Are your resume bullet points just a list of job duties? If so, you’re missing a golden opportunity to impress hiring managers and beat the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Most job seekers simply describe what they did. The secret to a powerful resume? Showing what you achieved.
This guide will teach you the game-changing Action Verb + Task + Result formula, transforming your resume from a boring chore list into a compelling story of impact.
Why Your Current Bullet Points Aren’t Working (And What Recruiters Really Want)
Imagine a recruiter sifting through hundreds of resumes. They don’t have time to decipher vague responsibilities. They’re looking for quantifiable achievements, evidence of problem-solving, and proof of value. Your current bullet points might look something like this:
- Responsible for managing social media accounts.
- Handled customer inquiries.
- Assisted with project planning.
While these aren’t wrong, they don’t tell the recruiter anything about your effectiveness or unique contributions. They’re passive and uninspired.
Recruiters want to see how you moved the needle. They want to understand the impact you had in your previous roles. That’s where the Action Verb + Task + Result formula comes in.
The “Action Verb + Task + Result” Formula Explained
This powerful formula forces you to think beyond your daily duties and focus on your accomplishments. Let’s break it down:
- Action Verb: Start strong! These are dynamic words that describe what you did. (e.g., Developed, Managed, Implemented, Increased, Streamlined, Negotiated).
- Task: Briefly describe what you did or how you did it. This provides context.
- Result: This is the most critical part! What was the outcome? What problem did you solve? How did you add value? Quantify your results with numbers, percentages, or specific examples whenever possible.
Let’s revisit those weak examples and transform them:
Before (Weak):
- Responsible for managing social media accounts.
After (Strong – Action + Task + Result):
- Managed all company social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn), increasing engagement by 25% within six months and boosting brand visibility.
- Action: Managed
- Task: company social media platforms
- Result: increasing engagement by 25% and boosting brand visibility
Before (Weak):
- Handled customer inquiries.
After (Strong – Action + Task + Result):
- Resolved an average of 50+ customer inquiries daily, maintaining a 95% customer satisfaction rate and reducing complaint escalations by 15%.
- Action: Resolved
- Task: 50+ customer inquiries daily
- Result: 95% customer satisfaction rate and reducing complaint escalations by 15%
Before (Weak):
- Assisted with project planning.
After (Strong – Action + Task + Result):
- Collaborated with a 5-person team to plan and execute two major marketing campaigns, resulting in a 10% increase in lead generation year-over-year.
- Action: Collaborated
- Task: plan and execute two major marketing campaigns
- Result: 10% increase in lead generation
Pro-Tip: Quantify Everything Possible!
Numbers grab attention. Whenever you can, add metrics to your results. Did you save money? Increase revenue? Improve efficiency? Reduce errors? By how much?
- Instead of: “Improved reporting process.”
- Try: “Streamlined monthly reporting process, reducing preparation time by 8 hours and improving data accuracy by 20%.”
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Crafting Your Own High-Impact Bullet Points
Now it’s your turn! Go through your resume, job by job, and ask yourself these questions for each responsibility:
- What was the action I took? (Think verbs!)
- What specific task or project was involved?
- What was the positive result or impact of my action? (Quantify!)
Don’t be afraid to dig deep into your past roles. Even seemingly small tasks can have significant impacts when framed correctly.
Get Started Today!
Transforming your resume bullet points from passive duties to powerful achievements is one of the most effective ways to stand out in a competitive job market. It shows recruiters you’re not just a doer, but an invaluable asset.
Start applying the Action Verb + Task + Result formula today and watch your resume move to the top of the pile!