Should I Use Bullet Points on My Resume?
Quick Answer: Yes, you should use bullet points on your resume. They make your experience easier to scan, highlight key achievements, and are preferred by both recruiters and ATS systems.
Benefits of Using Bullet Points
Improved Readability
Makes your resume scannable for busy recruiters who spend an average of 7.4 seconds per resume
Better ATS Performance
Bullet points help ATS systems parse your experience more accurately
When to Use Paragraphs Instead
Example Comparison
Bullet Point Format (Better for Experience)
- Increased team productivity by 35% through implementation of new project management tools
- Led cross-functional team of 8 members to deliver project under budget
Paragraph Format (Better for Summary)
Results-driven project manager with 5+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams and delivering complex projects under budget...
Optimal Number of Bullet Points
Recommended Number by Position Level
- Current/Recent Positions: 4-6 bullets
- Previous Positions: 2-4 bullets
- Early Career Roles: 1-2 bullets
Formatting Best Practices
Do
- • Start with strong action verbs
- • Include quantifiable results
- • Keep bullets to 1-2 lines
- • Use consistent punctuation
Don't
- • Write long paragraphs
- • Use personal pronouns
- • Include obvious duties
- • Forget to proofread
Real-World Examples
Before and After Examples
Before (Weak)
• Responsible for managing team members
• Handled customer service duties
• Worked on various projects
After (Strong)
• Led 12-person team to achieve 128% of quarterly sales targets
• Resolved 95% of customer inquiries within 24 hours, maintaining 4.8/5 satisfaction score
• Spearheaded 3 cross-functional projects that reduced operational costs by 23%
Related Resources
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