Super Simple Hacks for Effective Resume Bullet Points
Author: Julius Q. Holmes IV Source: Work For Good
The secret to writing resume bullet points that get you hired is not to write them – until you’ve analyzed the job description you’re applying for. Below are some quick, simple instructions for writing killer bullet points.
1. Your bullet points need Power Words.
Most resumes start with the same, overused words which fail to separate you from the competition and don’t add any value to your resume. Power Words are high value impact verbs that communicate your value immediately before an HR Manager even reads the rest of your bullet point.
1. Your bullet points need key words.
Today’s resumes are scanned by applicant tracking software looking for specific words before a HR Manager even sees your application. This software eliminates roughly 70 percent of applications before a human at the hiring company even sees them. In order to beat applicant tracking software, be sure to reuse the terminology from the job description throughout your resume bullet points.
In the sample job description below, I’ve highlighted the words that I’d reuse if I were rewriting a client’s resume bullet points. (Check my Resume Review Checklist for further suggestions.)
Project Manager responsibilities
Meet with clients to take detailed ordering briefs and clarify specific requirements of each project
Delegate project tasks based on junior staff members’ individual strengths, skill sets and experience levels
Track project performance, specifically to analyze the successful completion of short- and long-term goals
Meet budgetary objectives and make adjustments to project constraints based on financial analysis
Project Manager skills
5 years of experience in project management
Familiarity with SmartSheet software’s collaboration and time management tools
Experience with process improvement and inventory control
Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel
Excellent client-facing communication skills
3. Your bullet points don’t have Verifiable Results
Most of my clients will have ambiguous resume bullet points that communicate what they “did,” rather than what they “accomplished.” Such bullet points leave a recruiter thirsty for more and fail to communicate your value.
Verifiable Results are empirical, achievement-oriented phrases that contain “numbers,” and an “impact.” They communicate your value by giving an HR Manager an idea of the specific ROI (return on investment) they can expect if they hire you.
Use phrases like those below – and remember that it’s okay to estimate for these numbers!
Reduced manual processing time by 15%
Increased revenue from $55k to $120k in 2 years
Added 30 new clients to portfolio
saving $10k in CPA expenses
Wrap it all together
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