How to Write Bullet Points That Impress Both AI and Humans

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Why Bullet Points Matter: The ATS & Human Recruiter Double Standard

Did you know that over 90% of Fortune 500 companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes? These software bots scan for keywords, structure, and relevant achievements – but a real human will only spend 7 seconds skimming your document!

Resume bullet points are your secret weapon for passing both tests. Done right, they’re concise, measurable, and showcase your impact at a glance.

This guide will teach you how to craft ATS-friendly resume writing that gets your foot in the door and makes recruiters want to call you for an interview.

Actionable formulas, real examples, power words, and industry insights included.

💡 Key Takeaway

Bullet points are the first thing both ATS software and recruiters scan. Make every line count with results-oriented, keyword-rich content.

Decoding the ATS: How Software Reads Your Resume

ATS software looks for structure and substance, not style. It parses your resume for job-specific keywords, clean formatting (no graphics, tables, or unusual fonts), and standard headings.

To optimize your resume bullet points for ATS:

• Use common section titles like “Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.”
• Start each bullet with a strong action verb (see Power Words below).
• Include key phrases from the job description naturally.
• Avoid images, headers, or fancy borders.
• Stick to standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, size 10–12).
• Keep bullet points 1–2 lines max for scannability.

For a deep dive on beating bots, check out Ats Friendly Resumes How To Get Past The Bots And Land The Interview.

The Psychology of Human Recruiters: What Makes Bullet Points Stand Out?

Recruiters want proof of impact and easy-to-scan achievements. They’re drawn to:

• Numbers & metrics (e.g., “Increased sales by 30%”)
• Clear outcomes (“Reduced customer wait time by 10 minutes”)
• Relevant skills shown in context (“Managed $500K ad budget”)
• Strategic bolding for keywords or results – but not overdone

Craft your bullets for the “F-pattern”: start with the impact, follow with how you did it.

For more on highlighting strengths and psychology, see Beyond The Resume Highlighting Hidden Strengths In Your Interview.

The Master Formula: Writing Impactful, ATS-Friendly Bullet Points

The best resume bullet points blend clarity, relevance, and quantifiable results. Try these proven formulas:

• XYZ Formula: Accomplished X (what) by Y (how) via Z (result/process).
• STAR Lite: Summarize Situation, Task, Action, and Result in 1–2 lines.
• Action Verb + Quantifier + Skill/Tool + Result: e.g., “Optimized scheduling using Asana, reducing project delays by 25%.”

Quick Example:
Weak: “Responsible for team projects.”
Strong: “Led 8-member team to deliver 5 projects 2 weeks ahead of schedule, increasing client retention by 15%.”

Want more on resume keywords? The Ultimate Guide To Resume Keywords Get Past The Ats And Land The Interview has you covered.

Power Words & Metrics: The Language of Results

Start every bullet with a powerful action verb. Pair it with numbers, percentages, or “scope” words for maximum punch.

Here are top action verbs and metrics grouped by impact:

Pro tip: If you can’t use hard numbers, use proxies (e.g., “Among top-performing staff,” “Handled high-volume requests”).

Resume Bullet Point Makeovers: Real Before & After Examples

Weak ➔ Strong Transformations:

• “Helped with social media” → “Created and scheduled 60+ social posts per month, increasing follower engagement by 45%.”
• “Did customer service” → “Resolved customer issues with 95% satisfaction rating, handling 40+ tickets daily.”
• “Worked on project delivery” → “Coordinated 5 cross-functional teams to deliver a $1.2M project 3 weeks early.”
• “Assisted with marketing” → “Supported launch of 3 new product campaigns, generating 1,200+ qualified leads.”

Want to see these strategies in action? Watch this visual how-to guide:

Common Mistakes: What to Avoid in Resume Bullet Points

Avoid these pitfalls to stay at the top of both ATS and recruiter shortlists:

• Too vague (“Helped with projects”)
• Too technical or jargon-heavy for the role
• Passive verbs (“Was responsible for”)
• Overuse of soft skills (“Team player” without proof)
• Long, unbroken paragraphs
• Missing key words or quantifiable results

Integrating Bullet Points with Huru.ai’s Instant Feedback

Ready to test your new bullet points? Huru.ai doesn’t just prep you for interviews—it helps you practice your answers to common resume questions, gives instant feedback on your STAR/XYZ examples, and scores your communication impact.

• Upload your resume and practice mock interviews based on your bullet points.
• Receive AI-driven tips to improve clarity, keyword use, and proof of results.
• Get custom feedback on both verbal and nonverbal delivery, 24/7.

Try Huru.ai for free—start practicing now »

Next Steps: Build a Standout Resume Today

You’re now equipped to write resume bullet points that make an impact in both the ATS and the recruiter’s mind. Remember:

• Use action-driven, quantifiable bullets
• Align each point with the job description
• Test your resume with ATS-friendly tools and real interview prep—like Huru.ai

For specialized guides, try:

• Resume Writing For Career Changers Highlight Your Transferable Skills
• Using Keywords To Get Noticed Seo For Your Resume

About the Author

Elias Oconnor is a content writer at Huru.ai, specializing in career tech, resume optimization, and interview confidence. He’s passionate about helping job seekers unlock their full potential with actionable, data-driven advice.