Duties versus results
When writing CV bullet points, it’s important to focus on what you achieved rather than just listing your duties. Duties describe what you were asked to do, while results show the impact of your work. For example, instead of writing 'Managed team meetings,' you could say 'Led weekly team meetings that improved communication and boosted project efficiency.' The difference is clear: one shows what you did, and the other shows what happened because of your actions. Employers want to know how you contributed to your previous roles and the outcomes you created. Highlighting results helps you stand out by demonstrating your skills and the value you brought to your workplace. Always aim to show how your work made a difference, whether it was through problem-solving, process improvements, or team leadership. Keep your bullet points concise and focused on outcomes to make your CV more compelling and effective.
Start with a verb
Start with a verb
Each bullet point should begin with a strong action verb that shows what you did. Use past tense for roles you’ve finished, like "managed" or "developed." For current roles, use present tense, such as "lead" or "design." This makes your achievements clear and active.
Avoid vague verbs like "responsible for" or "worked on." Instead, pick verbs that show impact, like "increased," "streamlined," or "implemented." For example, instead of saying "Responsible for customer service," try "Handled customer inquiries, improving satisfaction scores by [number]%".
Make sure the verb clearly links to a result. This helps employers see the value of your work and how you can contribute to their team.
Name the result and the skill
Name the result and the skill
A strong bullet point shows what you achieved and the skills you used. This helps employers see the value of your work. Always make sure the result is true and only include numbers if you really have them.
Before: Managed the team’s daily operations. After: Improved team efficiency by [number]%, using [tool] to streamline workflows.
When you write the result, focus on what changed because of your actions. Mention the skill or tool that made the difference. This shows you can solve problems and use your abilities to make an impact. Avoid vague statements and be specific about the outcome. Keep the bullet short and to the point. Always match the result with a real achievement. If you don’t have a number, skip it and describe the result in plain language instead.
Where to look for material
Where to look for material
Look for experiences where you solved problems, improved processes, led or mentored others, saved time, or earned recognition. These are all strong indicators of results. For example, if you streamlined a workflow, reduced errors, or increased efficiency, these are valuable achievements to highlight. Think about projects where you took initiative, overcame challenges, or contributed to positive outcomes. Also, consider any instances where your work was acknowledged by colleagues, supervisors, or clients. These moments show impact and can be turned into powerful bullet points. Focus on actions that demonstrate your skills and the outcomes they produced. Avoid vague statements and instead, use specific examples that reflect your abilities and contributions. This approach helps employers quickly understand your value and how you can benefit their organization.