10 Good Synonyms for “Handled” on a Resume

Having good handling skills on projects shows leadership. Therefore, if you’re given something to “handle” at work, you should talk about it in your resume. It’s a great trait to show off.

We recommend using some alternatives to help you mix it up, though. And this article has gathered the best ones.

• Directed
• Managed
• Led
• Organized
• Ran
• Governed
• Headed
• Oversaw
• Supervised
• Guided

Keep reading to learn what to use instead of “handled” on your resume. We’ve also provided some examples to help with each alternative.

1. Directed

Generally, a word like “directed” goes a long way on your resume. It’s a buzzword that most employers look for to show you’ve taken charge in the workplace.

Therefore, “directed” is a great formal alternative to “handled.”

Think about it like this: if you are a director, you are one of the most important people in a company. So, if you “direct” something, it means you handle important projects.

This is a great way to show you’re responsible and willing to work hard. Most employers will be happy to hear more about this.

Here are some great resume examples if you’re still unsure:

• I directed most of the interviews for new starters. It helped me to learn a lot more about my office and what they’re looking for in candidates.
• I directed most of the outgoing reports at the firm. I’m very happy with the work I put in for these.

2. Managed

Another word for “handled” on your resume is “managed.” This time, we want you to consider being an office manager.

Naturally, managers are above most employees. They are the person most employees answer to, thus giving them more power than most.

So, “managed” is a great formal alternative to use here. It shows you handle important affairs when asked.

Also, it may imply that you’re happy to adopt a managerial role. This works well if you’re trying to impress the recruiter.

You should also review these cover letter samples:

• I managed customer complaints when required. It helped me to learn to be more passionate when people needed help.
• I managed most of the financials. I was trusted because of my accounting experience and ability to handle money.

3. Led

Using “led” in your job application is a great way to show you can handle something. We recommend using it when handling things and being in charge of a team.

It’s a great way to show you’re happy to take a leadership role. It’s formal and respectful, showing that you’re always the one who people turn to when they need guidance.

You should certainly try to include this in your resume. It’ll go well for you if you’re applying to a role that’s a little more team-focused.

Also, these examples should clear things up:

• I led many team projects during my time with that company. I learned a great deal from my peers.
• It helps that I led the organization for a few months while my manager was on leave. I learned a lot about running a business.

4. Organized

Everyone loves good organizational skills. The better you are at organizing something, the more reliable you become.

Therefore, “organized” is a great alternative to “handled.” It is formal and respectful, showing you’re willing to set something up and handle it in your own way.

Handling things can be hard. So, the more organized you are, the more efficient you become at handling something. This will often limit how much work you need to put into any project.

Here are some great examples to help you with it:

• I organized confidential information for clients. It was important that their information was kept sealed at all times.
• I organized most of the charity events at our company. I believe I’m the best candidate for a role like this moving forward.

5. Ran

For a slightly simpler alternative, why not try “ran”? It’s the past tense of “run,” showing you once took control of a project.

Of course, it’s much simpler than some of the other choices. But sometimes, simple language is more effective, as it ensures the reader knows what you’re saying.

So, try to avoid overcomplicating things. Stick with “ran” if you’re unsure what else to include. It’s still suitable as a professional choice.

Don’t forget to check out these examples before you leave:

• I ran the system that looked after customer complaints. I wanted to make sure everyone got a fair response.
• During my time with the company, I ran many side projects. That’s where I learned most of what I can do today.

6. Governed

Now, here’s an interesting one. You might not come across it all that often, but “governed” is another way to say “handled” on your resume.

It’s the same root word as “government.” If you “govern” something, you conduct actions and affairs. This is great to include as a more professional synonym.

Of course, it sounds a bit pretentious. You should limit your usage of this (only once per application).

Nevertheless, it’s a great choice that keeps your writing fresh and engaging.

You can refer to these resume examples if you still need help:

• I governed the phone customers called to make complaints. They trusted me to listen to them and help them.
• I governed the team meetings between my coworkers and me. My boss trusted me more than any other employee.

7. Headed

Another way to say “handled” on your resume is “headed.” It’s a useful one to show you took a leadership role and oversaw the operational side of something.

For example, your boss may ask you to “head” an operation with your colleagues. It shows you’re reliable and ready to help, which is a great way to show that you’re looking for a more serious role.

We recommend using it if you’re keen on a more managerial position. It shows you have good control over a team or workforce.

Also, these cover letter samples should help you:

• It helps that I’ve headed multiple arrangements already. I’m happy to work hands-on with clients when they need me.
• I have headed team projects. My leadership skills come from understanding what my team wants to get from a project.

8. Oversaw

It’s good to include “oversaw” sometimes in your resume. It’s a great professional synonym that shows you saw over something (i.e., you were in charge of a team).

We recommend using it to show that you’re happy to fill a more commanding role. It shows you’re used to keeping people on track and willing to help guide them to become as successful as possible.

As always, this is a great way to impress an employer. It shows efficacy and respect in the workplace, which allows you to climb the ranks quickly.

Check out these examples if you’re still unsure:

• I oversaw customer complaints at my last company. My colleagues always asked me to help them with resolutions.
• I oversaw three different departments. It was because of my experience, and I’m happy to say they were all successful.

9. Supervised

Supervisors help teams to stay organized. Therefore, you can “supervise” a project to help people complete it successfully.

You can use “supervised” in your CV to show that you’ve led a team. It’s a great choice that implies you’re happy to fill a managerial role.

Generally, if you’re a supervisor, team members will come to you with questions. So, if you feel comfortable answering those questions, this word might be for you.

Here are some great resume samples to help you with it:

• I supervised a team of six people. From this, I learned a lot about my managerial abilities and what I can expect moving forward.
• I supervised client meetings when necessary. I acted as the notary to ensure everything went well.

10. Guided

You may also use “guided” instead of “handled.” It shows you had a leading hand on a project and were willing to do what you could to ensure it went smoothly.

If you “guide” something, it means you work hard to keep it going. It’s a great formal alternative that shows you have more delicate control over something.

We recommend using it to show you’re boss that you do well as an employee. It’s not a particularly demanding word, so it implies that you’re better as an employee rather than a manager.

You can also review these examples:

• I guided the team projects when I needed to. It helped me learn how to work better on a team.
• I guided the new starters as they picked up the role. I’m proud of the work I put in to help them get to where they are today.