management roadblocks.”

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Resume synonyms for leadership.

Responsible or answerable for something.

Ruled or directed with authority.

Publicly supported or recommended a particular cause, policy, or approach.

Influenced, molded, or determined the formation or direction of something.

Ordered or authorized the creation or production of something.

Educated, prepared, or developed skills in others for specific tasks.

Led or directed someone, ensuring a successful navigation or completion.

Managed or supervised activities, tasks, or a group of individuals.

Oversaw, directed, or managed tasks, processes, or a team.

Took the lead role in initiating or driving a specific project or movement.

Led, managed, or was in charge of a group, project, or initiative.

Oversee, direct, or manage activities, tasks, or people.

Responsible for overseeing or managing a specific area or task.

Initiate or lead a project, movement, or initiative as the forefront.

To guide, direct, or be in a key role, overseeing tasks or groups.

Guided, trained, or advised individuals, enhancing their skills or knowledge.

Previously guided or took charge of a task, group, or initiative.

Resume Synonyms for Customer Service

Maintained, repaired, or provided specific services to systems, equipment, or clients.

Directed someone for advice, help, or further information.

Responded to questions, requests, or challenges.

Confronted, tackled, or directly dealt with a specific issue, topic, or requirement.

Addressed, settled, or found solutions to problems or conflicts.

Extended help or assistance, supporting someone in achieving their objectives.

Provided expert guidance or counsel to individuals or groups in specific areas.

Communicated and built cooperative relationships between groups or organizations.

Acted in a role to assist, support, or provide for others or groups.

Actively assist, work for, or provide a service to others or an organization.

Assisted or supported others in achieving tasks or goals.

Assisted, backed, or facilitated someone or a task to achieve outcomes.

Actively helped or supported someone in a particular endeavor or task.

Managed, dealt with, or took responsibility for specific tasks or situations.

Offer help, guidance, or support to ease the completion of tasks.

Tailor your resume language to the job description

Resume Synonyms for Communication

Quick to notice or understand; observant.

Demonstrating good judgment or keen insight.

Showing sharp acumen; keen in judgment or perception.

Kind, pleasant, and easy to get along with.

Converted information or text from one language or form to another.

Conveyed or passed on information, messages, or items to another party.

Provided or was given relevant or necessary information.

Clarified or made something understandable to others.

Spread or distributed information or knowledge widely.

Communicated in writing, usually in a formal manner.

Guided, trained, or mentored individuals to improve skills or performance.

Clearly explained or elaborated upon a topic, removing any doubts or confusion.

Informed or updated a group on vital details, objectives, or situations.

Communicated thoughts, feelings, or information clearly.

Teach or inform someone about a specific topic or task.

Wrote, created, or originated content, research, or a significant piece.

Clearly showed or exemplified a skill, idea, or concept.

Communicated or transmitted a message, idea, or feeling to others.

Clearly showed or exhibited information, skills, or products.

Shared or exchanged information with others through various means.

Imparted knowledge, skills, or values to others, often in an educational setting.

Composed or created text, reports, or content in previous tasks or roles.

Convey information, feelings, or ideas effectively to others.

Displayed, demonstrated, or showcased information, ideas, or results to an audience.

Resume Synonyms for Team Collaboration

Providing encouragement or emotional help.

Willing to engage in social interactions.

Fully involved or occupied with tasks.

Collaborative individual who works effectively with others, contributing to group success.

Motivated, influenced, or stimulated individuals toward positive action or creativity.

Joined together or combined forces for a common goal or purpose.

Brought together diverse elements or groups into a cohesive or single entity.

Engaged or communicated with others, typically in a collaborative manner.

Combined or incorporated parts to create a unified whole.

Impacted or shaped outcomes, decisions, or behaviors of others.

Actively worked in harmony with others for a shared purpose.

Actively worked alongside others to achieve a shared outcome or project.

Completely revamped or made major improvements to systems or processes.

Actively involved or committed to an activity or initiative.

Monitored, managed, and ensured proper execution of tasks or projects.

Provided resources, ideas, or time to aid a collective endeavor.

Work together harmoniously with others towards a mutual objective.

