Resources Guide: Bullet Point Formula Sheet

Strong resume bullet points do more than describe your job duties—they show the impact of your work and turn everyday responsibilities into achievement-focused statements. The simplest, most beginner-friendly method follows the core formula of Action Verb + Task + Result (ATR).

1. Action Verb

Start with a strong verb that shows what you did.

• Examples: Coordinated, Assisted, Managed, Created, Led.

2. Task

State the specific responsibility, process, or activity.

• Examples: “customer check-ins,” “event logistics,” “inventory tracking.”

3. Result

Show the outcome, impact, or purpose — ideally with numbers.

• Examples: improved efficiency, reduced wait times, increased satisfaction.

Example (Before → After)

Weak:

• Worked the front desk.

Strong:

• Assisted students with daily check-ins and questions, reducing wait times by 15%.

Expanded Formula (STAR-Lite)

For bullets with a little more detail:

• S – Situation (optional context)
• T – Task (your responsibility)
• A – Action (what you did — your verb)
• R – Result (your outcome/impact)

Example:

• Supported a team of student staff during peak hours by managing check-ins and answering questions, resulting in smoother service and increased student satisfaction.

Plug-and-Play Bullet Templates

Students can fill these in directly:

• [Action Verb] + [Task/Responsibility], which resulted in [Impact/Outcome]
• [Action Verb] [Task] to [Goal], improving [Metric] by [#%]
• [Action Verb] [Task], supporting [Team/Department] in [Outcome]
• [Action Verb] [Task], ensuring [Quality/Accuracy/Customer Experience]

Examples:

• Coordinated weekly staff schedules to ensure full coverage during peak student service hours.
• Created marketing materials using Canva, increasing event attendance by 20%.
• Trained two new employees on procedures, improving accuracy and service consistency.

When Students Don't Know the Result

If they can't quantify outcomes, use value words:

Example:

• Maintained accurate inventory records to ensure products were restocked in a timely and organized manner.

Quick Self-Check

A bullet point is strong if it:

• ✔ Starts with a verb
• ✔ Explains a specific task
• ✔ Shows an impact or purpose
• ✔ Is concise (1–2 lines)
• ✔ Uses numbers where possible