Tristan discusses three things he thinks every good resume bullet point has to help you take your resume from just telling what you did to showing what you did through examples.
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TRANSCRIPT
Tristan: What’s going on, Living Corporate? It’s Tristan, and I want to thank you for tapping back in with me as I provide some tips and advice for professionals. Today, let’s talk about how to write a good bullet point for your resume.
If you’ve listened to any resume tips from a resume writer or career coach, we often talk about moving from task-based bullet points to more results or value-based bullet points. Oftentimes, you’re not giving much detail beyond that, and you’re left to interpret what that means. Today, we’re going to discuss three things I think every good resume bullet point has to help you take your resume from just telling what you did to show what you did through examples.
When writing bullet points, I like to think of them as mini-stories. No one likes a story that’s boring or has a missing plot, which is often the case with task-based points. I like to make sure each bullet has the action you took, the reason you took it, and the value it provided.
Incorporating your action allows you to explain what you did and provides the reader with a sense of your role in the situation. Did you lead a team of 6 or collaborate on a team of 6? Did you establish a process, or did you revamp the process? Did you launch a new service or streamline service delivery? Help the recruiter or hiring manager understand how you contributed.
Including the reason you took action in your bullet points helps provide the recruiter or hiring manager with a clear picture of the situation you were in and what prompted you to do what you did.
Value is one of the most crucial, yet often left out, parts of your resume bullet point. Conveying the value your action provided the organization gives the recruiter or hiring manager a sense of what type of return on investment they may receive if they hire you. Showcase the results you provided, and if you can, make sure to quantify them.
While I’ve given you these three things in a particular order, that doesn’t mean they have to show up in that exact order in your sentence. Often, when I write bullet points, I like to lead with the action and immediately follow with value or results to capture the reader.
Thanks for tapping in with me today! Don’t forget; I’m now taking submissions from you all on career questions, issues, concerns, or advice you think may help others! So make sure to submit yours at bit.ly/tapintristan.
This tip is brought to you by Tristan of Layfield Resume Consulting. Check us out on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @layfieldresume or connect with me, Tristan Layfield, on LinkedIn.
