Resume Synonyms for Worked
Want another word for Work on 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, 'Work on'.
InterviewPal Career Team
Resume Experts • 10+ Years Experience
The phrase "work on" is one of the most overused and vague expressions on resumes. While it technically describes involvement in a project or task, it fails to communicate your specific contribution, level of responsibility, or the impact you made.
Using "work on" makes you sound passive and doesn't differentiate you from other candidates. Recruiters see this phrase countless times and it tells them nothing about your actual skills, leadership abilities, or achievements.
Instead of using "work on," choose action verbs that clearly demonstrate your role and impact. Strong alternatives show whether you led, created, improved, managed, or transformed something, giving recruiters a clear picture of your capabilities.
The right synonym can transform a weak bullet point into a compelling achievement statement. By selecting precise action verbs, you'll communicate your value more effectively and stand out from the competition.
I've compiled powerful synonyms you can use instead of "work on" to make your resume more impactful and results-focused.
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.
Developed
Perfect when you created something new from scratch or significantly enhanced an existing process, product, or system
Managed
Ideal when you had oversight responsibility for projects, teams, or processes and coordinated multiple moving parts
Implemented
Best used when you executed a plan, system, or strategy, showing you can take ideas from concept to reality
Led
Use when you were the primary driver or had authority over a project, showing clear leadership and accountability
Optimized
Perfect when you improved efficiency, performance, or effectiveness of existing processes or systems
Spearheaded
Excellent for initiatives you started or drove from the beginning, showing entrepreneurial spirit and leadership
Orchestrated
Use when you coordinated complex projects with multiple stakeholders, showing your ability to manage intricate moving parts
Engineered
Ideal for technical projects or when you designed and built solutions, showing analytical and problem-solving skills
Transformed
Perfect when you fundamentally changed or revolutionized a process, department, or system
Executed
Best when you carried out plans or strategies with precision, showing reliability and follow-through
Designed
Use when you created the structure, layout, or framework for something, showing creative and analytical thinking
Established
Perfect when you created something new that became a permanent part of the organization
Streamlined
Ideal when you simplified or made processes more efficient, showing operational excellence
Pioneered
Use when you were first to implement or try something new, showing innovation and risk-taking
Revitalized
Perfect for situations where you brought new life to struggling projects, teams, or processes
Collaborated
Better than 'work on' when emphasizing partnership and team-based achievements
Delivered
Strong when you completed projects on time and met specific objectives or requirements
Directed
Use when you provided guidance and strategic direction to teams or projects
Facilitated
Excellent when you enabled others to succeed or made processes run more smoothly
Initiated
Perfect when you started something new or took the first steps on important projects
Overhauled
Use when you completely redesigned or restructured existing systems or processes
Supervised
Better than 'work on' when you had direct oversight of people or processes
Constructed
Ideal when you built something from the ground up, whether physical or conceptual
Formulated
Use when you created strategies, plans, or formulas through careful analysis and planning
Restructured
Perfect when you reorganized teams, departments, or processes for better efficiency
Cultivated
Excellent for relationship-building contexts or when developing long-term initiatives
How to replace Worked with a stronger action verb:
Let's look at examples of how you can remove and replace the overused phrase,Worked, 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.”
Product Manager
Know What They'll Ask About Your Resume
Know exactly what questions your background will trigger in interviews. Start telling your story with confidence.
4.9★ from 100,000+ candidates
