The Google XYZ Method (CV Bullet Formula)

The Google XYZ Method (popularised by Laszlo Bock at Google) is a straightforward way to turn vague CV bullets into clear, outcome-driven statements that recruiters can scan and understand in seconds.

Achieved X by doing Y as measured by Z

This formula forces clarity, relevance, and credibility, the three things most CVs lack. You’re not just saying what you did. You’re showing how well you did it, and why it mattered.

Recruiters typically spend 6 to 10 seconds skimming a CV. Your job isn’t to tell your whole story, it’s to make those seconds count.

If your bullets are:

• Specific
• Action-driven
• Outcome-focused

It works because it creates a snapshot of your value.

Want to apply XYZ to your own CV without the work? Upload your CV, add a job description, and CraftAI CV will rewrite your bullets using the XYZ structure so they’re specific, outcome based, and aligned to the role, Tailor your cv now

---

The Core Formula

X — Outcome
What improved, changed, or was delivered.

Y — Action
What you personally did to make it happen.

Z — Evidence
A measurable result, scale, or concrete proof.

You don’t need all three every time, but strong bullets usually include at least two.

---

You don’t need to overdo it. Quality beats quantity.

As a guideline:

• Recent roles: 3 – 5 XYZ bullets
• Older roles: 2 – 3 XYZ bullets

Prioritise relevant outcomes over chronological completeness.
If a bullet doesn’t strengthen your case for the role you want, cut it.

---

Strong XYZ Examples

Customer Support

• Reduced average response time by introducing ticket triage rules, improving SLA compliance by 32%
• Resolved complex billing issues by working closely with engineering, supporting 1,000+ customers per month

Operations

• Improved onboarding efficiency by documenting internal workflows, reducing ramp up time by 40%
• Increased order accuracy by implementing QA checks, cutting returns by 18%

Sales & Administration

• Increased outbound reply rates by refining lead qualification criteria, generating 25% more demos
• Supported revenue operations by maintaining CRM hygiene across 5,000+ customer records

---

Weak vs Strong (XYZ Applied)

❌ Weak

• Responsible for customer queries
• Helped with internal processes

✅ Strong

• Resolved customer queries across email and live chat, maintaining a 98% CSAT score
• Improved internal processes by standardising documentation, reducing repeat errors

---

When You Don’t Have Metrics

If you don’t have exact numbers, use credible substitutes instead of leaving the bullet vague:

• Scale: “across 200+ accounts”
• Frequency: “daily”, “high volume”, “weekly”
• Scope: “cross functional”, “company wide”
• Impact: “improving reliability”, “reducing friction”

Example:

• Managed high volume support tickets across multiple product lines, improving resolution consistency

---

Quick XYZ Checklist

Before adding a bullet point to your CV, ask yourself:

• Does it clearly show what changed?
• Is my action obvious?
• Is there evidence, scale, or impact?

If you can answer yes to at least two, the bullet is doing its job.

---

Final Tip

You don’t need to force XYZ into a single sentence.

Two short, clear lines that show action and impact will always beat one vague responsibility statement.

---

Save Time

Our AI is focused specifically on the Google XYZ method. When you use tailoring, we don't just rewrite your sentences, we automatically look for the X (the outcome), Y (the action) and the Z (the evidence or scale) to make sure your skills are highlighted.

Looking to move from retail to remote customer service, read our From Retail to Remote article.