Collaborate or cooperate with individuals, teams, or tools to achieve a goal.

Offer ideas, resources, or efforts to help achieve a shared goal.

Collaborated or interacted with individuals, teams, or tools in previous roles.

Work together with individuals or teams towards a common goal.

Resume Synonyms for Creative Roles

Curious and eager to acquire knowledge.

Adaptable to various roles, functions, or situations.

Possessing originality or inventiveness.

Introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking.

Reworked or updated a design or structure for improved functionality or appearance.

Chose or made a decision based on available options.

Introduced new ideas, methods, or products, enhancing effectiveness.

Formed or created something in a specific manner.

Created or invented a new method, plan, or idea.

Formed a detailed idea or concept based on abstract principles.

Thought of or formed an idea, plan, or concept.

Demonstrated or made clear by using examples, charts, or pictures.

Created a structured plan or representation for a specific purpose.

Brought a new concept, item, or project into existence.

Resume Synonyms for Marketing Roles

Made or tailored something to meet individual preferences or needs.

Developed plans or strategies for a specific purpose or long-term achievement.

Promoted or brought attention to events, products, or causes widely.

Elevated or advocated for a cause, product, or individual to a higher status.

Actively ensuring consistency and reliability of a process or system.

Focused or directed efforts towards a specific goal or group.

Delivered or spread items or information across a range of recipients.

Initiated or began a new project, product, or initiative in a workspace.

Presented or extended a proposal, solution, or opportunity.

Made improvements or augmented the quality of something.

Conducted a detailed examination or scrutiny to derive understanding.

Produced or created something, typically as a result of a process.

Resume Synonyms to Describe Technical Work

Repaired something that was broken or damaged.

Identified and removed errors from software.

Clearly described, outlined, or specified a concept, boundary, or scope.

Diagnosed and addressed issues or problems in systems, processes, or equipment.

Evaluated, assessed, or examined the quality, performance, or reliability.

Designed, wrote, or set up computer software or applications.

Set up or positioned equipment, software, or apparatus for use.

Designed or constructed using specialized knowledge or techniques.

Confirmed and verified the authenticity, ensuring its originality and truth.

Identified the nature or cause of a situation or problem through analysis.

Watched or studied processes or behaviors to gain insights.

Diagnose and solve problems or malfunctions in systems or processes.

Successfully executed or put into action a specific plan or decision.

Put a plan, decision, or method into effect or action.

Enhanced or refined a skill, idea, or product over time.

Resume Synonyms for Project Management

Planned or arranged events, tasks, or activities at specific times.

Entrusted tasks or responsibilities to another person or team.

Designated tasks, responsibilities, or resources to individuals or teams.

Actively made a task or process smoother or easier.

Assessed or judged the value, significance, or condition.

Offer guidance, wisdom, or advice to less-experienced individuals.

Ranked tasks or responsibilities based on importance or urgency for maximum efficiency.

Function or work within systems, machines, or professional environments.

Convinced or influenced others to adopt a viewpoint or action.

Arranged or combined components in a harmonious and effective manner.

Coordinated various elements to achieve harmonious or desired results.

A favorable circumstance or chance for growth, progress, or success.

Resume Synonyms to Describe an Achievement

Went beyond the limits of; exceeded.

Of excellent quality; splendid.

Notable or remarkable.

Evoking admiration through size or quality.

Beyond what is usual; exceptional.

Remarkably superior or notable.

Went beyond; exceeded.

Surpassed expectations, especially in tasks.

Went beyond set expectations or limits.

Surpassed others or performed at a superior level.

Improved or honed in clarity, focus, or efficiency to enhance performance.

Made as large or great as possible to achieve the best potential results.

Strengthened, supported, or reinforced, often to improve performance or confidence in a task or project.

Achieved victory or secured a favorable outcome in a contest or challenge.

Improved, enhanced, or replaced older systems, processes, or equipment for better performance.

Achieved desired results or outcomes through effort or strategy.

Injected new life or vigor, often rejuvenating or renewing.

Strengthened, supported, or emphasized a point, structure, or behavior.

