Identify the Core Action
Read each bullet and ask: what did you actually do? Strip away filler words and keep the verb and the result. For example, change "responsible for client communication" to "communicated with clients". Write the action in past tense and keep it concise.
Find the Metric That Matters
Look for any data you can attach to the action. Did you handle a certain number of accounts, reduce costs, or meet a deadline? If you don’t have exact numbers, estimate based on records or memory, then verify later. A bullet like "communicated with clients" becomes "communicated with 30+ clients weekly".
Add Scale, Speed, or Savings
Three easy ways to quantify: volume (how many), speed (how fast), savings (how much money or time). Turn "improved reporting process" into "improved reporting process, cutting turnaround time by 40%". Use percentages, dollar amounts, or time units to give hiring managers a clear picture.
Use the STAR Formula for Structure
Structure each bullet with Situation, Task, Action, Result, but keep it to one line. Example: "Faced a backlog of 200 support tickets (Situation), needed faster resolution (Task), implemented a triage system (Action), resulting in a 35% reduction in response time (Result)." This format naturally adds quantifiable results.
Proof and Polish
After adding numbers, reread each bullet for clarity. Ensure the metric is relevant to the job you’re applying for. Remove any jargon that could confuse an ATS. Finally, run the resume through an ATS checker to confirm keywords and formatting are intact.