Resume Metrics You Can Add to Your Resume
Introduction
When crafting a standout resume, metrics are your best friend. Resume metrics serve as proof of your achievements and provide clarity to your role, helping potential employers understand the scope and impact of your work. However, there’s a common misconception that if you don’t have resume metrics like “increased sales by 30%” or “reduced expenses by 15%,” your resume can’t stand out.
Let me tell you – that’s not the case at all! In fact, there are two types of metrics you can include on your resume. One type is commonly known and highly effective, but the second type, which is often overlooked, is just as valuable.
Type 1: Outcome Metrics
The first type is the well-known “outcome metric.” These resume metrics showcase a measurable result that you achieved by implementing certain actions. Typically, they are expressed as a percentage or a quantitative improvement.
These metrics tell your future employer, “This is how I made a difference.”
For example:
- “Increased client retention rate by 20% by developing personalized follow-up procedures and improving client communication.”
- “Reduced project costs by 15% through strategic vendor negotiations and cost-saving initiatives.”
When people say, “I don’t have any metrics for my resume,” they’re usually referring to this type of number. They think, “I didn’t directly increase profits or cut costs, so what can I showcase?” But if you do have these outcome metrics, fantastic! You should absolutely include them and position them prominently in your resume.
But what if you don’t have measurable outcomes? That’s where the second type of resume metric comes in.
Type 2: Non-Outcome Metrics
The “non-outcome metric” is just as crucial, yet many people tend to overlook it. While you might not always be able to quantify how your work led to specific business results, non-outcome metrics can still communicate the scope of your responsibilities and provide valuable context.
There are four primary types of non-outcome metrics you can include to strengthen your resume:
Number of People Impacted
Whether your work affected customers, team members, or entire communities, this resume metric shows the breadth of your influence.Example:
“Organized a community outreach program that engaged over 500 local residents.”
This conveys not only your initiative but also the scale of your efforts, which can be just as important as tangible outcomes.
Amount of Money Involved
If your projects involved managing or working with significant financial figures, that’s worth noting. Even if you didn’t increase or decrease the amount, showcasing your ability to handle large budgets or financial responsibilities is valuable.Example:
“Handled the financial planning and analysis for a $2.5 million marketing campaign, ensuring optimal ROI.”Number of Things You Managed or Oversaw
This could refer to products, resources, or even locations under your control. Highlighting the number of things you managed shows your capacity to handle complexity.Example:
“Oversaw the maintenance and operation of a fleet of 50 company vehicles.”
This speaks volumes about your organizational skills and your ability to manage important assets.
Number of People You Worked With or Led
Collaboration and leadership are crucial soft skills in many roles. Whether you led a team or worked closely with others, showcasing the number of people involved helps define the scale and impact of your work.Example:
“Coordinated a cross-functional team of 15 members to develop and implement a new project management system.”
Combining Resume Metrics for Maximum Impact
You don’t have to choose just one type of resume metric for each accomplishment. In fact, combining multiple resume metrics into a single bullet point can create a powerful statement.
For example:
“Oversaw the maintenance and operation of a fleet of 50 company vehicles valued at $2.5 million.”
This sentence not only shows how many vehicles you managed but also highlights the financial value of the assets you were responsible for.
“Coordinated a cross-functional team of 15 members to develop and implement a new project management system handling 200 simultaneous projects.”
Here, you’re showcasing both the size of the team and the volume of work you managed.
These combinations provide rich context to your role, painting a clearer picture of the scope and complexity of your responsibilities.
In Conclusion: Resume Metrics Add Value, Even If They're Not "Outcome Metrics"
Outcome metrics are fantastic – they’re a concrete way to show your impact. But if you don’t have them, don’t fret. There are plenty of non-outcome metrics that can effectively demonstrate your contributions. By providing the right context and quantifying various aspects of your work, you make it easier for employers to understand your value.
Next time you’re updating your resume, remember that both outcome and non-outcome metrics are your allies. They give your resume depth and help you stand out in a competitive job market. Use them to tell a compelling story of your work – even if you’re not directly responsible for measurable results.