Increased the volume, impact, or intensity of something, making it stronger.

Moved forward in a position, skill level, or undertaking, showing progress.

Hastened the pace or progress of a project, process, or task, achieving faster results.

Successfully ensured protection, safety, or acquisition of assets or data.

Recognized, understood, or brought a concept or idea to fruition.

Successfully attained, achieved, or arrived at a specific goal or level.

Achieved a goal, status, or result after dedicated effort.

Successfully completed tasks or projects showcasing notable skill, expertise, and proficiency.

Enhanced, increased, or elevated the status, performance, or value.

Made stronger, more resilient, or more robust.

Achievement of an aim, purpose, or favorable outcome.

Enhanced or bettered the quality, efficiency, or performance of something.

Successfully provided, transported, or presented something to a recipient.

Recognized and given a prize or distinction for notable achievements.

Increased in size, amount, or degree; developed over time.

Grew or made larger in size, amount, or degree.

Successfully acquired, achieved, or learned valuable skills or knowledge.

Improve or augment the quality, value, or strength of something.

Met or surpassed a goal through dedicated effort, skill, or hard work.

Successfully finished or brought a task or project to its end.

Resume Synonyms for Organization

Organized or arranged according to a systematic procedure or plan.

Restructured or rearranged for better efficiency or clarity.

Handled, organized, or converted information or materials through a set procedure.

Systematically recorded, detailed, or provided written evidence of something.

Brought multiple elements or operations together under a single authority.

The arrangement or interrelation of parts in a system, organization, or composition.

Organize elements or components in a particular order or pattern.

Organized, arranged, or designed in a coherent and effective manner.

Systematically organized or set up items, events, or tasks.

Designed strategies, activities, or processes in anticipation of needs.

Resume Synonyms for Analytical Roles

Became apparent or was made known after being hidden or not obvious.

Foretold or estimated a future event or trend based on information or analysis.

Made a well-informed guess or determination about a quantity, value, or outcome based on available data.

Determined or ascertained through mathematical methods or careful consideration for decision-making.

Estimated or predicted future outcomes based on current data.

Carefully examined or reviewed something for accuracy, quality, or compliance.

Predicted or estimated a future trend or occurrence.

Conducted a detailed evaluation to understand value, significance, or quality.

Systematically looked into or examined a matter in detail.

Inspected or studied in detail to determine nature or condition.

Examine data or situations in detail to draw insightful conclusions.

Top 10 Resume Synonyms Used Most

Top resume synonyms for, software engineering, more synonyms & replacement words.

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Frequently asked questions.

There are certain terms that are overused on resumes and come across as cliche. In general, it's best to avoid using vague phrases like "hard worker", "good communicator", or "team player". Descriptors like these fail to provide any meaningful insight or evidence of your abilities and won't add value to your resume. Instead, it's better to demonstrate your qualities with specific examples that align with the job description.

Using the right words in your resume comes down to describing your experiences accurately and carefully tailoring your language to each specific job description. Review the job responsibilities, qualifications and highlight key phrases that overlap with your background and skillset. Focus on incorporating this language into your resume to demonstrate you are a strong fit for the role. For additional guidance with your resume, Teal can help.

Focus on choosing strategic and compelling synonyms in your resume summary, work experience, and skill sections. These are the crucial areas where strong wording can capture a hiring manager's attention right away.

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200 Resumé Words That Make Your Resumé Stand Out

4 Min Read | Dec 1, 2022

Just 7.4 seconds: That’s how much time you have to grab a recruiter’s attention when they read your resumé for the first time. 1 That’s it! So, if you’re looking for a new job, I have a helpful hint: To grab a hiring manager’s attention, make your resumé stand out using powerful resumé words. Hear me out on this—the chances of landing your dream job get a whole lot higher when you communicate your work experience with descriptive and confident resumé words because they help you stand out from the competition.

Resumé power words are strong, actionable and confident verbs and adjectives that describe your abilities and accomplishments. And they can make you stand out in a pool of other job seekers (without any changes to your actual work experience).

Words to Use in a Resumé

Words matter! And with the right word choice, you can give your resumé a big boost of style and confidence. Here are the top 200 resumé power words that will communicate your skills, abilities and talents and help you stand out to a hiring manager.

