Google's XYZ formula is: Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z]. For example: 'Increased sales revenue by 32% over 6 months by implementing a new CRM workflow and weekly team coaching sessions.' It forces you to quantify impact and explain how you achieved it.
How many bullet points should a job entry have?
Aim for 3–5 bullets per role. Recent positions deserve more detail (4–6 bullets) while older roles can have fewer (2–3). Prioritise achievements over responsibilities — what you delivered matters more than what your job description said.
Should I include numbers in every bullet?
Aim for numbers in at least 50–70% of your bullets. If exact figures aren't available, use estimates (approximately, ~), percentages, team sizes, timeframes, or budget amounts. Even 'managed a team of 4' or 'reduced process time by roughly a third' is stronger than no quantification.
What action verbs work best to start a resume bullet?
Strong bullets start with a past-tense action verb that conveys impact: Led, Built, Designed, Reduced, Increased, Launched, Managed, Delivered, Optimised, Streamlined, Negotiated, Implemented, Spearheaded, Transformed. Avoid weak openers like "Responsible for", "Helped with", or "Worked on" — these describe duties, not achievements. Choose verbs that match the seniority and scope of the role.
How long should each resume bullet point be?
Aim for one to two lines on a standard resume — roughly 15–25 words. Long bullets get skimmed or skipped; too short and you lose the context that makes the achievement meaningful. A good bullet fits on one line in print format, includes a metric, and answers "so what?" without requiring the reader to re-read it.
Should resume bullets be in past tense even for a current job?
For previous jobs, always use past tense. For your current role, most style guides recommend present tense for ongoing responsibilities ("Manage a team of 6") and past tense for completed projects ("Launched new onboarding system, reducing ramp time by 3 weeks"). Consistency within each role matters more than the specific choice — pick one approach and stick to it throughout that position.
Can I use AI-generated bullets directly on my resume?
Use generated bullets as a starting framework, not a final product. AI can structure the bullet well, but only you know the real numbers, context, and specifics that make it credible. Edit every generated bullet to include your actual metrics, replace generic descriptions with specific details, and make sure the language sounds like you. Hiring managers and ATS systems increasingly flag overly templated language.
How do I write resume bullets for a role with no obvious metrics?
Almost every role has quantifiable impact — you just have to look for it. Consider: How many people did you serve, manage, or support? How large was the budget, project, or customer base? How much time did a process take before and after your change? How many events, campaigns, or products did you deliver? If hard numbers aren't available, use relative terms: "reduced turnaround from 5 days to same-day", "first team member to achieve X", or "trained 12 new hires across two departments".
How to write a strong resume bullet
The best bullets follow a simple 3-part structure: Action verb + What you did + Measurable result.
Weak: Responsible for managing social media accounts. Strong: Grew Instagram following from 2k to 18k in 9 months by launching a daily short-form video series, increasing inbound leads by 34%.
Use this generator to get a strong starting structure, then personalise each bullet with your real numbers and context before submitting your application.
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