Resume Synonyms for Pursue
Want another word for Pursue 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, 'Pursue'.
InterviewPal Career Team
Resume Experts • 10+ Years Experience
The word "pursue" describes the act of following or chasing after something, whether it's a goal, opportunity, or objective. While this word conveys intention and direction, it often lacks the specificity and impact that modern resumes require.
Pursue is not necessarily a bad word to have on your resume—it's just not as powerful as other action verbs that demonstrate concrete results and measurable outcomes. The word can sound vague and doesn't clearly communicate what you actually accomplished.
Instead of using the word pursue, consider action verbs that show how you actively engaged with opportunities, achieved specific goals, or drove measurable results. Strong resume language should demonstrate your impact rather than just your intentions.
When writing a resume, think about the specific actions you took and the outcomes you achieved. Did you secure new business? Launch a project? Develop a strategy? These concrete verbs are much more compelling than simply saying you "pursued" something.
I've compiled powerful synonyms you can use instead of Pursue that will make your resume stand out to hiring managers and demonstrate your ability to deliver results.
Better Alternatives to Use Instead
Choose the right synonym based on your context. Click any word to see usage tips and copy it to your clipboard.
Secured
Perfect when you successfully obtained something concrete like funding, contracts, or partnerships. Shows completion and achievement rather than just effort.
Achieved
Ideal for highlighting successful completion of goals or objectives. Demonstrates that you not only started something but saw it through to successful completion.
Executed
Best for situations where you implemented plans, strategies, or projects. Shows decisive action and follow-through on important initiatives.
Delivered
Excellent for showcasing completed projects or fulfilled commitments. Emphasizes reliability and successful completion of objectives.
Launched
Perfect for new initiatives, products, or programs you started from scratch. Shows entrepreneurial thinking and ability to bring ideas to life.
Developed
Ideal when you created, built, or improved something over time. Shows progression and growth rather than just initial pursuit.
Implemented
Best for putting systems, processes, or solutions into practice. Shows you can take ideas from concept to reality with practical execution.
Established
Perfect for creating new departments, processes, or relationships from the ground up. Shows foundational thinking and long-term impact.
Drove
Excellent for showing you were the primary force behind significant changes or improvements. Demonstrates leadership and initiative.
Captured
Ideal for winning business, market share, or opportunities in competitive situations. Shows ability to succeed against competition.
Obtained
Strong choice when you successfully acquired something specific like certifications, approvals, or resources through dedicated effort.
Cultivated
Perfect for building relationships, networks, or long-term partnerships that required nurturing and sustained effort over time.
Generated
Excellent for creating revenue, leads, or measurable outcomes. Shows your ability to produce tangible business value.
Acquired
Best for obtaining new clients, skills, or resources through strategic effort. Shows successful completion of acquisition goals.
Spearheaded
Ideal when you led major initiatives or projects from the front. Demonstrates leadership and willingness to take charge of important efforts.
Championed
Perfect for advocating for important causes, changes, or initiatives within an organization. Shows passion and persistence.
Orchestrated
Excellent for coordinating complex projects or initiatives involving multiple stakeholders. Shows sophisticated project management skills.
Negotiated
Strong choice when you worked to secure deals, contracts, or agreements through strategic discussion and compromise.
Pioneered
Perfect for being the first to explore new markets, technologies, or approaches. Shows innovative thinking and risk-taking ability.
Attained
Ideal for reaching specific goals, certifications, or milestones through sustained effort and dedication.
Realized
Excellent for bringing plans, visions, or goals to fruition. Shows ability to turn concepts into concrete reality.
Facilitated
Best when you enabled or made possible important outcomes through coordination and support of others' efforts.
Mobilized
Perfect for organizing resources, teams, or support for important initiatives. Shows ability to rally others around common goals.
Accelerated
Ideal when you sped up processes, timelines, or progress toward goals. Shows efficiency and urgency in execution.
Solidified
Excellent for strengthening relationships, partnerships, or market positions through sustained strategic effort.
How to replace Pursue with a stronger action verb:
Let's look at examples of how you can remove and replace the overused phrase,Pursue, with a stronger synonym and alternative that is more effective at highlighting your achievements.
Pro Tips for Resume Writing
Let's look at examples of how you can remove and replace the overused phrase with a stronger synonym and alternative that is more effective at highlighting your achievements.
Quantify Everything
Numbers make your achievements concrete. Instead of "improved sales," say "boosted sales by 45%." Metrics are memorable.
Start with Action Verbs
Every bullet point should begin with a strong action verb. This immediately shows initiative and makes your resume more dynamic.
Avoid Repetition
Don't use the same action verb twice. Variety keeps recruiters engaged and showcases the breadth of your skills.
Match the Context
Choose synonyms that match your actual role. Leadership words for leading, collaboration words for teamwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let's look at examples of how you can remove and replace the overused phrase with a stronger synonym and alternative that is more effective at highlighting your achievements.
“I replaced just 5 words on my resume. Got 3x more callbacks within a week.”
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