When Should You Include Quantifiable Metrics On Your Resume?

Hiring managers often scan resumes quickly. Quantifiable achievements are one way to stand out among other candidates. But are metrics always necessary? And if your work didn't involve obvious KPIs, what should you do?

What Are Resume Metrics?

Resume metrics are quantifiable data points that show the results of your work. They can include:

• Volume (e.g., “handled 50+ customer inquiries per week”)
• Efficiency (e.g., “reduced processing time by 30%”)
• Impact (e.g., “boosted conversion rates by 15%”)
• Scale (e.g., “managed a $200K budget”)

Numbers like these help potential employers quickly understand the scope of your responsibilities and the value you delivered.

Do You Need Metrics on Your Resume?

In general, the short answer is that metrics are great, but only if they're honest, specific, and the results are directly caused by you.

Only include metrics if you:

• Never invent numbers. Including fake or inflated stats will only backfire.
• Know the source. If you’re citing data, make sure it’s something you measured or that was measured by your team with your involvement.
• Own the outcome. Metrics should be directly caused by you. For example, if company revenue increased, was it really due to your actions, or part of a broader team effort? Focus on areas where your contribution was clear.
• Avoid assumptions. Even if you saved time, don’t turn that into “saved the company $50,000 annually” unless you have real documentation.

Be ready to explain how you measured any metrics you provide in interviews. Having metrics is more likely if your role already had measurable goals, e.g., sales volume or support roles with ticket measurements.

What To Do If You Don't Have Resume Metrics

If your role did not have measurable goals, you might still be able to include some metrics that showcase the impact you had during your previous jobs.

What you can ask yourself to remember the impact you had:

• What did I change or improve? Did you automate a task? Optimized a process? Take on new responsibilities?
• On what scale did I operate? Think in terms of volume: number of customers served, team size, inventory size, hours saved
• How often did I perform tasks? Weekly blog posts? Monthly events? Daily calls?
• Can I estimate realistically and honestly? (e.g., 20+ support tickets weekly)

If you're not sure where to start, an AI tool like ChatGPT can help you reflect and formulate resume metrics personalized to your role. You can try the following prompt:

I'm working on my resume and want to identify measurable results or quantifiable impacts from my past role.
Based on the description below, ask me 4 specific questions that could help me uncover relevant metrics or numbers:

[Your job description or existing resume]

Want more prompts that could help you write your resume?
Check out this guide: 10 AI Prompts to Instantly Improve Your Resume.

Conclusion

Including metrics can make your resume more impressive and help you stand out, but only when the numbers are accurate and clearly tied to your actions. If you don't have metrics, that's fine and better than making something up. A resume built on truthful, well-phrased accomplishments is always stronger than one that sounds made up.