Bullet Point Basics Bullet statements describe your activities, skills, and results. They may be used to describe jobs, internships, involvement, research, volunteer positions and academic/independent projects.
- Start your bullet statements with an action verb which clearly describes the activity.
- Include numbers to give context to an activity and/or to show results.
- Answer the questions “what?” “how?” and “why?” of the activity you are listing.
- Example transition words: by, through, using, with, utilizing, to, in order to, as part of, so that, because of, due to
Crafting Resume Bullet Statements using WHAT, HOW, and WHY.
Example:
WHAT did you do? Communicated with over 100 customers
HOW did you do it? on the phone daily with personalized service
WHY did you do it? to resolve their concerns
Your bullet would read: Communicated with over 100 customers on the phone daily with personalized service to resolve their concerns.
Verbs by Skill Set
Start your bullet statements with a strong action verb related to the skills the job, field, or industry desire. Below are a few examples of verbs to consider.
Examples: Skills are listed first followed by verbs.
Leadership/Initiative Accomplished: Achieved, Chaired, Coached, Coordinated, Directed, Influenced, Initiated, Led, Oversaw, Managed, Mentored, Motivated, Supervised, Trained
Teamwork/Interpersonal: Collaborated, Consulted, Cooperated, Contributed, Encouraged, Engaged, Ensured, Guided, Helped, Interacted, Networked, Partnered, Related, Resolved, Supported
Written Communication: Authored, Briefed, Composed, Corresponded, Critiqued, Described, Documented, Drafted, Edited, Proposed, Reported, Reviewed, Summarized, Translated, Wrote
Problem Solving: Adjusted, Concluded, Converted, Enhanced, Formulated, Identified, Improved, Increased, Mediated, Reconciled, Reduced, Resolved, Restructured, Solved, Streamlined
Verbal Communication: Advised, Advocated, Convinced, Discussed, Expressed, Facilitated, Instructed, Negotiated, Persuaded, Presented, Promoted, Publicized, Reasoned, Sold, Taught
Analytical: Analyzed, Assessed, Compared, Confirmed, Determined, Estimated, Evaluated, Examined, Investigated, Projected, Recommended, Researched, Synthesized, Validated
Technical: Applied, Assembled, Audited, Built, Calculated, Converted, Demonstrated, Designed, Implemented, Installed, Maintained, Modified, Operated, Resolved, Systematized, Tested
Organized/Detailed: Arranged, Compiled, Consolidated, Coordinated, Distributed, Executed, Implemented, Inspected, Monitored, Organized, Planned, Prioritized, Processed, Revised, Scheduled
Creativity: Brainstormed, Built, Created, Designed, Developed, Displayed, Envisioned, Generated, Illustrated, Invented, Launched, Marketed, Produced, Shaped, Strategized