Resumé Power Words for Leadership

•  Enforced
•  Executed
•  Facilitated
•  Fostered
•  Founded
•  Guided
•  Headed
•  Instructed
•  Mentored
•  Moderated
•  Motivated
•  Orchestrated
•  Overhauled
•  Presided
•  Spearheaded
•  Steered
•  Supervised
•  Trained

Resumé Power Words for Collaborate

•  Aligned
•  Associated
•  Combined
•  Contributed
•  Cooperated
•  Joined
•  Integrated
•  Linked
•  Merged
•  Pooled
•  Synchronized
•  United

Resumé Power Words for Responsible For

•  Achieved
•  Accomplished
•  Assembled
•  Concluded
•  Coordinated
•  Devised
•  Effected
•  Fulfilled
•  Gathered
•  Handled
•  Produced
•  Prompted
•  Solved

Resumé Power Words for Communication

•  Advertised
•  Authored
•  Broadcast
•  Circulated
•  Distributed
•  Championed
•  Clarified
•  Consulted
•  Conveyed
•  Defined
•  Diagramed
•  Documented
•  Drafted
•  Endorsed
•  Illustrated
•  Influenced
•  Informed
•  Liaison
•  Negotiated
•  Networked
•  Notated
•  Persuaded
•  Presented
•  Promoted
•  Publicized
•  Published
•  Recommended
•  Recorded
•  Storyboarded
•  Translated

Resumé Power Words for Achieved

•  Administered
•  Arranged
•  Attained
•  Captured
•  Completed
•  Converted
•  Delivered
•  Earned
•  Enacted
•  Established
•  Lifted
•  Performed
•  Predicted
•  Procured
•  Proved
•  Secured
•  Strategized
•  Trailblazed
•  Yielded

Resumé Power Words for Worked On

•  Applied
•  Attended
•  Dedicated
•  Endeavored
•  Forecasted
•  Formulated
•  Implemented
•  Masterminded
•  Operated
•  Pursued
•  Processed
•  Rendered
•  Strove
•  Troubleshot
•  Undertook
•  Visualized
•  Volunteered

Resumé Power Words for Improved

•  Accelerated
•  Advanced
•  Boosted
•  Discerned
•  Enhanced
•  Expanded
•  Familiarized
•  Increased
•  Maximized
•  Outpaced
•  Perfected
•  Redesigned
•  Refined
•  Reformed
•  Renovated
•  Resolved
•  Restructured
•  Revamped
•  Revitalized
•  Simplified
•  Skyrocketed
•  Streamlined
•  Strengthened
•  Transformed
•  Upgraded

Resumé Power Words for Researched

• Investigated

Resumé Power Words for Created

• Constructed
• Established
• Kick-started

Resumé Power Words for Managed

•  Controlled
•  Designated
•  Directed
•  Employed
•  Governed
•  Mastered
•  Organized
•  Oversaw
•  Planned
•  Programmed
•  Ruled

What Words NOT to Use in a Resumé

When you’re updating your resumé (or creating a brand-new one), it’s best to stay away from general office buzzwords and confusing phrases. These are words that you might hear people say all the time, but nobody really knows what they mean. Here are a few examples of words to avoid using on your resumé:

• Hard worker
• Moving parts
• Move the needle
• Team player
• Think outside the box

Instead, you’ll want to focus on using specific power words that show (not tell) your skills, experiences and successes on the job.

Here’s an example: Let’s say one of your job responsibilities is to provide customer service over the phone. Look at the difference between an average answer and one using resumé power words:

• Answered customer questions on the phone in a timely manner
• Established trust with customers over the phone by researching and implementing advanced listening skills and reducing call wait times

Do you see the difference? The job responsibility is the same , but the impact of using resumé power words makes this job seeker stand out from the competition.

You deserve to win at work. Our new book and assessment will show you how.

For more tips to create a powerful resumé, download my FREE Interview Guide . You’ll learn the five areas you need to spend time and effort on before walking into your next interview. You’ve got this!

Did you find this article helpful? Share it!

