Stand Out with Strong Resume Bullets: 10+ Before & After Examples
Irina Scarborough
I Help Job Seekers Become No-Brainer Hires at Top Companies with Higher Salaries ? Professional Branding to Elevate Your Career ? Career Coach & Resume Writer ? Former Fortune 500 Recruiter ? Helped 2K+ Job Seekers
Let’s face it! Today’s job market is ultra competitive, so your resume needs to be as well.
Most job seekers struggle to make their resumes standout and one place they especially have trouble is describing their accomplishments. Telling someone what you did every single day is simple enough, but adding in measurable accomplishments is more difficult.
Let’s dive into some concrete examples of bad vs. good resume bullets to help you elevate your resume to the next level.
Your Resume Needs Measurable Accomplishments
Your resume is more than just a list of your job experiences—it’s a marketing document designed to sell your skills and accomplishments to potential employers. The way you phrase your achievements can make a significant difference in how your resume is perceived, not just for interviews, but the types of jobs and salary you’ll be able to secure.
Let’s look at how to turn vague, generic statements into powerful, specific ones that highlight your true value.
Examples of Bad vs. Good Resume Bullets
1. Data Analysis
Why It Works: The good example specifies the scale and scope of the analysis, providing concrete numbers that highlight the complexity and impact of the work.
2. Team Leadership
Why It Works: Mentioning the number of team members and the departments involved adds clarity and showcases your ability to manage diverse groups.
3. Sales Improvement
Why It Works: The good example quantifies the improvement, making it clear and impressive to potential employers.
4. Communication Skills
Why It Works: By specifying the audience size and the number of events, the good example provides tangible evidence of your communication abilities.
5. Leadership Abilities
Why It Works: This example is powerful because it includes both the size of the team and a retention rate, showcasing long-term leadership success.
6. Problem Solving
Why It Works: The good example gives specific details about the problem-solving method and the quantifiable results.
7. Customer Service Expertise
Why It Works: The good example quantifies the workload and success rate, making your expertise clear and impressive.
8. Marketing Strategies
Why It Works: By quantifying the increase in leads and specifying the timeframe, this example shows tangible marketing success.
9. Organizational Skills
Why It Works: The good example provides details on the scope of the organizational tasks, highlighting your ability to manage complex schedules.
10. Event Planning
Why It Works: Specifying the size of the event makes the achievement more impressive and clear.
11. Software Development
Why It Works: This example gives a clear measure of success in terms of the number of applications and their reach.
12. Project Management
Why It Works: Providing the number of projects and the success rate gives a clear picture of your project management skills.
FAQ
Q: Why are specific resume bullets important?
A: Specific resume bullets are important because they provide concrete evidence of your skills and accomplishments. They help potential employers understand the scope and impact of your work, making you a more attractive candidate.
Q: How can I quantify my achievements on my resume?
You can quantify your achievements by including numbers, percentages, and other measurable details. For example, instead of saying “improved sales,” you could say “increased sales by 20% in six months.”
Q: What should I avoid when writing resume bullets?
Avoid vague statements, jargon, and clichés. Instead, focus on clear, specific, and quantifiable descriptions of your accomplishments. Also, avoid using passive language; active verbs are more impactful.
Q: How often should I update my resume?
It’s a good practice to update your resume regularly, at least once a year, or whenever you complete a significant project, receive a promotion, or acquire a new skill. This ensures that your resume is always current and ready for new opportunities.
Q: Can I get professional help with my resume?
Absolutely! Professional resume writing services can provide expert guidance and help tailor your resume to your career goals. They can also offer tips and strategies to make your resume stand out to potential employers.
Make Your Resume More Effective & Secure More Job Offers
Writing a resume that stands out means providing concrete quantifiable evidence of your achievements. By transforming vague statements into specific, impactful bullets, you can make your resume more compelling and attractive to potential employers.
Ready to improve your resume? Check out my resume writing services to get professional help tailored to your specific job search goals.
Remember: It’s not just about what you did—it’s about how well you did it and the results you achieved. Take the time to revise your resume bullets, and you’ll be well on your way to landing that next big opportunity.