What are the most effective ways to include quantifiable data in your resume?

1 Choose relevant metrics

The first step is to choose metrics that are relevant to your target role, industry, and field. For example, if you are applying for a sales position, you might want to include numbers that show your revenue, quota, conversion, or retention rates. If you are applying for a project management position, you might want to include numbers that show your budget, timeline, scope, or quality metrics. Think about what your potential employer cares about and what you can measure and prove.

2 Use action verbs and percentages

The next step is to use action verbs and percentages to describe your quantifiable data. Action verbs show what you did and how you contributed to your previous or current organizations. For example, instead of saying "Responsible for increasing sales", you could say "Increased sales by 25% in six months". Percentages show how much you improved, grew, or reduced something. They also help you compare your performance with others and show your value. For example, instead of saying "Saved money for the company", you could say "Saved $50,000 or 10% of the annual budget".

3 Highlight your achievements

The final step is to highlight your achievements with quantifiable data in your resume. You can do this by using bullet points, summaries, or graphs to showcase your numbers. Bullet points are the most common and effective way to present your quantifiable data in your resume. They help you organize your information and make it easy to read and scan. Summaries are short statements that summarize your main achievements or skills with quantifiable data. You can use them in your resume summary, objective, or profile sections. Graphs are visual representations of your quantifiable data. They can help you illustrate your trends, progress, or comparisons. You can use them in your resume if they are relevant, clear, and professional.

Quantifiable data can make your resume more powerful and persuasive. By choosing relevant metrics, using action verbs and percentages, and highlighting your achievements, you can show your potential employer what you can do and why you are the best candidate for the job.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?