No other professional in the world has a career story like yours. Your resume communicates your unique accomplishments and what makes you different. Putting numbers in resumes is an effective way to quantify your accomplishments and make yourself stand out.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- Why numbers are important
- Where to use numbers on your resume
- What numbers to feature in your resume
Why you want to feature numbers in your resume
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Quantifiable accomplishments will capture the attention of the hiring manager. Instead of your resume communicating mundane job responsibilities, an impressive number will keep the reader engaged.
Numbers in resumes also show your ability to record your accomplishments efficiently. Hiring managers will know that you care about your work based on communicating your career wins.
Where to use numbers on your resume
Below are the critical areas of the resume to add numbers, including examples.
The experience section
The experience section is the most extensive section of your resume, making it the perfect spot to put in numbers. Quantifying your accomplishments in this section will help your growth as a professional throughout your career.
- Example: Expanded company’s products into new territory by securing 153 new customers in quarter 1.
The resume summary
The resume summary is most likely the first thing the recruiter will read. Putting numbers in this short section will communicate your value immediately.
- Example: Customer-focused sales leader with a proven track record in generating $2.5 million in annual sales within the medical device industry.
In the “Most Proud Of” section
The “most proud of” section is the career highlights area, which is very deserving of numbers. Let the most memorable wins of your career shine through here.
- Example: During tenure as National Sales Director, expanded market share by 17% within 12 months.
What numbers to feature on your resume
Depending on your area of expertise, there are several numbers you can put into the resume.
Revenue increase
Increased sales by percentage resume numbers are important for professionals in sales, operations, marketing, and business development. They convey your ability to market your company’s products and services, build meaningful relationships, and close deals.
- Example: Launched a new customer referral program, which increased sales by 21% in Q1 2021.
Website traffic
For those in digital marketing or web development, website traffic is a key metric. An increase in website traffic is good for brand awareness and the sales funnel.
- Example: Revamped the company’s SEO strategy, resulting in a 23% boost in website traffic in 2019.
Sales numbers
For sales professionals, sales numbers on resumes show the depth of accounts you work with. As you navigate through your sales career, it is critical to document your sales by quarter.
- Example: Achieved sales of $12.1 million in Q2 2021 through trade show marketing strategies.
Staff retention
If you are a professional who manages people or works in the HR industry, staff retention is a critical metric. It shows your ability to keep top talent within the organization, which improves the long-term health of the organization.
- Example: Established a new employee rewards program, which elevated staff retention by 21% in 2021.
Takeaways
If you want to secure the job of your dreams, you need to communicate your unique accomplishments in your resume. The more numbers you incorporate, the more likely you will receive a callback.
Make one that's truly you.