When it comes to resumes, most advice focuses on action verbs, measurable achievements, and strong content. While those are crucial, there’s one overlooked detail that can impact how a recruiter perceives your application—bullet point formatting.
Your bullet points are not just a way to list accomplishments; they are visual cues that guide the reader’s eye and emphasize your strengths. Poor formatting can weaken their impact, while clean, intentional formatting can make your resume easier to scan and more compelling.
Why Bullet Point Formatting Matters
Recruiters often skim resumes for key details. Bullet points help break up text and highlight achievements, but if they’re inconsistent in length or poorly organized, the eye doesn’t know where to focus. A well-formatted set of bullet points:
- Improves readability
- Ensures each achievement gets equal attention
- Creates a clean, professional appearance
Best Practices for Formatting Resume Bullet Points
- Keep Them Short and Direct
Ideally, each bullet should fit on one line. If you have a longer bullet, place it at the end of the section to avoid disrupting the visual flow. - Maintain Consistent Lengths Where Possible
While not mandatory, bullet points of similar length look cleaner. Humans naturally prefer patterns, and visual balance makes your resume more pleasant to read. - Place Strongest Achievements Strategically
Lead with your most impactful bullet points to immediately grab attention. - Avoid Overcrowding
Don’t bunch multiple ideas into one bullet. Each should focus on a single accomplishment or skill. - Use Action Verbs First
Start each bullet with a strong verb like “Led,” “Developed,” “Achieved,” or “Improved” to convey impact instantly.
Example of Better Formatting
Poor Order:
- Organized the largest company-wide project in history
- Led a team of 15 in process improvement
- Increased sales by 40% in six months
Better Order:
- Led a team of 15 in process improvement
- Increased sales by 40% in six months
- Organized the largest company-wide project in history
This small adjustment improves readability and flow.
Conclusion
Formatting your resume bullet points may seem minor, but these subtle changes can make a significant difference in how a recruiter views your application. By keeping them concise, consistent, and visually appealing, you ensure your achievements stand out—giving you a stronger chance of moving forward in the hiring process.