How to Write Shorter CV Bullets Without Losing Impact
Tight on space? Learn how to cut words from your CV bullets while keeping the achievements that matter. Less fluff, more punch.
## The Word Economy Principle
Every word on a one-page CV must earn its place. If a word doesn't add meaning, delete it.
This isn't about dumbing down your achievements. It's about sharpening them. Fewer words, more impact.
## Cut the Filler Phrases
These phrases add length without adding value:
| Filler Phrase | Replacement |
|---------------|-------------|
| Responsible for managing | Managed |
| Played a key role in | Led / Contributed to |
| Successfully achieved | Achieved |
| Was tasked with | (Just state what you did) |
| Utilised my skills to | (Delete entirely) |
**Before:** "Was responsible for successfully managing a team of 12 sales representatives."
**After:** "Managed 12-person sales team."
Same meaning. Half the words.
## Start with the Verb
Strong bullets start with action verbs. No "I" needed. No preamble.
```copy
Strong opening verbs:
Led, Drove, Built, Reduced, Increased, Launched, Negotiated, Streamlined, Delivered, Secured
```
**Weak:** "I was involved in the development of a new customer onboarding process."
**Strong:** "Developed customer onboarding process—reduced churn by 18%."
## Merge Related Bullets
If you have three bullets saying similar things, combine them.
**Before:**
- Managed social media accounts
- Created content for LinkedIn and Twitter
- Grew follower base by 40%
**After:**
- Managed social media (LinkedIn, Twitter); grew followers by 40%
One bullet. Same story. More space recovered.
## Use Numerals, Not Words
Numbers catch the eye and save characters.
**Before:** "Increased revenue by approximately fifteen percent over two years."
**After:** "Increased revenue 15% over 2 years."
## The "So What?" Test
For each bullet, ask: *So what?*
If the answer is obvious, keep the bullet. If you can't explain why it matters, cut it.
**Weak:** "Attended weekly team meetings." (So what?)
**Strong:** "Chaired weekly cross-functional syncs; reduced project delays by 25%." (Clear value.)
## Template: The Tight Bullet Formula
Use this structure for maximum impact in minimum words:
```copy
[Action verb] + [What you did] + [Measurable result]
Examples:
- Led rebrand; increased brand recognition 30% (YouGov survey)
- Reduced supplier costs £1.2M through contract renegotiation
- Launched mobile app; 50K downloads in first quarter
```
## Pre-Flight Checklist
Before finalising your bullets:
- [ ] Every bullet starts with an action verb.
- [ ] No filler phrases remain ("responsible for," "utilised").
- [ ] Numbers use digits, not words.
- [ ] Similar bullets are merged where possible.
- [ ] Every bullet passes the "so what?" test.
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*For more on CV writing, explore our [Writing & Content](/writing-and-content) insights.*