When writing your resume, whenever you find it possible, list your greatest achievements rather than listing roles, tasks or responsibilities.
This article provides valuable insights on the importance of showcasing key accomplishments and offers a collection of best samples that can be customized to suit your needs.
From quantifying achievements with numbers to highlighting progress, action verbs, and other essential elements, learn how to create a compelling resume that grabs the attention of employers.
Elevate your professional profile and increase your chances of landing your dream job with impactful resume achievements.
The Power of Highlighting Achievements in Resumes
1. Quantify your achievements
If possible, apply specific numbers to any listed achievement.
It is because numbers project transparency and something that can be measures – A measured indication for a success.
For instance:
- If you saved time, write how much time you saved – Time is money.
- If you improved annual sales, provide figures to showcase the revenue increase.
- If you improved QA, provide numbers – good quality saves money.
Therefore, when listing your resume achievements, use numbers or percentages to describe them.
2. Show Progress
The section which lists achievement in a resume (professional experience mostly), has to show a progress or an enhancement, such as:
- An organizational problem that you solved.
- Any initiative that led to constant benefits, high revenues or improved quality.
- Any positive difference that you made in sales numbers, costs and profits?
- Any successful project that increased the reputation of the company.
3. Use action verbs
Action verbs are powerful words when it comes to present energy, motivation and efficiency. However, try not to repeat the same action verb twice or to use synonyms in the same sentence, like: developed and designed, improved and enhanced etc.
Examples of action verbs can be found in: Action Verbs for Resumes.
4. Highlight Leadership and Teamwork
Don’t forget to showcase achievements that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Employers value candidates who can lead projects, inspire colleagues, and collaborate seamlessly with others.
Highlight instances where you took the lead on a successful team project, facilitated teamwork, or mentored others to achieve their goals.
5. Showcase Problem-Solving Abilities
Employers appreciate candidates who can identify and solve problems efficiently.
Highlight achievements that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities, such as resolving a complex issue, implementing a new process that streamlined operations, or finding innovative solutions to challenges.
Showcasing your problem-solving skills will set you apart as a valuable asset to potential employers.
6. Emphasize Customer Service Excellence
If you have experience in customer service roles, be sure to include achievements that highlight your commitment to customer satisfaction.
Share examples of how you went above and beyond to provide exceptional service, resolved customer complaints effectively, or implemented strategies that improved customer retention and loyalty.
7. Demonstrate Adaptability and Flexibility
In today’s rapidly changing work environment, adaptability and flexibility are highly valued qualities.
Include achievements that demonstrate your ability to adapt to new situations, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, or successfully navigate changes in the workplace.
Employers seek candidates who can thrive in dynamic environments and contribute to the company’s growth and success.
8. Highlight Professional Development
Showcasing your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth can greatly enhance your resume.
Include achievements that highlight your participation in training programs, certifications, conferences, or workshops that have enhanced your skills and knowledge.
This demonstrates your dedication to staying up-to-date with industry trends and your willingness to invest in your professional development.
9. Quantify Cost Savings
If you have achieved cost savings for previous employers, be sure to quantify these achievements.
Highlight instances where you implemented strategies that reduced expenses, increased efficiency, or optimized resources. By providing specific figures, such as the amount of money saved or the percentage of cost reduction, you demonstrate your ability to contribute to the financial success of an organization.
10. Showcase Innovation and Creativity
Employers value candidates who bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table.
Highlight achievements that demonstrate your creativity, such as developing new processes, designing unique solutions, or contributing to the development of new products or services. Demonstrating your ability to think outside the box and generate innovative solutions can greatly enhance your resume.
Remember, when listing achievements in your resume, ensure that they are relevant to the job you are applying for and align with the specific requirements and skills sought by the employer.
Tailor your achievements to showcase your strengths and demonstrate how you can contribute value to the prospective role and organization.
Sample Resume Achievements – Key Achievements for Resumes
- Cost Savings Achievements:
- Saved $15 million annually by reducing fixed spending 10% and variable overhead spending 19% through cost-improvement initiatives and resource optimization.
- Reduced Workers’ Compensation costs by 40% ($700,000 annually) through safety plan enhancements, employee training, and equipment security measures.
- Led corporate team in driving cost-reduction initiatives, resulting in $21 million saved over three years through capital infusion and process automation.
- IT and Project Management Achievements:
- Successfully managed the Windows 2000/2003 upgrade of 200 servers to meet Exxon Mobil security standards.
- Developed and implemented bank’s enhanced automated teller machine system.
- Managed $8-10 million budget projects, achieving project goals within scheduled timelines.
- Customer Service and Relationship Building Achievements:
- Established strong working relationships with customers/clients.
- Developed and implemented a client service program, expanding the small-to-medium client base by 35%.
- Improved customer service satisfaction by 3% annually through supply chain management, inventory control, and flexible manufacturing practices.
- Quality and Process Improvement Achievements:
- Developed new quality standards to enhance performance and reliability.
- Implemented product troubleshooting procedures for XYZ company with meticulous attention to detail.
- Implemented Kaizen approach to quality issues, reducing product replacement cost by 50% and increasing on-time delivery from 80% to 95%.
- Business Development and Sales Achievements:
- Expanded business development efforts to include deposits and loans, resulting in a 25% increase in loan business.
- Closed the largest network integration sale ever, won back a major competitor, and sold an ISDN data network to a customer with 150 sites.
- Education and Instructional Achievements:
- Introduced plans for enhanced learning experiences, encouraging children’s active engagement in the learning process.
- Utilized diverse learning materials, resources, and technology methods (such as Internet-based learning, library resources, and team learning) to improve the instructional environment.