Using Data in Resumes

Always use data and quantifications in your resume! 

Quantifying achievements on a resume adds credibility and helps potential employers understand the extent of your contributions.

However, it's important to distinguish between impact data and contextual data, as both play unique roles in telling the full story of your accomplishments.

Impact data refers to the direct, measurable outcomes of your actions—things like increased revenue, cost savings, or reduced project timelines.

For example, "increased sales by 15% over six months" is a clear, impactful result that shows the tangible difference you made. This type of data immediately demonstrates your value by highlighting your contribution in a quantifiable way.

On the other hand, contextual data provides the background that gives your achievements meaning. It sets the stage by describing the environment or challenges you faced, making the impact data more impressive.

For instance, “improved customer satisfaction by 25% while managing a team of 10 during a period of organizational restructuring” shows not only the result but also the circumstances under which you achieved it.

Without contextual data, achievements can seem isolated or lack depth, but when combined, it paints a complete picture of your effectiveness, both in driving results and handling complex situations.