Go Ahead—Brag A Little

By Tifini Roberts, MS, ACRWWant your resume to stand out? Load it with accomplishments.Highlighting accomplishments on your resume is the best way to convey to employers that you are qualified for the job. You are more than your job responsibilities, and accomplishment statements help demonstrate that with examples of how well you did what you were hired to do. When written properly, they show what you will bring to a prospective employer.

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 Global travel and expense systems were outdated and not user-friendly.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.