10 Better Synonyms for “Secured” on Your Resume
The word 'secured' is frequently used on resumes to describe landing a deal, acquiring resources, or establishing a partnership. While it conveys achievement, it has become somewhat of a buzzword that recruiters see constantly. When every candidate claims they 'secured' funding or 'secured' a new client, the impact of the accomplishment gets diluted, making it harder for your resume to stand out in a competitive job market.
To truly capture a hiring manager's attention and improve your chances with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), you need more precise action verbs. Choosing specific alternatives not only demonstrates a stronger vocabulary but also clarifies exactly *how* you achieved the result. Whether you negotiated a complex contract, finalized a major sale, or obtained critical resources, using targeted synonyms will make your bullet points far more compelling and descriptive.
Top 10 Synonyms for “Secured”
1. Negotiated
To obtain or bring about by discussion.
Example: Negotiated a $1.2M vendor contract, reducing annual software licensing costs by 15% without compromising service quality.
Best for: Sales, procurement, and management roles
2. Finalized
To complete or settle the final details of an agreement or process.
Example: Finalized 3 strategic partnerships with key industry leaders, expanding the company's market reach by 25% within six months.
Best for: Business development and executive positions
3. Acquired
To get or gain possession of something, typically through effort or investment.
Example: Acquired 500+ high-value enterprise clients in Q3 through targeted outbound campaigns, generating $2M in new recurring revenue.
Best for: Sales, marketing, and corporate development roles
4. Procured
To obtain something, especially with care or effort.
Example: Procured essential manufacturing materials during a global supply chain shortage, ensuring 100% on-time delivery for 5 major product launches.
Best for: Supply chain, logistics, and operations roles
5. Won
To gain or acquire through effort or competition.
Example: Won a highly competitive government contract worth $5M by developing a comprehensive technical proposal and cost-effective project plan.
Best for: B2B sales, bidding, and proposal management roles
6. Attained
To succeed in achieving something that one has worked for.
Example: Attained a 98% customer retention rate by implementing a proactive account management strategy for top-tier clients.
Best for: Customer success and account management positions
7. Captured
To gain control of or secure a portion of a market or resource.
Example: Captured 15% more market share in the EMEA region by launching localized digital marketing campaigns and optimizing conversion funnels.
Best for: Marketing, growth, and strategy roles
8. Locked in
To make something secure or certain, especially a rate or agreement.
Example: Locked in a 3-year exclusive distribution agreement with a premier retail chain, guaranteeing $4M in annual sales.
Best for: Sales, real estate, and financial roles
9. Landed
To succeed in obtaining or achieving something desirable.
Example: Landed the company's first Fortune 500 client, paving the way for a 40% increase in enterprise-level leads over the next year.
Best for: Sales, recruiting, and business development roles
10. Closed
To bring a business deal or negotiation to a successful conclusion.
Example: Closed 45 enterprise software deals in 2023, exceeding the annual sales quota by 120% and earning the Top Performer award.
Best for: Sales and real estate positions
Weak vs. Strong Resume Bullets
❌ Weak Examples
- Secured new clients for the company.
- Secured funding for the upcoming project.
- Secured a partnership with a local business.
✅ Strong Examples
- Acquired 15 new enterprise clients in Q2, boosting quarterly revenue by $250,000.
- Negotiated $1.5M in Series A funding by pitching a scalable growth strategy to top venture capital firms.
- Finalized a strategic partnership with a regional logistics provider, reducing delivery times by 20%.
Tips for Using Action Verbs Effectively
- Always pair your action verbs with specific metrics or numbers (like percentages, dollar amounts, or timeframes) to prove the impact of your work.
- Choose a synonym that accurately reflects the process you used. If you had to bargain, use 'negotiated'; if you won against competitors, use 'captured' or 'won'.
- Place your strongest action verb at the very beginning of your resume bullet point to immediately grab the recruiter's attention.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'secured' a bad word to use on a resume?
It's not inherently bad, but it is heavily overused. Replacing it with more specific verbs like 'negotiated' or 'acquired' provides a clearer picture of your skills and makes your achievements stand out.
How many different action verbs should I use on my resume?
Aim for variety. Try not to repeat the same action verb more than twice across your entire resume. Using a diverse vocabulary keeps the reader engaged and demonstrates strong communication skills.
Do ATS systems look for specific synonyms?
Yes, Applicant Tracking Systems often scan for keywords related to the job description. Using precise synonyms that match the job posting can improve your ATS match rate and help your resume reach a human recruiter.