How to Write a Resume - Using Achievements

When comparing “like for like” in similar resumes, employers turn to achievements as a tool to assess the value-add that an applicant can bring to a role, the team and to the business as a whole. These achievements should be used as a sales strategy and tweaked according to your job target.

 

Always avoid listing numerous achievements that may create too much "noise", and will take away from key points of emphasis. Also, make sure that you substantiate achievements' for instance, “Improved reporting for Management” is better listed as, “Improved reporting turnaround times by 5 days, whilst giving management improved insight into the meaning of the data reported”.

 

Prompts for Recalling Achievements:

 

  • Did you receive any awards, and what were they for?
  • Did you undertake work outside of your job description? What was this?
  • Have you saved the business any money or time?
  • Did you improve turnaround times for something?
  • Have you met or exceeded all deadlines?
  • Were you faced with any internal challenges when you first took on your job?
  • Have you increased sales, customer service levels or customer base?
  • Managed a difficult business situation?
  • Have you been involved in any IT implementations or system improvements?
  • Did you help the business with any adhoc projects? What were they?
  • Did the company you work for go through any major changes?
  • Have you helped other team members achieve their goals?
  • Have you introduced something that is used, or is viewed by many people?
  • Represented the division or company at meetings or exhibitions?

 

 

When you have written your resume, try to ask someone (non partial) to review the document and ask them if they can see the value-add? If they need you to explain the achievement, then you’ll need to reword.

 

 

 

 

Next on how to write a resume: Making use of "action verbs" in a resume

 

 

 

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