
When it comes to resumes, the most common advice is to list your job duties. "Managed this," "Assisted with that," "Responsible for XYZ." But here’s the problem: hiring managers aren’t looking for a list of responsibilities—they want to see your impact.
Enter VERS: a simple, effective formula to write resume bullets that show off your achievements and land interviews.
What is VERS
VERS stands for:
Verb – Start with a strong action verb that highlights what you did.
Essence – Summarize the main topic or focus of your action (what it was about).
Result – Quantify or describe the outcome to showcase your impact.
Strategy – End with how you achieved the result (your method, tool, or approach).
By following this formula, every resume bullet tells a complete story about what you did, how it mattered, and how you made it happen.
Examples of VERS in action
Let’s look at how VERS transforms basic responsibilities into impactful achievements:
Instead of: Washed dishes in a busy restaurant kitchen
Write: Streamlined dishwashing operations to support faster table turnover by maintaining a consistent workflow during peak hours.
Instead of: Operated machinery in a manufacturing facility
Write: Increased production efficiency by 15% by following rigorous maintenance schedules for magazine presses.
Instead of: Cleared tables and assisted waitstaff
Write: Enhanced customer experience by ensuring tables were promptly reset through effective teamwork with servers.
See the difference? Each VERS statement tells the hiring manager exactly how you added value, rather than just listing what you were responsible for.
Use these keywords in your resume and cover letter
Here are a few more examples of VERS. Use these as inspiration on your resume.
Nurse: Improved patient satisfaction by 20% through attentive bedside care and proactive communication with families.
Construction laborer: Accelerated project completion timelines by 10 days by ensuring accurate measurements and efficient material handling.
Retail associate: Boosted monthly sales revenue by $15,000 through personalized product recommendations and upselling techniques.
Software Developer: Developed a customer support tool that reduced response times by 35% using JavaScript and integrating with existing CRM software.
Teacher: Increased student math proficiency by 25% through tailored lesson plans and hands-on learning activities.
Delivery driver: Ensured 100% on-time deliveries over 6 months by optimizing routes and using GPS systems effectively.
Accountant: Saved $50,000 in annual expenses by identifying tax-saving opportunities and implementing more efficient expense-tracking systems.
Notice that VERS doesn't have to be in perfect order. You can re-order your bullets to be V-R-E-S, V-S-R-E, E-R-V-S, and so forth. As long as you have all four VERS components, you are good to go!
Need a little more assistance? Get help with your resume from a certified career advisor
Why VERS works
Recruiters and hiring managers skim resumes in seconds, and they’re looking for results. VERS organizes your experience into an easy-to-read format that highlights your impact and makes your resume stand out.
How to Start Using VERS Today
Review your current resume: Circle any bullets that start with “responsible for” or don’t include a clear result.
Rewrite with VERS: Use strong verbs, focus on results, and explain how you made those results happen.
Focus on measurable results: If you don’t have numbers, think about improvements you contributed to—like faster workflows, happier customers, or better teamwork.
Your resume, reimagined
The VERS method makes it easy to showcase your value, whether you’re a dishwasher, a salesperson, or a manager. By focusing on verbs, essence, results, and strategy, your resume will tell the story of what you can achieve for your next employer—and help you land the job you want.