Back to all synonyms
Weak Phrase

“improved”

Replace this weak phrase with 7 powerful alternatives to strengthen your resume and improve ATS performance.

Why “improved” Weakens Your Resume

“Improved” is vague and doesn't specify what you actually did or how much better things got.

ATS Impact: Generic verbs like “improved” don't differentiate your resume. More specific synonyms like “Enhanced,” “Optimized,” or “Elevated” signal precision and expertise.

7 Powerful Alternatives

Before & After Examples

Weak Example

“Improved customer service processes”

Strong Example

“Enhanced customer service workflows, reducing response time by 35% and improving satisfaction scores from 3.2 to 4.7/5”

Why it's better: "Enhanced" is more sophisticated, and adding specific metrics shows measurable impact

Weak Example

“Improved team productivity”

Strong Example

“Optimized team workflows by implementing Agile methodologies, boosting productivity by 28% (measured by sprint velocity)”

Why it's better: "Optimized" implies strategic thinking, and mentioning the methodology adds credibility

Tips for Using These Power Words

  • Choose the most accurate verb: Pick the synonym that best describes what you actually did. “Spearheaded” is different from “Coordinated.”
  • Add quantifiable results: Strong verbs are even better with numbers. “Increased sales by 40%” beats just “Increased sales.”
  • Match the job description: If the posting uses “orchestrated,” use that instead of “managed” to pass ATS keyword filters.
  • Vary your language: Don't use the same power word throughout your resume. Mix it up to keep recruiters engaged.

Automatically Find Weak Words in Your Resume

Our AI-powered analyzer scans your entire resume for weak phrases and suggests the best power word replacements.

Analyze My Resume Free