// resume power verbs
Another word for "did" on a resume
"Did" is the most informal and content-free verb that can appear on a resume. It states that something happened but gives the reader no information about the skill involved, the scope of the work, or the outcome. Every instance of "did" should be replaced before a resume is submitted.
Why "did" weakens your resume
"Did" is conversation filler — it belongs in casual speech, not in a professional document that is competing for a job. ATS software cannot match "did" to any skill or competency in a job description, and a hiring manager reading it will simply move on. Replace every instance with the specific verb that names your actual action and add a measurable result. The combination of a precise verb and a number is what wins interviews.
20 stronger words for "did"
Executed
when you carried out a defined plan or task
Delivered
when you completed and produced a specific output
Performed
when you carried out defined duties or technical procedures
Completed
when you finished a project, task, or milestone on time
Implemented
when you put a plan, process, or system into operation
Conducted
when you ran an analysis, assessment, test, or session
Managed
when you had direct ownership of people, budgets, or projects
Led
when you directed a team, initiative, or project
Built
when you created something from scratch
Produced
when you created a defined deliverable or output
Developed
when you created or improved a system, tool, or capability
Drove
when you owned a meaningful portion of a result
Achieved
when you reached a specific, measurable goal
Resolved
when you fixed a problem or removed a risk
Analyzed
when you interpreted data or findings to drive decisions
Designed
when you planned or structured something
Launched
when you brought something new into operation or to market
Negotiated
when you reached agreements with external parties
Coordinated
when you organized people, timelines, or resources
Administered
when your work was operational or procedural in nature
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Check my resume free →Before / after: bullets that drop "did"
Did research for the product team.
✍️ Conducted 22 user interviews and synthesized findings into a prioritized insight report that shaped the Q3 product roadmap.
Did the monthly financial close.
✍️ Completed monthly financial close for a $6M operating budget, reducing close time from 8 days to 4 days through process standardization.
Did outreach to potential clients.
✍️ Executed an outbound prospecting campaign targeting 300 accounts, generating 48 qualified discovery calls and $280K in pipeline.
Frequently asked questions
Is "did" a good resume word?
No — it is the weakest action verb on a resume. "Did" is informal, content-free, and matches no skill or keyword that an ATS or recruiter is looking for. Replace every instance with a specific, outcome-focused verb like Executed, Delivered, Conducted, or Built.
What can I say instead of "did" on a resume?
Replace "did" with the verb that describes your actual action. For completing tasks, use Executed or Delivered. For running assessments or tests, use Conducted. For building things, use Built or Developed. For managing, use Managed or Led. Always follow the verb with a result.
Can I use atsgrader.com to check if my resume has weak verbs like "did"?
Yes — atsgrader.com runs a free in-browser scan that flags weak and overused verbs, ATS keyword gaps, and formatting issues. Your resume is never uploaded to any server, and no account is required.
Keep improving your resume
- What an ATS is and how it works
- The ATS-friendly resume template
- How ATS keyword matching works
- The ATS-friendly resume format
- Why resumes get rejected by ATS
- Free ATS checker with no signup
Weak verbs dragging your bullets down? Swap them using stronger resume action verbs.
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