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How to Include Bullet Points in a Resume

Bullet points make your resume easy to scan and help recruiters see your achievements quickly. Use them consistently and make each bullet count.

When to Use Bullets

Use bullets for your experience section (and optionally for skills, projects, or education details). Use 2–5 bullets per job, with the most recent roles having more. Use one type of bullet (e.g., • or –) throughout.

How to Write Strong Bullets

  • Start with a strong verb: Led, Managed, Increased, Developed, Implemented, etc.
  • Include outcomes: Add numbers where possible (percentages, dollar amounts, time saved).
  • Be specific: Name the project, tool, or team. Avoid vague phrases like "Responsible for tasks."
  • Keep length consistent: One to two lines per bullet is usually enough.

Example

• Led cross-functional team of 8 to deliver project on time and under budget.
• Increased customer satisfaction score by 15% through new feedback process.
• Managed $2M budget and reduced costs by 10%.

What to Avoid

Do not use long paragraphs instead of bullets. Do not mix bullet styles. Do not use bullets for your name and contact info. Keep bullets parallel in structure (all start with a verb, all have similar length).

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How many bullet points per job on a resume?
    Usually 2–5 per job, with more for recent roles. Focus on the strongest, most relevant achievements.
  • What verb should I start a resume bullet with?
    Use strong action verbs: Led, Managed, Increased, Developed, Implemented, etc. Avoid weak verbs like "Helped" or "Responsible for."
  • Should every bullet have a number?
    Not every one, but include numbers where you can (percentages, dollar amounts, time). They make bullets more impactful.
  • How long should a resume bullet be?
    One to two lines is usually enough. Keep them scannable. Cut filler words.