If your resume isn’t getting callbacks, it’s probably not your experience, but your resume bullet points!
I know, it sounds so dramatic, but your bullet points are actually the make-or-break part of your resume. They’re what recruiters scan first – and they’re what help you stand out in that 6-second window before your resume lands in the “no” pile.
So, if your resume currently reads like a list of everything you’ve ever done, we’re here to help! Let’s turn your bullet points into powerful, value-packed statements that prove you’re the candidate they’ve been looking for.
Why Bullet Points Matter So Much
People spend hours obsessing over resume design and formatting… then throw together bullet points that sound like this: “Responsible for managing client accounts and ensuring processes run smoothly.”
Y’all – that says nothing!
Your bullet points are your sales pitch. They show:
- What you’ve actually accomplished
- How you added value
- Why you’re a strong fit for the job
They’re not about what you were “responsible for.” They’re about what changed because you were there! That said, your goal should be that in every bullet, it should make a recruiter think that, “Wow, this person gets results!”
Step 1: Start with What They’re Asking For
Before you write anything, go to the job description. And instead of guessing what to highlight, let the employer tell you exactly what they care about, here’s how:
- Gather at least five job descriptions for the role you want.
- Paste them into ChatGPT and ask: “What are the most frequent key responsibilities across these job postings?” or “What are the core responsibilities typically required for [Job Title]?”
- ChatGPT will give you a list of repeated responsibilities and skills. That’s your blueprint.
Once you have this, create a quick spreadsheet. On column A, write the job description responsibilities, and on column B, write how your experience matches them. This is called the Job Description Matrix Strategy, and here’s a detailed tutorial on how you can write them.
This way, you’ll quickly see what to focus on, and what to skip.
Reminder: don’t career dump! Always tailor your resume to the role you’re applying for. Recruiters can always tell if your resume says, “I’m the answer to your job description.”
Step 2: Match It with Your Own Experience
Now, look at your past roles and think in three layers:
- Scope – How big was your role? (Size of team, # of clients, budget, projects)
- Responsibilities – What did you actually do that aligns with the job description?
- Accomplishments – What changed because of you? (Think numbers, results, growth)
Example:
- Scope: Designed curriculum for 25 adult learners
- Responsibilities: Created instructional materials, collaborated with other departments
- Accomplishments: Increased pass rates by 15%, improved retention by 25%
If you can list even one measurable result per role, you’re already ahead of most candidates.
Step 3: Use the XYZ Formula
Here’s your new best friend – the XYZ Formula: “Accomplished X, as measured by Y, resulting in Z.” This keeps your bullets clear, measurable, and powerful.
Example:
- ❌ Weak: “Managed client accounts.”
- ✅ Strong: “Increased client retention by 20% by launching a new onboarding process.”
Notice how the second version proves value. It’s not what you did – it’s what happened because you did it. Keep each bullet between 12-20 words (or 85-120 characters) and you’ll be good to go. The more concise it is, the more readable it is.
Step 4: Balance Skills, Action, and Results
Your bullet points need a good mix of 4 elements: skills, action words, results, and common words.
| Element | Target % | Example |
| Skills | 35% | Instructional design, data analysis |
| Common Words | 35% | Use articles, prepositions, and context words (e.g., team, process, project, program) |
| Action Words | 15% | Designed, launched, optimized |
| Results | 15% | +25% retention, -20% costs |
Always ask yourself when writing:
- Did I include specific skills?
- Did I use strong verbs?
- Is there a measurable result?
- Is it easy to read?
Examples:
❌ “Increased retention 25%, improved pass rates 15%, implemented onboarding.”
✅ “Increased retention by 25% and improved pass rates by 15% through implementing a new onboarding process.”
Don’t overthink it – just make sure your bullets sound natural and easy to read.
Step 5: Use ChatGPT the Right Way
Let’s be real: ChatGPT can be a game-changer if you use it as a partner, not a ghostwriter. Recruiters can spot “AI regurgitated resumes” from a mile away. They sound robotic, generic, and fake.
Don’t do it!
Instead:
- Write your draft bullet first.
- Ask ChatGPT: “Rewrite this bullet to be more outcomes-focused.”
- Then ask: “Make this bullet more concise with measurable results.”
- Run it through Rezi.io (free for 7 credits) to get a score and see how well you’re balancing skills, verbs, and results.
Use these tools as feedback, not replacements. You still need to think critically, add your real metrics, and write like you. ChatGPT is your collaborator, not your resume writer.
Step 6: Track and Order for Impact
Even the best bullet points lose power if they’re buried or outdated.
✅ Track metrics early: Every 6 weeks, jot down what you accomplished — stats, improvements, outcomes.
✅ Lead with strength: In each job section, put your strongest bullet first (the one with results).
✅ End well: Wrap with another solid result.
✅ Cut fluff: If it’s irrelevant to your new role, keep it short or summarize it.
Remember: your resume is not your biography, but your strategy document!
Example: Let’s Fix a Resume Bullet
Now, let’s bring it all together with an example for a Curriculum Designer role.
If your bullet points look like this…
- Developed engaging instructional material tailored to the needs of 15–25 learners seeking high school equivalency by coordinating content across departments and incorporating current technology into instruction.
It’s too long, too vague, and too wordy! But most of all, there’s no measurable impact. Putting numbers in there doesn’t mean you demonstrated your results or impact effectively. Here’s how you can rewrite it, keeping the steps above in mind!
- Designed and delivered a 20-module curriculum for 25 adult learners, boosting retention 25% and raising exam pass rates 15%.
See how specific and measurable it is?
Another tip: you can also add a “capital letter” detail for context – it makes your resume sound more professional and human too. You can state the software you used, location, or anything that makes your resume more specific and tailored to the job! Here’s an example:
- Designed and delivered a 20-module curriculum in Google Classroom, boosting retention 25% and raising exam pass rates 15%.
And voila, you have a perfect resume bullet point!
If you need more help and guidance, we’d love to walk with you through this process.
Head over to our services page and book a free, no-obligation, 30-minute consultation call with me so you can finally land the job you feel called to.
