How to write CV bullet points that show what you did
Good CV lines are specific. They say what you did, where or with what, and what came of it. Here's a pattern you can use for any job.
The pattern
Most strong lines have three or four parts:
- An action: a verb for what you did. Managed, built, trained, answered, reduced.
- What: the task, the people or the thing.
- How or with what: the tool, method or setting.
- Result: what changed because of it, if you know.
- [Action] [what] using [tool or method], which [result].
- Trained [number] new starters on [system or process], so they could work alone after [time].
Before and after
Before and after: fill the gaps with your own facts- Before: Responsible for stock.
- After: Ran weekly stock counts and ordering for [section or store] using [system], keeping [result, such as fewer out-of-stocks].
- Before: Good communication skills.
- After: Explained [complex thing] to [audience], for example [one real instance].
"Responsible for" says what you were supposed to do. A verb says what you did.
Numbers: helpful, but only real ones
Numbers make a line easier to trust and compare: how many people, how often, how much, how fast. Use them when you know them or can work them out honestly from records, rotas or reports.
If you don't know an exact figure, a fair description is better than a guess: "most weekdays", "a team of about ten", "the busiest of the company's local stores". Never invent a figure. You may be asked about it.
Words that weaken a line
- "Responsible for", "duties included": replace with what you did.
- "Helped with", "assisted": fine if true, but say which part was yours.
- Buzzwords on their own: "team player", "hard-working", "go-getter". Show it with an example instead.
- Vague tools: "various software". Name it.
How many bullets per job
For recent and relevant jobs, three to six bullets is common. For older or less relevant jobs, one or two, or just the title and dates. Lead with the bullet that best matches the advert you're applying for.
Questions
Should CV bullet points be full sentences?
They don't need to be. Most start with a verb and leave out "I". Keep the tense consistent: past tense for past jobs, present for your current one.
What if my job didn't have measurable results?
Many don't. Show scale (how many, how often), standards (audits passed, feedback received) or trust (what you were given responsibility for) instead.