About the author

Ken Coleman

Ken Coleman is a career expert and author of the national bestselling book From Paycheck to Purpose and the #1 national bestseller The Proximity Principle. He hosts The Ken Coleman Show, a nationally syndicated, caller-driven show that helps listeners discover what they were born to do. Ken makes regular appearances on Fox News, and he co-hosts The Ramsey Show, the second-largest talk show in the nation. Through his speaking, broadcasting and syndicated columns, Ken gives people expert career advice, providing strategic steps to grow professionally, land their dream job, and get promoted.  Learn More.

5 Ways to Make a Resumé With No Experience

No matter how much or how little work experience you have, I know you’ve got plenty of qualifications to share on a resume. Here are five ways to create a new resumé with no experience.

How to Write a Resumé in 6 Steps

If you want to set yourself up for success in your job hunt, making a good resumé is the first step. Here are six things to keep in mind when you’re learning how to write a resumé.

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adjective as in supervised

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Related words.

Words related to directed are not direct synonyms, but are associated with the word directed . Browse related words to learn more about word associations.

adjective as in proposed

• anticipated

adjective as in en route, on the road to

• appropriated

adjective as in bound for, fated in near future

• foreordained
• forthcoming
• hanging over
• in prospect
• in the cards
• in the wind
• ineluctable
• inescapable
• overhanging
• predesigned
• predestined
• predetermined
• que sera sera
• that is to be
• that will be
• threatening
• unavoidable
• way the ball bounces

adjective as in compelled

• monomaniacal

adjective as in established, orderly

• ceremonialistic
• ceremonious
• conventional
• formalistic
• punctilious
• ritualistic
• stereotyped
• stereotypical

Viewing 5 / 18 related words

Example Sentences

If the Israel model ban were directed towards disordered eating, Ravin says she would support it whole-heartedly.

What Happened To Director Martin Brest By Matt Patches, Playboy He directed Beverly Hills Cop, Midnight Run and, yes, Gigli.

I had a chance to work with Jean-François Richet, who directed Mesrine.

And what is the great lure toward which all efforts are ultimately directed?

It was the first significant violence directed toward police after weeks of demonstrations across the city.

There was not a moment to lose, for one well-directed shot might exterminate half of us.

He directed the Ninth Symphony, and played twice himself with orchestral accompaniments.

The mind is not allowed to be directed to anything in particular in reading over the pairs.

The Intellect is‌ directed into a particular channel, but to keep it there, all intruders must be excluded.

Ripperda's attention was next directed to put his plan of escape, in train for execution.

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On this page you'll find 31 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to directed, such as: conducted, aimed, assisted, controlled, counseled, and focused.

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

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Synonyms and antonyms of directed in English

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a type of singing in which four, usually male, voices in close combination perform popular romantic songs, especially from the 1920s and 1930s

Alike and analogous (Talking about similarities, Part 1)

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Synonyms of direct

• as in to channel
• as in to order
• as in to request
• as in to supervise
• as in to aim
• as in to steer
• as in primary
• as in outspoken
• as in straightforward
• as in linear
• as in straight
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Thesaurus Definition of direct

 (Entry 1 of 3)

Synonyms & Similar Words

• consolidate
• concentrate
• boss (around)
• superintend

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• comply (with)
• countermand
• administrate
• preside (over)
• stage - manage
• micromanage

Thesaurus Definition of direct  (Entry 2 of 3)

• forthcoming
• straightforward
• out - front
• plainspoken
• openhearted
• free - spoken
• freehearted
• uninhibited
• unpretentious
• unrestrained
• unpretending
• undesigning
• thoughtless
• impertinent
• inconsiderate
• undiplomatic
• unforthcoming
• dissembling
• uncommunicative
• considerate
• tight - lipped
• close - mouthed
• point - blank
• circumlocutory
• long - winded
• hypocritical
• double - dealing
• two - faced
• straightaway
• undeviating

Thesaurus Definition of direct  (Entry 3 of 3)

• as the crow flies
• straightway
• circuitously

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb direct contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of direct are bid , charge , command , enjoin , instruct , and order . While all these words mean "to issue orders," direct and instruct both connote expectation of obedience and usually concern specific points of procedure or method, instruct sometimes implying greater explicitness or formality.

