Career Reinvention &
Personal Brand Strategist

Why Writing Up Accomplishments is Important

January 24, 2007
By: Randi Bussin-Career Coach, Personal Branding Specialist

 

It's not always easy to toot your own horn, but that's exactly what you should be doing when searching for a new job. Most resumes are full of job duties, responsibilities, your positions and companies, and educational experience.

 

What they are often lacking, however, is your accomplishments-the work that you have done that has made a difference. Describing these accomplishments isn't as easy as listing your duties and experience. Yet, recruiters look upon them as being far more important.

 

Your accomplishments are something that can set you apart from the other candidates. So, here are a few tips about how to create an accomplishment inventory:

 

• What's an Accomplishment? An accomplishment is not being a manager. It's managing a 25-person operation that has set a new standard for productivity. An accomplishment is not being accountable. It's producing a 15 percent increase in sales with a sales staff reduced by 10 percent.
• Start Now. Even if you're not actively looking for a job, start compiling your accomplishments (promotions, awards, letters of commendation, results of projects you managed or partnered) in a folder in your desk or a folder on your desktop.
• Documenting. Be specific about the nature of your role, the problems you confronted, the actions you took, and the results you effected. Include your awards, letters of commendation, and complimentary e-mails from your supervisors.
• Don't Exaggerate. There is no need to embellish here. Stick to the facts, be honest about your role and the results, and you'll be surprised at how quickly your inventory will expand.
• Use It Often. Review your accomplishments regularly, so it will become second nature to use them in your resume, in your cover letters, and in your interviews with recruiters. That way it will be easy for you to discus your accomplishments and show a prospective employer how you stand out from the pack.

Remember, it ain't braggin' if you can back it up!

 

©2012, Randi Bussin, Aspire!

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