Resume Synonyms for Took
Want another word for Took 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, 'Took'.
InterviewPal Career Team
Resume Experts • 10+ Years Experience
The word "took" is one of the most passive and vague verbs you can use on a resume. It fails to convey initiative, leadership, or specific achievements that hiring managers are looking for.
While "took" isn't inherently wrong, it doesn't showcase your proactive nature or the value you brought to previous roles. It simply states that you received or accepted something without demonstrating impact.
Instead of using "took," choose action verbs that highlight your initiative, leadership, and results. These stronger alternatives will help your resume stand out and better communicate your professional capabilities.
I've compiled powerful synonyms you can use instead of "took" that will make your resume more compelling and demonstrate your active contribution to workplace success.
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.
Assumed
Best when describing taking on responsibility or leadership roles, showing initiative and willingness to step up
Acquired
Perfect for describing gaining new skills, knowledge, or assets through deliberate effort and learning
Secured
Ideal when describing obtaining funding, contracts, or opportunities through strategic effort and negotiation
Captured
Excellent for describing winning business, market share, or opportunities in competitive situations
Embraced
Best for showing positive adoption of change, new technologies, or challenging situations with enthusiasm
Pursued
Perfect for describing actively seeking opportunities, education, or goals with determination and persistence
Obtained
Formal alternative when describing earning certifications, degrees, or official recognition through effort
Seized
Powerful when describing taking advantage of time-sensitive opportunities or acting decisively
Undertook
Formal and professional, ideal for describing major projects or significant responsibilities with commitment
Claimed
Appropriate when describing earning awards, recognition, or achieving competitive positions
Garnered
Sophisticated choice for describing earning respect, support, or positive outcomes through quality work
Commandeered
Strong choice when describing taking control of difficult situations or resources in crisis management
Appropriated
Formal term for taking control of resources or budgets, best in financial or strategic contexts
Harvested
Unique choice for describing gathering results, data, or benefits from previous investments or efforts
Absorbed
Perfect for describing deep learning or taking on additional responsibilities from departing colleagues
Intercepted
Dynamic choice for describing catching problems early or taking preventive action in critical situations
Requisitioned
Professional term for formally requesting and obtaining resources, equipment, or budget through proper channels
Inherited
Clear choice when describing taking over existing projects, teams, or responsibilities from predecessors
Adopted
Excellent for describing implementing new methods, technologies, or best practices with commitment to success
Commandeered
Strong verb for describing taking immediate control in emergency or high-pressure situations
Procured
Professional term for obtaining goods, services, or contracts through formal business processes
Collected
Straightforward choice for describing systematic gathering of information, payments, or materials
Retrieved
Technical term perfect for describing recovering data, information, or assets from various sources or systems
Extracted
Analytical term ideal for describing pulling valuable insights, data, or information from complex sources
Monopolized
Bold choice for describing dominating market share or completely controlling a business area through excellence
Snatched
Dynamic verb for describing winning opportunities in highly competitive situations through quick action
Grasped
Perfect for describing quickly understanding complex concepts or taking hold of difficult opportunities
How to replace Took with a stronger action verb:
Let's look at examples of how you can remove and replace the overused phrase,Took, 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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