Most people feel a little uncomfortable writing about their accomplishments—it feels like bragging—ugh. The truth is, a little bragging will go a long way to get you noticed by hiring managers. Keep your focus on how your skills and successes meet the needs of the employer; it will help you choose accomplishments directly related to the job announcement.
Now for the fun part, how to write a great accomplishment statement. Using the Challenge—Action—Result (CAR) approach is a simple way to begin. For each position you include on your resume consider the following CAR questions:
- What challenge(s) did you encounter? Global travel and expense systems were outdated and not user-friendly.
- What action(s) did you take to resolve the challenge? Conducted market research, assessed options, and implemented the new
- What was the result of your action? Saved over $1M in costs, improved efficiency, and user experience.
As you develop your accomplishment statements, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Choose accomplishments directly relevant to the position, and meet employer needs.
- Begin your statement with the result of your actions to solve the challenge.
- Start each accomplishment with an action verb.
- Use quantitative examples whenever possible, numbers are universal and high impact.
- Include keywords from the job announcement.
Example: Reduced annual expenses over $1M by implementing new global travel expense system streamlining processes and improving customer service.
Having trouble thinking of accomplishments, ask yourself a few questions to get started, did you:
- Save money?
- Increase revenue?
- Improve efficiency?
- Build relationships?
- Launch a new product?
- Get promoted
- Receive an award?
- Take on new responsibilities?
Commit to developing three to five targeted accomplishment statements for each of your past jobs. Taking the time to complete this process will help you make a big impression and land interviews.
Bottom line, employers hire results and look to past performance as an indication of the value you offer. So, go ahead—brag a little.
P.S. If you need help with this process, please visit our website at www.compassresumes.com to schedule a call.