The 6 Best Resume Synonyms for Significant [Examples + Data]

Using Significant on Resumes

Strong vs Weak Uses of Significant

How Significant Is Commonly Misused

When to Replace Significant with Another Synonym

Best Synonyms for Significant

How to Replace Significant with a Stronger Verb

Compare Your Resume to the Job Description

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resume Synonyms

Using Significant on a Resume

"Using 'Significant' On Your Resume" The term 'Significant' is a powerful word that holds a substantial presence in any context. Essentially, it refers to something that is important, noteworthy, or impactful. It's a word that suggests value, relevance, and a certain level of influence or effect. In the context of a resume, 'Significant' is often used to highlight the importance or impact of one's skills, experiences, or achievements. It's a term that recruiters often appreciate as it indicates that the candidate understands the value of their contributions and can identify what makes them stand out. It communicates that you have made a meaningful difference in your previous roles, and have contributed in ways that have had a lasting impact. However, while 'Significant' is a strong term, it isn't always the most effective language to use on your resume. The word can sometimes be seen as vague or generic, failing to provide specific details about your achievements. Furthermore, it may not fully encapsulate the unique nature of your contributions or the specific ways in which you have made a difference. Therefore, it's beneficial to consider using other synonyms or more descriptive terms that can better articulate your skills, experiences, and achievements. By doing so, you can make your resume more compelling, and give potential employers a more detailed and nuanced understanding of your capabilities.

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Strong vs Weak Uses of Significant

Examples of Using Significant on a Resume

Strong

A seasoned marketing professional with a significant track record of developing and implementing successful strategies that have led to a 30% increase in revenue. My significant experience in digital marketing, combined with my ability to lead teams and manage projects, makes me an ideal candidate for leadership roles in the marketing industry.

Weak

I have significant experience in marketing. I have done significant work in digital marketing and have significant skills in leading teams and managing projects. I have made a significant increase in revenue. I am looking for a significant role in marketing.

Strong

Managed a team of 15, leading to a significant increase in productivity by 30% over a period of 6 months.

Implemented significant changes to the company's IT infrastructure, resulting in improved system performance and reduced downtime.

Played a significant role in the development and launch of a new product line, which increased company revenue by 20%.

Weak

Had a significant amount of work to do every day.

Met significant people during my tenure.

Had a significant number of responsibilities in my role.

How Significant Is Commonly Misused

Significant experience in sales

This statement is too broad and does not provide any specific details about the type of experience or the results achieved. Instead, it is better to quantify your experience and provide specific examples, such as "Over 5 years of experience in sales, consistently exceeding targets by 15%."

Significant contributions to team projects

While this statement may seem impressive, it lacks specificity and does not highlight your individual achievements. It would be more impactful to mention the specific contributions you made and their outcomes, such as "Contributed significantly to team projects, leading to a 30% increase in efficiency."

Significant skills in programming

This statement is vague and does not provide any information about the specific programming skills you possess. Instead, it is better to list the programming languages you are proficient in and provide examples of projects where you utilized these skills.

Significant improvement in performance

This statement lacks context and does not provide any specific details about the improvement. It would be more effective to quantify the improvement and provide a timeframe, such as "Achieved a significant 40% improvement in performance over the past year."

Significant responsibilities in previous role

This statement is too general and does not provide any specific details about the responsibilities you had. Instead, it is better to list the specific responsibilities you had and provide examples of how you successfully managed them.

When to Replace Significant with Another Synonym

Driving results:

Instead of using "Significant," job seekers can use synonyms like "Substantial," "Considerable," or "Noteworthy" to describe the impact of their work. These alternatives emphasize the magnitude of their achievements and can help to illustrate their ability to drive meaningful results.

Problem-solving:

When describing their problem-solving skills, job seekers can replace "Significant" with synonyms such as "Crucial," "Vital," or "Essential." These terms highlight the importance of their role in resolving issues, suggesting that their contributions were indispensable to the success of the project or team.

Experience or expertise:

When referring to their experience or expertise in a certain area, job seekers can use synonyms like "Extensive," "Comprehensive," or "In-depth" instead of "Significant." These alternatives can help to convey a more precise level of proficiency or familiarity with a particular skill or field.

Best Resume Synonyms for Significant

Considerable

Notably large in size or extent.

Notable

Worthy of attention; remarkable.

Substantial

Of considerable importance, size, or worth within a professional context.

Remarkable

Unusually good or notable.

Exceptional

Unusually excellent; superior.

Formidable

Inspiring fear or respect through being impressively powerful or capable.

How to Replace Significant with a Stronger, More Relevant Synonym

Delving further into resume refinement, it's crucial to understand that while 'significant' implies importance or relevance, its usage should be discerning and precise. Not every important role or relevant task equates to being "significant". Sometimes, the magnitude, influence, or essence of your contribution might be better articulated with a different term. When considering how to enhance the language on your resume, ponder the context and impact of your significant contributions. Did you make a substantial difference? Initiate a pivotal change? Drive a key initiative? Each of these situations might call for a different, more specific term. As you explore opportunities to improve your resume's wording, remember that 'significant' should not be used lightly. It should only be used to describe roles or tasks that had a profound impact on your organization or project. Here are a few examples to help you replace 'significant' in a way that is both honest and compelling.

Replacing Significant in Your Resume Summary

Using Significant

Experienced sales manager with a significant track record of exceeding sales targets by 30% in the last three years

Using a Strong Synonym

Experienced sales manager with an impressive track record of surpassing sales targets by 30% over the past three years.

Replacing Significant in Your Work Experience

Using Significant

Played a significant role in the development and implementation of a new marketing strategy that increased company sales by 15%.

Using a Strong Synonym

Played a crucial role in the ideation and execution of an innovative marketing strategy, driving a 15% surge in company sales.

Powerful Significant Synonyms for Different Job Categories

Best Significant Synonyms for Marketing Resumes

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Best Significant Synonyms for Customer Service Resumes

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Find the Right Synonyms for Any Job

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best replacement word for Significant on a resume?

A great replacement for the word 'Significant' on a resume could be 'Substantial'. For example, instead of saying "I had a significant role in increasing sales", you could say "I had a substantial role in increasing sales". Other alternatives could be 'considerable', 'major', or 'meaningful'.

When is it ok to use Significant on a resume?

It's OK to use 'Significant' on a resume when you're describing a major accomplishment or contribution that had a substantial impact on your previous company or role. For example, "Led a significant overhaul of the company's outdated IT infrastructure, resulting in a 30% increase in system efficiency." It should be used to highlight your most impressive achievements, not everyday tasks.

How can I guage if Significant is relevant for my resume?

You can gauge if 'Significant' is relevant for your resume by considering if the accomplishment or experience you're describing had a major impact or brought about substantial change. For instance, if you led a project that significantly increased company revenue or significantly reduced costs, then 'Significant' is an appropriate word to use. It's all about demonstrating the magnitude of your contributions and their importance to the organization.