On Resume Bullet Points
Most would agree, that it is challenging to encapsulate your entire career in two or three pages especially if you are an accomplished and brilliant professional. There are many opinions and books written about the best approach to writing your resume and the most effective format or style to use in presenting it. I’m asked daily by top professionals all over the country “What do you think of my resume?”
It’s the unfortunate truth that this conventional document and tool is used to screen out rather than in. This important paper may be the only shot you have at landing an interview that enhances your career and enables you to contribute to a company’s growth. So it’s critical, in order to increase your odds of getting ruled in, that your resume shouts out your greatness and reads like a short story that can’t be put down.
It’s in the BULLET POINTS!
Questions to ask as you review each of your bullet points:
- What is your role; does it demonstrate your strengths and tie into the job description?
- Is it impactful and does it include concrete, measurable results?
- Did it make a difference to the company’s bottom line or benefit a team? How?
- Is it a BIG accomplishment that sets you apart from your peers? If no, leave it out.
- Do you have more than six bullets points per section? Carefully review these for repetition and their relevance to the job description
The anatomy of a bullet point:
- Describes your role
- Describes the action
- States the impact
- Quantifies the results
For example:
- Led an initiative to capitalize on emerging customer needs by establishing an office in a low cost manufacturing sector of China which resulted in $2.5 million pipeline of new business
- Drove a 12% margin increase in a highly profitable $2 million product line
- Improved domestic profit by 92%, cardholder delivery times by 10% and call center performance by 7% by redesigning the global customer service and delivery model
- Led global technology, account management and sales teams to implement 20 new client programs representing 5 million customer accounts that increased annual revenue by 32%
- Reduced employee turnover by 10% by implementing a successful training and development program
To create a resume that demonstrates how you’ve excelled in your industry takes time. Reviewing and revising bullet points is only one step. Start now by taking serious notes of your significant accomplishments on a daily, monthly or quarterly basis. When you receive accolades for a job well done be sure to document the praise in writing. Resume sections containing six compelling statements relevant to the position description can increase your probability of being ruled in. The reader is motivated to call you for an interview because you stand out and there is strong written evidence you can perform.
You want to be really bold: Twitter your best bullet points or post them on linked in on the updates section.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this article, please send an email to Terry at tao@taoassoc.com
I also invite you join the new Partnership in Placement (PiP) Group on linked in. http://bit.ly/pipgroup
The group’s purpose is to support you in landing your next your job that aligns with your career strategy. The group is open to any professional that desires coaching on effective interviewing techniques, personal branding, strength exploration, and job search action planning or group camaraderie. There is a free monthly article and column as well as an online discussion group that addresses these topics and others. I also offer an individual, customized 8 week fee based career coaching and job search strategy best practices or as la carte sessions on any of the topics mentioned.
