Use Action-Project-Result to Describe Your Achievements

Overview

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What are the mechanics of a good resume bullet point?
How detailed should it be?
How long should it be?
What generates results?

Use the APR method to guide you!

A-P-R Format

This is a results-driven method of writing bullet points to ensure details, specifics, and results.

The APR (Action + Project/Problem + Result) formula makes it easy to highlight your accomplishments. Begin by thinking of a project you completed or a problem you solved at a job or through volunteer efforts. Choose an Action Verb that describes the actions you took to complete the Project or solve the Problem and the Results you achieved. Quantify your results whenever possible. The first bullet statement in a series often includes a phrase describing the scope of your responsibility or the environment in which you worked.

If you have a problem thinking of bullet points, think about accomplishments showing the most responsibility.

Resource: 185+ Action Verbs to Make Your Resume Stand Out in 2024

Tip: Action Words & Deliverables

Action Words

Not all action words are equal. Example: helped is not as impactful as an action verb as collaborated.

Make sure that you add "deliverables" to your resume. These are data points that "prove" your results. Presented the ____ project to 150+ people at the company including the CEO and COO. This shows the scope of your presentation skills. Leave all of your data points in numeric format so that recruiters' eyes are drawn to the numbers. Not every bullet point will have a data point-driven result, but many will if you calculate the numbers or do your research. Do not make up data points.

Deliverables

Quantify: a number is a great way to show context. Doubled is more impactful than increased.

Another deliverable is software or techniques that you have used. If you worked on a project using Python or R, mention that in the bullet point when you describe what you have done in the "project."

Resource

See Building Better Bullets handout for details as well as a list of action verbs.

ATS (Applicant Tracking System)

ATS systems will search your resume for industry-specific keywords. Look at Job Postings or use ChatGPT to identify keywords for your industry of interest so that you can incorporate the appropriate keywords in your resume.

Remember: Don’t put your identifying information into ChatGPT unless you are ok with it being made public.

Activity

Practice writing a bullet point for your most recent job, internship, or volunteer experience. Use the A-P-R format. Think about "deliverables" especially data points that you can add to it. Think about specific skills (i.e.data analytics), technical skills (i.e. Java, Excel, Salesforce), or languages (i.e. Spanish) that you can add to the bullet point.