Bullet Point Examples That Perform Well in ATS Scans – Optimize Your Resume for 2026

Understanding ATS and Its Impact on Resume Bullet Points

To effectively write bullet points that perform well in ATS scans, it’s essential to understand how ATS works. ATS software scans resumes looking for keywords, formats, and phrases directly related to the job description. Bullet points organized in clear, keyword-rich formats are easier for ATS to parse. Poorly formatted or vague bullet points risk being overlooked or poorly ranked by these systems.

Key takeaways:

• ATS parses text sequentially, looking for relevant keywords.
• Simple formatting improves parsing accuracy.
• Keyword-rich bullet points improve match scores.
• Action verbs and quantifiable achievements boost ATS and recruiter appeal.

For more details on creating overall ATS-friendly resumes, check out our comprehensive guide: How to Create a Resume That Passes ATS.

What Makes a Bullet Point ATS-Friendly?

Crafting bullet points that pass ATS scans involves blending recruiter-friendly writing with keyword optimization. Below are characteristics of ATS-friendly bullet points:

• Use Relevant Keywords: Incorporate keywords from the job description to align your skills and experience with the role.
• Action-Oriented Language: Start bullet points with strong action verbs such as “Managed,” “Developed,” or “Optimized.”
• Quantify Achievements: Use numbers, percentages, and measurable results to highlight your impact.
• Keep It Concise: ATS algorithms favor clear and concise bullet points without unnecessary fillers.
• Avoid Special Characters and Complex Formatting: Stick to simple bullet symbols and avoid tables or graphics.
• Consistency: Maintain consistent tense (past or present) depending on your role status.

Examples of High-Performing ATS-Friendly Bullet Points by Category

1. Bullet Points for Project Management Roles

• Led cross-functional teams of 10+ members to deliver projects on schedule, increasing client satisfaction by 25%.
• Developed and implemented project plans using Agile methodologies, reducing project delivery time by 15%.
• Managed project budgets exceeding $1M, minimizing costs by 8% through strategic vendor negotiations.

2. Bullet Points for Software Development Positions

• Designed and implemented scalable RESTful APIs in Python, improving system performance by 30%.
• Collaborated with cross-departmental teams to define software requirements, resulting in 98% client acceptance rate.
• Optimized legacy code base resulting in a 40% reduction in system errors and a 20% increase in processing speed.

3. Bullet Points for Sales and Marketing Roles

• Achieved 120% of sales target quarterly by developing targeted outreach campaigns based on market analysis.
• Managed digital marketing budgets of $500K+, increasing ROI by 35% through data-driven ad optimization.
• Generated 300+ qualified leads monthly by executing multi-channel marketing strategies.

4. Bullet Points for Administrative Roles

• Streamlined office operations by automating workflow processes, reducing administrative tasks by 20%.
• Coordinated schedules and communications for a team of 15, enhancing departmental efficiency by 18%.
• Maintained accurate records and managed travel arrangements, supporting executives and enhancing productivity.

How to Incorporate Keywords Effectively into Bullet Points

Keywords are the backbone of ATS-friendly bullet points. To choose and incorporate them properly:

1. Analyze the Job Description: Highlight repeated skills, qualifications, and industry-specific terms.
2. Use Variations of Keywords: For example, include both “customer service” and “client support.”
3. Integrate Keywords Naturally: Avoid keyword stuffing; bullet points should flow naturally and still communicate accomplishments.
4. Include Certifications and Technical Skills: List certifications, tools, and software the ATS might scan for.

Example:

• Developed customer service protocols aligned with company standards, improving client satisfaction scores by 15%.

Best Practices for Formatting Bullet Points to Pass ATS Scans

• Use Standard Bullet Symbols: Prefer simple round or square bullets. Avoid fancy symbols, emojis, or images.
• Keep Consistency: Use the same bullet style and indentation throughout your document.
• Avoid Tables and Text Boxes: ATS often fails to read content embedded in tables or text boxes.
• Use Standard Fonts: Stick to fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri.
• Save as a .doc or .docx File: Many ATS systems handle Word files better than PDFs.

Common ATS Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Bullet Points

• Overusing Generic Phrases: Avoid banal phrases like “responsible for” without concrete actions.
• Keyword Stuffing: Overloading bullet points with keywords can look robotic and damage readability.
• Using Pronouns: Bullet points should omit “I,” “me,” or “my.” Instead, start with action verbs.
• Embedding Important Details in Images or Graphics: ATS cannot read embedded visuals.
• Ignoring Industry-Specific Terms: Neglecting relevant jargon can reduce ATS relevancy scores.

Examples of Poor vs. High-Performing Bullet Points

Using Metrics and Numbers to Enhance Bullet Points

Metrics add credibility and measurable impact to your accomplishments. ATS systems, and recruiters, both favor bullet points with quantifiable achievements.

Examples of how to include metrics:

• Use percentages to show improvements: “Increased sales by 40%.”
• Mention numbers of people or projects managed: “Managed team of 12.”
• Include dollar amounts to show financial impact: “Saved $50,000 annually.”
• Highlight time savings or efficiency gains: “Reduced onboarding time by 30%.”

Example bullet point:

• Implemented new employee training program that decreased onboarding time by 30%, resulting in faster productivity.

Final Tips: Optimizing Your Resume Bullet Points for Both ATS and Recruiters

• Balance Keyword Optimization & Readability: Your resume must impress both ATS systems and human recruiters.
• Use Industry-Specific Language: Tailor your bullet points to match the company and role.
• Leverage Action Verbs and Results: Prioritize accomplishments rather than just duties.
• Keep It Relevant: Remove outdated, irrelevant, or redundant bullet points.
• Test Your Resume with ATS Simulators: Tools like Jobscan can help you evaluate ATS compatibility.

Conclusion

Crafting bullet points that perform well in ATS scans is a strategic process of combining effective formatting, keyword integration, and impactful language. By using the examples and best practices outlined in this guide, you can significantly improve your resume’s ability to pass through ATS algorithms and catch the attention of recruiters. Remember, the ultimate goal is to present your experience clearly and convincingly in a way both machines and humans appreciate.

For an in-depth look at creating a fully ATS-friendly resume, be sure to visit CV Owl’s ATS-friendly resume guide.