The XYZ formula (Google): "Accomplished X, as measured by Y, by doing Z"

The XYZ formula comes down to one sentence: "Accomplished [X], as measured by [Y], by doing [Z]". Popularised by Laszlo Bock, Google's former head of human resources, in his book Work Rules!, it puts the result first — which makes it remarkably easy to read for a busy recruiter and for an ATS.

Breakdown

• X — the accomplishment: the what ("Increased the conversion rate…").
• Y — the measure: the quantified proof ("…by 18% in one quarter…").
• Z — the means: the how ("…by redesigning the sign-up funnel.").

Examples by profession

Tech: "Cut order processing time by 40% by automating data entry with Python scripts."

Sales: "Exceeded the annual target by 125% by building a portfolio of 30 key accounts."

HR: "Reduced time-to-hire from 45 to 28 days by restructuring the interview process."

Why the measure first?

A recruiter spends a few seconds per resume during the first screening. By putting the result first (X + Y), you deliver the most convincing information immediately, before the reader loses interest. The "how" (Z) then adds credibility by showing that the result was no accident.

XYZ or STAR?

Both aim at the same thing: action + quantified result. XYZ is more compact (ideal for tech and the US market, where a punchy one-page resume is expected); STAR tells more of the context (ideal in interviews and for the "selection criteria" of the public sector and international organisations). On a private-sector resume, XYZ is often the best default choice.

The trap to avoid

Don't force a false or unverifiable figure: a recruiter will dig into it in the interview. If you don't have an exact metric, use an honest order of magnitude ("nearly", "about") or a strong qualitative result (adopted by the whole team, project taken up as a standard).

Tip: CVDesignPro's AI Suggestions feature can rephrase your bullet points in XYZ format, and the ATS Score checks that they do contain a measurable result.