Key Takeaway: To stand out, your resume needs bullet points that highlight your achievements and show the results and value of your contributions. Use action verbs, add numbers where possible, and tailor each point to match the job description.

Why Bullet Points Matter on a Resume

• Highlighting Achievements and Skills: Bullet points make it easy to showcase your most impressive achievements in each job. By focusing on specific results and contributions, you’re giving potential employers a sense of the value you bring to the table. For example, instead of saying, “Handled social media,” you might say, “Grew social media engagement by 45% through a tailored content strategy.”
• Improving Readability for Hiring Managers: Hiring managers are usually pressed for time, so they won’t read every word of your resume. Bullet points help break up the text, allowing them to skim and quickly spot your strengths. This layout helps your skills and achievements stand out, increasing the chance of catching their attention.
• Organizing Information Clearly and Concisely: Using bullet points also keeps things organized. Instead of lengthy paragraphs, bullet points let you zero in on key details in a clean and structured way. This organization shows that you can communicate effectively and efficiently, a valued skill in every industry.

Crafting Effective Resume Bullet Points

Making your bullet points stand out is simple. Just follow a few easy steps to give each one maximum impact.

• Start Each Point with an Action Verb: Every bullet point should kick off with a strong action verb. Verbs like “led,” “developed,” “implemented,” and “streamlined” grab attention and show that you took charge and made a difference. For example, instead of “Managed team projects,” try “Led a team of five to complete cross-departmental projects, boosting efficiency by 20%.”
• Add Numbers Whenever Possible: Adding numbers to your achievements makes them more credible and impactful. Saying “Increased sales” sounds nice, but “Increased sales by 30%” gives concrete proof of your success. For example, “Consistently exceeded quarterly sales targets by an average of 20%” tells a clear story of your accomplishments.
• Be Specific About Responsibilities and Contributions: Avoid vague statements that could apply to anyone in your field. Instead, get specific. For instance, instead of saying, “Managed social media accounts,” try “Managed a portfolio of social media accounts, growing followers by 30% and engagement by 50% through targeted content strategies.” This makes it clear what you achieved and how.
• Focus on Results and Value: Each bullet point should highlight the value you added. Instead of just listing tasks, show the outcome or result of your actions. For example, “Developed and implemented a customer feedback system that boosted satisfaction scores by 35%.” This tells the hiring manager not only what you did but also why it mattered.

Using a Resume Bullet Points Generator

Sometimes, you might need a little help to get started, and that’s where a resume bullet points generator can be handy. These tools can offer suggestions based on your role or industry, making it easier to create relevant bullet points.

• What is a Bullet Points Generator? A bullet points generator is a tool that suggests phrasing for your resume based on job titles, industries, or responsibilities. It’s a quick way to brainstorm or get a fresh perspective on how to describe your roles effectively.
• Pros and Cons of Using a Bullet Points Generator: Generators can save time, give you phrasing ideas, and help you spot essential job-specific skills. They’re especially helpful if you’re feeling stuck. However, the downside is that generators may produce generic results. To stand out, it’s best to add a personal touch and customize the suggestions.
• Top Generators to Consider: If you’re interested in trying one out, some popular options include Jobscan, Resume.com, and Canva’s Resume Builder. Jobscan is great for helping resumes get past applicant tracking systems (ATS), and Canva provides visually appealing templates with sample bullet points for various job types. Keep in mind, these tools are only the beginning. The more you customize the results, the better they’ll be.

Note: While generators can kickstart the process, personalizing and refining each bullet point is essential to make it truly reflect your experience and strengths.

DIY: Steps to Create Impactful Bullet Points Without a Generator

If you’d rather write your resume bullet points from scratch, here’s a simple process to follow.

