Turn your resume into a spotlight of your achievements! Learn how to craft compelling accomplishment statements that make hiring managers take notice.
A few editions ago, we talked about tooting your horn and why being loud about your accomplishments is important. But here’s the thing: nobody likes a bragger. Just something about it gives the “ick,” as the kids say. Naturally, we shouldn’t care about the haters, but in a world that’s highly competitive, we need to both be LIKEABLE and LOUD (about our accomplishments). There has to be a way to brag that impresses those who hold the keys to mind-blowing opportunities. Right?
That’s what today’s edition of the SimplVest newsletter will focus on. We’ll explore how to turn your experience into resume gold without coming off as arrogant. Ready to make your achievements shine? Folks, let’s learn how to brag.
Pretty sure you’ve heard of this story before, but here’s a version involving my friend Wisdom, shared with his permission, of course. I know it’s typical to talk about your friends in a good light, but man, I kid you not, Wisdom was incredibly talented. He, however, had a hard time showcasing his achievements. His resume had always been a simple list of duties, but it wasn’t until the work grew redundant and he hopped back into the job market that we realised it wasn’t enough to get the job done. His applications kept getting overlooked!
One day, during a chat with an experienced connection, a mentor gave us a piece of advice that changed everything: “Don’t just tell them what you did; show them how you made a difference.” Wiz decided to change his approach. Instead of just listing what he did, he highlighted his successes and the impact he made. The result? It was like magic—suddenly, he started getting calls for interviews and job offers.
Why Do Resume Achievements Even Matter?
Your resume is like a first date with a potential employer—it needs to make a great impression quickly. Simply listing tasks doesn’t give a full picture. Instead, you want to highlight your achievements and how they benefited your team or company. This means focusing on how you’ve contributed in specific, measurable ways.
When Wisdom had just listed his tasks—he ended up staying in the shadows. But by showcasing his achievements, he painted a vivid picture of his impact. For example, rather than saying, “Managed a departmental team,” you could say, “Led a team of 10, increasing project efficiency by 20% within six months.” See the difference? The second statement is more impactful and shows the tangible results of your work.
Crafting Your Achievements: The Simple Formula
Let’s break down how to craft compelling achievement statements. Here’s a formula that works wonders:
Action Verb + Noun + Metric + Outcome = Achievement
Here’s how it works: Start with a strong action verb, then describe what you did (the noun), include a metric to quantify it, and finally, share the outcome.
For example:
- “Cut expenses by 20% within a fiscal year.”
- “Increased website traffic by 42% in a year.”
OR
Action Verb + Metric + Timeframe = Achievement
Timeframes add a sense of urgency and show how quickly you deliver results.
- “Increased newsletter open rate by 31% in four weeks using a new strategy.”
- “Trained 10 new employees over three months, boosting team productivity.”
See how much more powerful these statements are compared to generic job descriptions? They tell a story of success and impact.
Finding Your Achievements: It’s Not as Hard as It Sounds
Feeling stuck on how to identify your achievements? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. It can feel a bit awkward to toot your own horn but remember, it’s all about showing your value, and nobody should feel awkward about that. Not to mention, it’s crucial for standing out in the job market.
You can start by asking questions like:
- What did I improve or achieve?
- Did I save my company money or time?
- Did I exceed any goals (or KPIs)?
- Was I recognized with an award or honor?
If you’re a big fan of procedurals (like Monk, The Rookie, or Law and Order), think of it like a detective searching for clues. Once you’ve identified your successes, quantify them. For example, instead of saying, “Improved team efficiency,” you could say, “Enhanced team efficiency by 15%, leading to faster project completions.” Numbers speak volumes!
Where’s The Place for Personal Achievements?
Even if you’re early in your career, have limited experience or transitioning fields, personal achievements can be just as valuable. Here are some examples:
- “Volunteered at a local food bank for four years, serving thousands of families.”
- “Maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout college.”
- “Completed a triathlon in 2023.”
They show dedication and skills that might not be obvious from work experience alone. These personal milestones can make your resume stand out, especially if you’re just starting out or shifting gears in your career.
How to Organize Achievements on Your Resume
Now that you know how to write achievements, it’s time to make sure they’re in the right spot on your resume. Typically, you’ll want to feature them in bullet points under your work experience section. This helps hiring managers quickly scan and see your accomplishments.
Place the most relevant and recent achievements at the top. Older or less relevant roles can have fewer or no bullet points. And if you need help organizing, tools like Teal’s Resume Builder can make it a breeze.
And yes. In case you were wondering, awards can be a great addition to your resume, especially if they relate to your career. They add credibility and prestige. If you’ve won relevant awards or honors, don’t hesitate to add them to your resume. However, it’s best to do so in a dedicated section!
You Deserve to Shine!
Your achievements are the shining stars of your resume, setting you apart from the crowd. By effectively communicating what you’ve accomplished, you not only show that you did your job but that you excelled at it. So, take a moment to reflect on your past roles, quantify your successes, and watch as opportunities unfold.
Remember, it’s not about bragging; it’s about showcasing your value. Ready to turn your experience into resume gold? Let’s make those achievements shine!
