How to Write Powerful, Professional Resume Bullet Points

The way you describe your experiences on your resume can decide whether or not you land an interview. If you show how uniquely qualified YOU are, then they’ll probably want to learn more with an interview. That’s why, knowing how to write resume bullet points can be the key to getting a call.

First, I want to let you know why we’re talking about bullet points and not paragraphs. Unless you’re writing a CV (which is another story and probably not what you’re doing), then you absolutely don’t want paragraphs on your resume.

Take a second to visualize what a resume looks like with paragraphs: crowded, messy, and similar to an essay. Whichever busy employee will be reading your resume does NOT have time to read that much information.
Instead, bullet points provide a digestible, streamlined way of describing your experiences without overwhelming. 

So, now that we know why we’re not writing paragraphs, let’s dive into how to write resume bullet points! 

Start with action verbs

Just like a high school book report, you want your bullet points to start with a “hook.” However, this time, your hook is always an action verb.
These are words like “oversaw,” “coordinated,” “develop,” “supervise,” etc. They’re the best way to grab their attention and directly show your qualifications.

If you’re having trouble coming up with action verbs or what to write in your bullet points, then try this trick: write a paragraph about your experience or say it outloud to someone, then use those sentences as the base for your bullet points. Remove the pronouns to start the bullet points at the verbs, then tweak them to make them fit.

Also, make sure you use the right tense for your resume bullet points.

So, if you’re still working at the job you’re talking about, then use the present tense (plan, communicate, operate, create). If it’s a position you’re not doing anymore, then use the past tense (led, designed, introduced, achieved).

Start your resume bullet points off right by using an action verb, and you’ll have a much better chance of grabbing their attention!

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Quantify, quantify, quantify

This is BIG- your resume bullet points should be specific. Your goal is to give them a super clear picture of what you’ve done in the past, so they see what you’re capable of in the future.

One of the best ways to do this is quantifying your bullet points- as in, adding numbers to them.

Here’s my favorite example that shows the power of quantifying your resume bullet points, using my experience as a summer camp counselor:
Without quantifying: 

• Supervised and planned activities for children at a summer camp alongside coworkers

With quantifying: 

• Supervised and planned daily activities for 100+ children alongside 9 coworkers for 8 hours each workday

See the huge difference quantifying made? That second one sounds much more impressive and gives a really clear picture of my experience. 

Another easy way to quantify your bullet points is by using numbers to show your achievements and recognitions. So, if you received an award, did something that provided gains for the company, or achieved a large milestone, make sure you’re specific about the numbers that were involved in it.

For example, if you’re a social media manager, show how much you’ve increased the follower count, engagement rate, or reach of the accounts you’ve managed. Or, if you were one of a select few chosen for an opportunity, then be specific about why and how many people you were picked from.

There are SO many ways to add numbers to your resume bullet points. After you write your bullet points, sit with them and figure out where you can work in numbers. Whether they’re large or small, they still show your skills and give a great picture of your experiences.

Match their language

Another biggie, this tip is pretty much the key to making every piece of your job application stand out.

First, scan the job description and make a list of the keywords you find- focus on action verbs, adjectives, and skills. Then, look over their website- especially their mission/ vision statement- and social media pages. Add the most common words you find to the list. 

Finally, incorporate those words into your resume bullet points (and your cover letter!)

This list of words is especially helpful when you’re looking for action verbs to start your bullet points. If you find yourself starting with the same verbs over and over again, then definitely pull from the language they use to write your bullet points. It’ll give you a HUGE edge over all of the other applicants!

Yes, this means you’re changing your resume for every job you apply for, but that’s actually an essential part of making a high quality resume.

Need more help with customizing your resume for every job? Check out How to Tailor your Resume

Using their language in your resume bullet points immediately connects you to the company and focuses your resume on your audience.

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Order them strategically

There are studies that show employers spend the most time reading the top of your resume and the top of each section. So, the first bullet points are going to get more attention than the last ones in a list.

This is why it’s important to order them strategically. Start your list with the bullet points most relevant to the position you’re applying for, then add in the extras at the end and remove ones that aren’t relevant.

For each experience on your resume, you want 2 to 6 bullet points, so prioritize the ones that are most related to the position you’re applying for.

Essentially, always begin with the best on your resume, because that’s what’s likely to get read!

Use the formula

Alright, I’ve given you quite a few tips in this post, so I want to end with an easy formula to tie them all together.

Use this formula as the foundation for each of your bullet points, so you incorporate every part of how to write resume bullet points: Action + skill + context

That’s the basis for every bullet point- start with an action verb, then show the skills you used and the context for those skills. Write this foundation, then go back and add in the specifics we talked about earlier!

Bullet points are the core of your resume, so it’s important you know how to write resume bullet points. Always start them with an action verb, quantify whenever you can, use their language, and order them strategically.

Starting with the base of action + skill + context makes it easy to incorporate all of this into each of your resume bullet points!

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