• List Your Main Responsibilities and Achievements: Start by brainstorming everything you were responsible for in previous roles, from daily tasks to big wins. Include both the routine and the extraordinary; this list will help you build each bullet point.
• Begin with an Action Verb: Each point should start with a verb that shows ownership, like “executed,” “implemented,” or “orchestrated.” These words convey a sense of purpose and indicate that you took action and got results.
• Focus on Results and Impact: Frame each bullet point around what you accomplished, not just what you were responsible for. For example, instead of “Handled customer inquiries,” consider “Resolved customer inquiries, achieving a 95% satisfaction rate and reducing response time by 20%.” Whenever possible, back up your claims with numbers.
• Keep it Concise and Specific: While detail is essential, you don’t want each bullet point to become a paragraph. Aim for one line per bullet, focusing on a single achievement or responsibility. This keeps your resume visually appealing and easy to read.

Key Tip: Focus on results over tasks. Highlight what you accomplished and the difference it made, rather than just listing duties.

Examples of Strong Resume Bullet Points by Industry

If you’re still unsure how to word your bullet points, here are a few examples from various fields to give you some inspiration.

• Marketing: In marketing, it’s all about showing the impact you made. For example, “Developed a digital marketing strategy that boosted lead generation by 30%, contributing to a 25% increase in revenue,” or “Grew social media followers by 10,000 through targeted engagement and content strategies.”
• Information Technology (IT): For IT roles, focus on how you improved processes or saved resources. You might say, “Implemented an automated helpdesk system that cut ticket resolution time by 40%,” or “Launched a cloud storage solution that saved the company $15,000 in annual server costs.”
• Sales: Sales roles are ideal for quantifying achievements. Consider points like “Consistently exceeded quarterly sales targets, generating an additional $50,000 in revenue annually,” or “Trained a team of 15 sales associates, boosting team productivity by 25%.”
• Project Management: In project management, it’s essential to show how you delivered results under tight deadlines. For instance, “Led a cross-functional team to deliver a project two weeks early, saving 15% in costs,” or “Created a project tracking system that reduced task duplication by 30%.”

These examples give you an idea of how to use specific language to highlight your achievements. Notice how each bullet has a clear result or outcome.

Editing and Refining Your Bullet Points

After writing your bullet points, don’t skip the editing stage. This is where you fine-tune for maximum clarity and impact.

• Proofreading for Precision and Impact: Make sure each bullet point is error-free and reads smoothly. Proofreading makes sure your bullet points are sharp and professional, leaving a great impression on hiring managers.
• Using Keywords for ATS Compatibility: Applicant tracking systems (ATS) scan resumes for keywords from job descriptions. Adding relevant keywords from the job listing will help your resume make it through this initial filter. For instance, if the job description includes “project management,” try to include that term in your bullet points.
• Getting Feedback: A second opinion can go a long way. Ask a friend or colleague to review your resume, or use a resume review tool to ensure everything is clear and impactful. Fresh eyes can spot areas for improvement you may have missed.

Conclusion

Effective bullet points can be the difference between a resume that gets overlooked and one that stands out. With a few simple techniques—like starting with action verbs, quantifying achievements, and focusing on results—you can make a solid impact.

Whether you use a resume bullet points generator or write them yourself, remember that the goal is to showcase your unique skills and contributions in a way that’s easy for hiring managers to digest. A little extra effort can make your resume stand out and boost your chances of landing an interview.

FAQs

What’s the best way to start each bullet point on my resume?

Using a strong action verb at the beginning of each bullet point adds impact and shows your contributions clearly. Words like “led,” “developed,” “implemented,” and “achieved” set the right tone.

Should I use a resume bullet points generator for every point?

Generators are helpful for getting ideas, but it’s best to customize each point to reflect your unique experience. This makes your resume stand out more effectively.

How many bullet points should I include under each job?

Aim for about 3-5 bullet points per role, focusing on the most relevant and impressive achievements. This keeps your resume concise and easy to read.

How do I add numbers to my bullet points if I don’t have exact data?

If precise numbers aren’t available, you can use estimates or describe the impact qualitatively. For example, you could say, “improved team efficiency” or “increased customer satisfaction.” Even without exact numbers, qualitative outcomes can still convey value.

Do hiring managers prefer bullet points over paragraphs in resumes?

Yes, bullet points are generally preferred because they’re easier to skim. They help hiring managers quickly find your key strengths without having to dig through dense text. Bullet points allow you to highlight your achievements and make a strong impression in just a glance.