When would bid be a good substitute for direct ?

The synonyms bid and direct are sometimes interchangeable, but bid suggests giving orders peremptorily (as to children or servants).

How do charge and enjoin relate to one another, in the sense of direct ?

Charge adds to enjoin an implication of imposing as a duty or responsibility.

How are the words command and order related as synonyms of direct ?

Both command and order imply authority and usually some degree of formality and impersonality; command stresses official exercise of authority.

When might enjoin be a better fit than direct ?

While the synonyms enjoin and direct are close in meaning, enjoin implies giving an order or direction authoritatively and urgently and often with admonition or solicitude.

When is it sensible to use order instead of direct ?

While in some cases nearly identical to direct , order may suggest peremptory or arbitrary exercise.

Thesaurus Entries Near direct

Cite this entry.

“Direct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/direct. Accessed 11 Apr. 2024.

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How To Say You Work Well Independently on a Resume (with Examples)

Employers want to hire people who can work independently with minimal supervision… but they don’t want you to just say so. Here’s what to do instead, according to a hiring manager.

a year ago   •   10 min read

“I have the ability to work independently with minimal supervision …”

Even if it’s true, a statement like this on your resume is more likely than not to get it thrown on the trash pile. Hiring managers love independent workers — but they hate seeing soft skills on a resume with no evidence to back them up.

The solution? Don’t just say that you can work independently — prove it! In this guide, we’ll cover:

• Examples of what to include on your resume to show you can work independently
• How to say that you work well independently (without coming right out and saying it)
• Essential skills for independent workers
• Tips to keep in mind when listing soft skills in your resume
• Sample bullet points for working independently

A quick-start guide to showing your ability to work independently on a resume

Short on time? Here are the essentials you need to know about showing you’re an independent worker on your resume:

• Include project and tasks from times when you’ve worked independently
• Add internships , volunteer work, and extracurricular activities if you don’t have enough independent work experience.
• Start your bullet points with a strong action verb — ideally, one that speaks to your ability to work independently.
• Include clear metrics or results whenever possible.
• Show independent work and related soft skills through your accomplishments — never in your skills section .
• Get instant expert advice by uploading your resume to an ATS resume scanner .

Where to list your ability to work indipendantly on your resume

The best place to describe your indipendant skills on your resume, is in your work experience section , since that’s the part recruiters care about the most. If you’re new to the workforce or just struggling to come up with relevant examples, you don’t need to restrict your examples to traditional work experience — they can also include internships, volunteering , extracurriculars, and freelance or contract work .

Just like other soft skills, your ability to work independently is a skill that recruiters do not want to see listed in your skills section, instead they want to see what you have accomplished with this skill. A good way to check if you have shown your ability to work independently through your accomplishments and bullet points is to upload your resume to the tool below – it'll let you know if your resume highlights independent work as well as your other relevant achievements.

How to demonstrate your ability to work independently on your resume

As mentioned above, showing you can work independently isn’t about simply saying you can. It’s about showing you can, though quantified, well-chosen examples that demonstrate your skills and support your claims.

Choose the right experience

When deciding what work experience best demonstrates your independent skills, look for roles when you not only worked independently but when you achieved something successful, significant, and quantifiable while working on your own. This could include:

• Working alone on a successful task or project
• Multitasking or working on several projects at once
• Taking point on a high-stakes or high-profile task
• Working on a task outside of your normal comfort zone/duties
• Any time when you had to be your own boss, e.g. if you ran your own business, took on a high-level interim role, or were without leadership for an extended period

Here are some ideas and examples you can use to highlight the success of your independent work:

Mention deadlines and targets

Mention projects that were completed on target or ahead of schedule to demonstrate the successful impact of your work. Highlight how your independent decision-making and proactive approach directly led to the project’s success.

Managed a team project autonomously, employing effective delegation and resource management, resulting in project completion two weeks ahead of schedule.

