Accomplishments
There is no data on your resume more important than
your accomplishments. Why?
Think of it this way: you're a hiring manager with
one position to fill and 10 qualified candidates
clamoring for the position. Each candidate has the
same basic educational and professional background.
So, who gets the job?
The candidate who contributed the most at past
positions. Accomplishments are all that separate
you from other equally qualified candidates, with
one caveat. Your accomplishments must be quantified.
What is an Accomplishment?
- Increasing the company's bottom line (i.e.
facilitating its growth)
- Streamlining procedures
- Promotions
- Special projects successfully completed
- Decreasing costs
- Company- or industry-sponsored awards
- Certifications and licensure
What is not an Accomplishment?
- Daily responsibilities that are included in your
job description
- Regular attendance at work
- Getting along with co-workers
- Working full-time while going to college at
night
- Volunteer or community service unless it has a
direct bearing on your job search
In other words, an accomplishment is service that
goes beyond your usual job description. But for an
accomplishment to have the most effect, it must be
quantified.
What is a Quantified Accomplishment?
One that includes dollar figures, percentages, and
time periods.
For example: Our accountant has streamlined
procedures, realizing a $2500 monthly savings for
his company. The dollar figure quantifies the
accomplishment, while the "streamlined procedures"
explains how he did it. Now, if he achieved those
savings within three months of hire, that would
further strengthen his accomplishments, and it might
be written thusly:
- Achieved a $2500 monthly savings for XYZ Company
within three months of hire by streamlining
procedures.
Imagine the hiring manager's reaction to the above as
opposed to this entry:
- Streamlined procedures for XYZ Company.
Doesn't say much, does it?
Special Skills
Special Skills should always be presented up-front
so that a hiring manager knows what you can do. In
some instances, a special section (i.e. Computer
Skills, Languages, Office Procedures, etc.) should
be created to showcase these special skills.
Special skills will include:
- Computer proficiencies
- Office procedures (i.e. answering multi-lined
phone systems, taking dictation (include speed),
transcription, typing (include speed), 10-key, etc.)
- Linguistic capabilities (i.e. fluency in a
foreign language, ability to translate, etc.)
- Any skill that's industry-specific for the job
you're seeking
Here are a few examples of resumes with outstanding
accomplishments and skills showcased effectively for
hiring managers:
- IT Professionals - Project Manager
- Chief Marketing Officer
- Executives - Supply Chain Director
