20+ Best "Strong" Synonyms for a Resume & Cover Letter

Repeating words again and again can make your resume sound unprofessional. But there’s a simple remedy: just replace some boring words with synonyms. Here, you’ll find the best synonyms for ‘strong’ on a resume that will elevate your application to the next level.

Keep reading to see 20+ ‘strong’ synonyms for a resume, and learn how to use them properly.

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How Can Synonyms Improve Your Resume?

First things first—what’s a synonym? It’s a word or phrase with the same (or very similar) meaning as another word. For example: a song and a tune or run and jog. Using synonyms can make your writing more interesting. They help to avoid repetition and can add a little flourish to the overall tone.

What does it mean for your resume? For example, instead of saying “a strong leader with strong management skills,” your resume profile may say: “an authoritative leader and an effective manager.” Replacing an often-repeated word with a synonym shows you’re a good communicator with attention to detail.

Now, let’s see the best ‘strong’ synonyms for a resume.

If resume writing is not one of your strengths, check this step-by-step guide: How to Write a Resume in 2024

Top 24 Synonyms for ‘Strong’ on a Resume

The word ‘strong’ is an adjective, which means that you can use it to describe yourself as well as your skills. The best synonyms for ‘strong’ on a resume are also adjectives. Here’s a handy table with 20+ synonyms for the word ‘strong’ that you can use when writing your resume descriptions:

But how to pick the best alternative for strong on a resume? One of the best synonyms for strong on a resume is proficient. So, instead of writing “strong Microsoft Excel knowledge,” you can say: “Proficient in Microsoft Excel.” You can also use other synonyms, like “experienced” or “excellent”—it all depends on the context.

I’ll talk about using synonyms effectively in more detail in the next chapter. 

The most powerful words for your resume are resume keywords. Learn more: How to Pick and Use Resume Keywords

How to Use ‘Strong’ Synonyms on a Resume?

If your writing skills are excellent, you won’t have trouble using synonyms for ‘strong’ on your resume. But not everyone has a way with words. An inexperienced writer can easily fall for traps such as making their resume too wordy when trying to improve their descriptions. Fret not—this chapter will show you how to use synonyms properly while sticking to the key principles of business writing.

Here’s a handful of tips for improving your resume:

1. Check What’s in the Job Advertisement

Always start with the job ad. It’s the best place to spot relevant synonyms for strong for your resume. In fact, using the synonyms featured in the job ad can help you pass ATS checkers, so it’s a win-win, really. For example, your resume may say “strong interpersonal skills,” while the job requirements can mention “great interpersonal skills.” Replace strong with great, and never look back!

2. Elevate Your Resume Profile

It’s easy to repeat the word ‘strong’ several times in your resume summary or career objective. But these sections are also the easiest to improve with ‘strong’ synonyms for resumes. Use alternative words when describing your strengths, the effects of your actions, and your accomplishments. See the example below, with all synonyms for ‘strong’ highlighted:

3. Enhance Key Resume Sections

Don’t stop at your resume profile. Other parts of your resume can benefit from using synonyms for ‘strong,’ too. Use them when describing your professional achievements in the work experience section, listing extracurricular activities and academic accomplishments on a resume with no experience, showing your professional skills, or describing additional resume information. The example below shows ‘strong’ synonyms on a resume highlighted:

4. Pay Attention to Context & Meaning

Don’t replace words automatically—this can end badly. For example, “hard” and “difficult” are synonyms, but you can’t wear a “difficult hat” on a building site. Not all synonyms have the exact same meaning and tone. If you’re not sure how to use a word from the list above, check its meaning in a dictionary. 

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:

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Key Takeaways

You’ve seen over 20 synonyms for ‘strong’ on a resume. How about we pick the top 10 as a quick reminder? Here we go.

Here are the 10 best synonyms for ‘strong’ on a resume:

• Compelling
• Dependable
• Effective
• Enduring
• Excellent
• Great
• Impactful
• Proficient
• Reliable
• Substantial

That’s all you need to know about using ‘strong’ synonyms on a resume. Got any further questions? Feel free to ask in the comments below!

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Sources

• University of Minnesota, "Writing for Success - 4.5 Synonyms and Antonyms"
• University of Colorado, "Principles of Business Writing"