Focus on remote work

Remote work is a highly competitive skill in today’s job market, and by default, it showcases a variety of independent skills and expertise. Describe successfully managing remote projects or working autonomously in a virtual environment.

Coordinated and led a virtual team across three time zones to deliver a marketing campaign, navigating remote communication challenges and ensuring timely delivery.

Include personal and professional projects

Describe self-started initiatives or projects, both at work and in your personal life, that showcase the positive impact of your involvement and your ability to spearhead ideas.

Initiated and executed a cost-reduction program, autonomously researching and implementing sustainable practices that reduced expenses by 15%. Spearheaded the development of a new client onboarding process, independently researching, designing, and implementing the strategy, resulting in a 30% increase in client retention.

Use action verbs

“Worked independently on …” might seem like a good way to describe working independently, but it says very little about what you actually did. Instead, start your phrases with a strong action verb to make a more memorable statement and explain your skills n more detail.Try some of these resume action verbs to boose the impact of your work experience bullet points:

• Implemented
• Established
• Investigated

Demonstrate independence through keywords and phrases

Keywords are integral to resume success. Not only do they impress recruiters, but they’re also the key to getting past automated ATS systems. When a role requires independent experience, recruiters will be scanning your resume looking for these key phrases. So include them whenever you can:

• Independently managed : Indicates that you were solely responsible for handling a task or project. For example, "Independently managed a team of 10 in developing a new software application."
• Solely responsible for : Highlights that you were the single point of accountability. For example, "Solely responsible for orchestrating the annual corporate event."
• Self-directed project : Suggests a project that was completed with minimal supervision or independently overseen by you. Example: "Led a self-directed project to improve customer service protocols."
• Autonomously developed : Demonstrates the ability to create or build something independently. For example, "Autonomously developed a new inventory tracking system."
• Initiated and executed : Shows taking the lead and following through on a project or task. For instance, "Initiated and executed a marketing strategy that increased sales by 30%."
• Led independent research : Indicates carrying out research initiatives on your own. Example: "Led independent research into market trends, informing product development."
• Single-handedly implemented : Highlights the individual accomplishment of implementing a plan or idea. E.g., "Single-handedly implemented a new CRM system across the organization."
• Pioneered : Suggests being the first to undertake a particular task or project. For example, "Pioneered a digital transformation initiative."
• Drove project to completion : Indicates leading a project through to its end. Example: "Drove project to completion ahead of schedule, resulting in a 20% increase in efficiency."
• Managed entire lifecycle : Indicates overseeing every phase of a project independently. Example: "Managed the entire lifecycle of the product development process."
• Conceived and implemented : Shows both the initial and execution phases of a project, which you can then discuss in terms of your independent role. For instance, "Conceived and implemented a new user feedback system which achieved a 15% increase in user engagement."

Examples of how to show you can work independently on a resume

Stuck on exactly how to word your resume accomplishments? Here are some tried and tested examples of indipendant work from successful resumes to get you started.

Paid work experience

If you often work independently as part of your regular work experience, this should be fairly straightforward. Choose a handful of examples that show your ability to work independently in different contexts; for example, choosing your own tasks, managing your own workload and priorities, seeking solutions to problems on your own , and proactively communicating your progress without needing someone else to check in on you.Here are some examples:

Sustained 95% on-time completion rate for software tests by effective team management and work balance.

Created weekly and monthly project status reports for various stakeholders, highlighting key constraints, if any, and ensuring timeliness of project deliverable, resulting in over 95% customer satisfaction rate.

Virtual and remote work

In today's evolving job market, where remote and virtual work has become far more common, employers are actively looking for candidates who can thrive in a remote environment.

To highlight independent skills in remote work, discuss when you successfully managed projects or tasks remotely and emphasize how your work directly contributed to positive outcomes. Use specific examples that show your proactive approach, ability to handle challenges without direct oversight, and problem-solving skills in a remote setting.

Here are some examples:

Spearheaded a remote team project, enhancing client satisfaction by 30% through innovative strategies and self-directed execution. Independently managed a virtual marketing campaign, resulting in a 20% increase in online engagement.

