What Resume Bullet Point Strategy Should You Implement?

T'kheya Yisrael
Mar 29, 2021
2 min read

The XYZ Method

Your resume is an opportunity to show your impact and accomplishments! A good way to do that with is the XYZ Method:

Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y]by doing [Z]

Replace "Accomplished [X]" with an active verb
Make [Y] your numerical value/comparison
Use [Z] to describe how you got it done

Examples:

Developed interactive training modules to present to 300+ employees on professional development to increase workplace readiness
Spearheaded bi-annual food drives, collaborating with 50+ departments and organizations to introduce more inventory into the panty

The STAR Method

Situation: What was the situation, problem, or conflict you were facing?

Task: What were you tasked with? What were your responsibilities or goals?

Action: What action did you take? What did you do to solve this problem? (start with action verbs)

Result: What was the result or outcome of your action? How did it benefit the organization? Can this result be quantified?

Examples:

Organized 2 fraternity fundraisers per semester, raising $10K to assist fellow students with tuition and school fees.
Spearheaded the rebranding of the campus food pantry, increasing inventory and usage by 62% and 43%, respectively to provide meals for those facing food insecurity.

DON'T Copy the Job Description or List Daily Responsibilities

For a lot of people, they think that their resume is the place to copy over their job description to show the scope of the role they've held - but that is a mistake! The things that you do on a daily basis are probably easily understood by the hiring manager or recruiter you're working with.

Instead focus on the impact and accomplishments you've achieved in your positions. Where you can use numbers, use them. If you can show a difference you created or assisted with, do that.

Use your resume to highlight your wins!

Action Verbs to Use

Management Skills