Guide: How to Say “Work With” on a Resume

Creating an impactful resume is crucial when you’re on the lookout for new job opportunities. One key aspect of a resume is effectively conveying your ability to collaborate and work with others. Whether you’re describing teamwork, collaboration, or the ability to work with different individuals or teams, choosing the right words can make a significant difference. In this guide, we will explore various formal and informal ways to say “work with” on a resume, providing you with tips, examples, and regional variations to make your resume stand out.

Formal Ways to Say “Work With”

When it comes to crafting a professional resume, it is essential to use formal language. Here are some formal alternatives to express collaboration or working together:

1. Collaborated with: This phrase implies active participation and cooperation with others. It highlights your ability to work effectively in a team environment. Example: “Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement innovative marketing strategies.”
2. Cooperated with: Demonstrating your cooperation skills is crucial in a professional setting. This phrase indicates your ability to work harmoniously with individuals or teams. Example: “Cooperated with colleagues to streamline project workflows, resulting in increased efficiency.”
3. Partnered with: This term signifies that you collaborated closely with a specific individual or team. It suggests a strong working relationship, often with shared goals. Example: “Partnered with sales department to develop client-focused solutions and improve customer satisfaction.”
4. Worked alongside: Describing how you’ve worked alongside others highlights your ability to contribute effectively as an equal team member. Example: “Worked alongside senior executives to develop and present strategic business plans.”
5. Contributed to: By emphasizing your contributions to a project or team, you demonstrate your active involvement and the value you bring. Example: “Contributed to cross-functional initiatives, fostering collaboration and achieving business objectives.”

Informal Ways to Say “Work With”

In certain contexts, such as creative fields or startup environments, using a more informal tone can be appropriate. Here are some examples of informal phrases for expressing collaboration:

1. Teamed up with: Informal yet dynamic, this phrase suggests a sense of partnership and camaraderie. Example: “Teamed up with designers and developers to create a visually stunning website.”
2. Worked hand-in-hand with: This expression highlights close collaboration and the sense of working closely side by side with others. Example: “Worked hand-in-hand with the marketing team on successful promotional campaigns.”
3. Joined forces with: This phrase emphasizes unity and coming together with others to achieve a shared objective. Example: “Joined forces with the research team to conduct market analysis and identify emerging trends.”
4. Collaborated closely with: This phrase implies a strong working relationship, often involving frequent communication and coordination. Example: “Collaborated closely with colleagues from different departments to launch a new product line.”
5. Partnered up with: Using “partnered up with” conveys a sense of teamwork and cooperation, particularly when working towards a specific goal. Example: “Partnered up with software engineers to deliver high-quality products within tight deadlines.”

Tips for Describing Collaboration on a Resume

Now that we’ve explored different formal and informal phrases, here are some tips on effectively describing collaboration on your resume:

1. Choose action verbs: Begin each bullet point with an active, descriptive verb to showcase your achievements and contribution. For example, consider words such as led, facilitated, orchestrated, coordinated, or spearheaded.
2. Quantify your impact: Whenever possible, include specific numbers or data to demonstrate the results of your collaborative efforts. This could include metrics such as increased sales by X%, reduced project completion time by Y%, or improved customer satisfaction ratings by Z%.
3. Showcase diverse collaborations: Highlight your ability to work with various individuals, teams, or departments to illustrate your adaptability and flexibility. This demonstrates that you can effectively collaborate regardless of the environment or project requirements.
4. Mention tools or methodologies: If you have experience with specific collaboration tools or methodologies, such as Agile, Scrum, or Kanban, include them to showcase your familiarity with efficient teamwork practices.
5. Include relevant examples: Whenever possible, include examples from previous roles or projects that demonstrate successful collaboration and its impact. This helps employers envision how you can contribute to their team.

Pro Tip: Tailoring your resume to each job application is crucial. Review the job description and consider incorporating specific keywords or phrases related to collaboration to make your resume even more relevant.

Remember, recruiters and hiring managers look for candidates who can effectively work with others. By choosing the right phrases and providing examples of successful collaboration, you can showcase your abilities and increase your chances of securing an interview.

Now that you have the knowledge and tools to describe collaboration effectively, go ahead and update your resume to highlight your exceptional teamwork skills. Good luck with your job search!