Internships

If you’re still in school or only graduated recently, you can treat internships the same way as you would any other kind of work experience, including listing them in your regular experience section. While you may have had more supervision than other types of jobs, you can still choose accomplishments that show what you did on your own or without needing to be told.

Secured and surveyed 18 websites with 0 primary attacks in the first month on the job. Implemented regular monitoring of network performance, reducing network downtime by 11% through quicker responses.

Projects, volunteering, and extracurriculars

Don’t have a lot of work experience to use as an example? That’s okay — personal or educational projects , volunteer positions, and even extracurricular activities can all be used instead.Here are some examples:

Worked to build out the networking infrastructure for a local education charity as they began expansion to the west coast. Used sci-kit learn in Python to simulate possible outcomes under different scenarios while also applying JavaScript/Python.

Freelance and contract work

Listing freelance work on a resume is an excellent way to show that you can work independently with minimal supervision. Stick to accomplishments that are relevant to the job you’re applying for and that highlight your ability to take initiative and get results.Here are some examples:

Collaborated with over 3K clients to determine project scopes, set milestones, and agree on payment terms. Provided responsive and professional support to 8K existing clients and developed 900 new relationships within 4 months.

Showcasing independence: Before and after examples

To effectively showcase independence on your resume, it's crucial to transform vague statements into impactful phrases that highlight autonomy and successful outcomes. Let's explore how to revamp some underperforming resume statements to focus on successful independent work.

Before: Handled customer inquiries. This phrase is vague and doesn't mention or highlight independent skills. To improve it, add specific details and quantifiable outcomes, and start with an action verb to demonstrate autonomy in handling tasks. After: Independently managed a high volume of customer inquiries, resolving 95% of issues on first contact and improving customer satisfaction ratings by 25%.

Before: Participated in team projects.This phrase lacks detail about the role played in the project and fails to explain how the project showcases independent work. To fix this, focus on your individual contribution, emphasizing your independent responsibilities within the project setting. After: Contributed to team projects by autonomously developing and implementing a new data analysis method, leading to a 15% increase in project efficiency.

Before : Responsible for sales targets. This phrase mentions a generic job responsibility and does not showcase how targets were met independently. To improve its impact, highlight specific independent actions to meet or exceed targets, and quantify the result with metrics. After: Exceeded sales targets by 20% through self-initiated strategies, including personalized client outreach and independent market analysis.

Soft skills that show you can work independently

Working independently involves a host of related skills. To show hiring managers that you have the skills to be an independent worker, your resume should include evidence of:

• Self motivation
• Organization
• Problem solving
• Time management
• Communication
• Goal setting
• Troubleshooting

Much like working independently, these are all soft skills that don’t belong in your skills section. Instead, think of examples of when you used these skills in a professional context. Bonus points if you can combine them to paint a picture of exactly how well you work independently — for example, working alone on a tight deadline involving valuable assets shows independent work, time management, and integrity.

If you’re not sure which skills to include in your skills section, use the skills search tool below to search for the job you’re applying for. It’ll give you a list of hard skills relevant to the job.

Do’s and don’ts of saying you can work independently on a resume

Here are some key tips to keep in mind when writing your resume and some common resume mistakes to avoid: DO choose accomplishments that clearly show your ability to work independently. Try to be as specific as possible — the more information recruiters have, the more easily they can picture you in the role. DO tailor the examples you choose to each application, and ensure your experience is directly relevant to the job you’re applying for. DO have a few examples of times when you’ve worked alone or with minimal support ready to go for when you reach the interview stage. DON’T overemphasise how you prefer to work independently. Even if solo work is a big part of the job, it may raise red flags about your ability to get along with others or work as part of a team when necessary. DON’T explicitly say that you can work well independently. Hiring managers don’t put much stock in self-assessment, which means it’s a waste of space at best. DON’T just write “independently” at the start of every bullet point — generally, you should avoid using adverbs on your resume at all. DON’T use vague language. General and non-specific statements like "Handled customer inquiries" fail to demonstrate your independent skills and achievements effectively. DON’T list soft skills, like independence, in your skills section. This takes up valuable space on your resume and doesn’t add any relevant information. Instead, show soft skills through quantified examples.

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Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.