The XYZ Method Resume Guide
Master the formula Google recommends for resume bullet points: Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z]. Write achievements that get noticed.
What You'll Learn
What is the XYZ Method?
The XYZ method is a formula for writing resume bullet points that Google's recruiters recommend. It forces you to include:
- X — What you accomplished
- Y — How it was measured (the metric)
- Z — How you did it (the action)
This creates bullet points that are inherently quantified and impact-focused.
The Formula Explained
"Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z]"
Let's break it down:
- X (Accomplishment) — The result or impact. Start with a strong action verb.
- Y (Measurement) — Always include a number: percentage, dollar amount, users, time saved.
- Z (Method) — The technical approach or tools used.
Before & After Examples
❌ Before: No XYZ
"Improved the search feature."
✅ After: XYZ Applied
"Reduced search latency by 65% (Y) by implementing Elasticsearch caching (Z), improving user retention by 12% (X)."
❌ Before: No XYZ
"Worked on the mobile app."
✅ After: XYZ Applied
"Increased mobile app performance score from 45 to 92 (Y) by optimizing image loading and implementing lazy rendering (Z), resulting in 500K additional monthly active users (X)."
XYZ vs STAR Method
Both methods help you write better bullet points, but they serve different purposes:
| Aspect | XYZ Method | STAR Method |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Resume bullets | Interview stories |
| Length | 1-2 lines | 2-5 minutes spoken |
| Focus | Metrics first | Context & action |
For resumes, XYZ is often more concise. Use STAR for interview preparation and longer-form descriptions.