Not so long ago, it was sufficient for a resume to say things like “managed a team” or “handled high volume of incoming calls.” But with more and more resumes saying things like that, such phrases just start to blend together. So how do you stand out from the crowd? By giving readers something more specific. A quantified explanation of your accomplishments goes a long way, and one way to do this is by using numbers in your resume.
Increasing revenue and/or decreasing expenses?
Like the rest of us, employers love to find ways to maximize revenue and minimize expenses. So if you’re consistently responsible for generating $75,000 in revenue each quarter, say it! That stands out much more than “exceeded quarterly sales goals” or something to that effect. Numbers in your resume make it easy for the reader to wrap his/her mind around the size of your accomplishment.
Naturally, the same goes for situations where you have saved money for your employer. First, quantify this with a number as opposed to “researched ways to save money for the company.” And second, keep in mind the overall size of your company’s budget. Saving your company $250 monthly on a line item that was $2,500 is much more meaningful than that same savings applied to a $25,000 item.0614
Volume matters
This concept is especially important for positions where performance is measured in output and productivity (as opposed to revenue generation). One place we see this often is in A/P or A/R. When listing this as a responsibility or title, give the full picture. Were you handling 650 invoices per month or more like 175 per month? The numbers in your resume will make it much easier for the reader to accurately understand your level of experience.
Another area where volume counts is in a call center. The term “high volume” is rather subjective. So here again, numbers in your resume would be ideal. Also helpful is a detailed description of what you’re doing on the calls. Someone taking 25 calls per day isn’t necessarily working less diligently than someone taking 100 calls per day; it depends what those calls entail. Last, don’t forget to list accomplishments you may have with meeting metrics for an extended period of time; this indicates that you will likely be able to hit the ground running.
And people matter even more!
For all you managers out there, show readers that your experience is real. Incorporate into your resume the numbers that show how many direct and indirect reports you have or had.
Even administrative professionals can find ways to bolster their resume with numbers. Whether you are the administrative glue that holds together a team of sales reps or an executive assistant who supports several C-level executives, quantify your experience.
Numbers or percentages?
Typically, I advise candidates to go with whichever method is more flattering. After all, your resume is a marketing piece that should accentuate your brilliance. For example, if you increased your FB follows from 100 to 150, you were responsible for a 50% increase. Whether you choose percentage or number, be sure you know the statistic from both sides in case an interviewer asks you to break down the details. Last, any numbers smaller than 10 should be spelled out, the only exception being dollar amounts and percentages.
Amidst a sea of text, numbers stand out on the page! Your quantified accomplishments will immediately draw one’s eye.
Written by Adam Lafield, Recruiter & Marketing Specialist