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Your Accomplishments Matter


Presenting your accomplishments in the right way may take you from job hunting to job offers.



How would you define "accomplishments"?
Here are some synonyms.

  • Achievement
  • Success
  • Expertise
  • Realization
  • Attainment
  • Goal Fulfillment
The easiest definition: when you do something successfully. From an employer's standpoint, it is even better if you can state your achievements in a measurable or quantifiable way. What does that mean? Use numbers whenever you can to state HOW you achieved the results you are affirming.

accomplishments,your accomplishments matter, accomplishments on a resume For instance, if you increased production of the best selling product at your company, HOW MUCH did you increase it by? Quantify your statements whenever possible.

Your accomplishments distinguish you from your competitors in the job-search process. All things being equal, if a hiring manager were looking at two identical prospective employees who could handle the tasks of the job perfectly well, but one had accomplished more than the other, who do you think is going to get a phone call?
State what you can offer in terms that the employer will find exciting.
As mentioned above, use numbers to quantify your success. Also, use words that show action. Some of those words are listed here:

Action/Keywords

When you write your resume and cover letter – and even in an interview – expressing your achievements is extremely important. The employer needs to know that you did more than simply complete a variety of tasks. Don't be shy here. Be bold (not arrogant) in asserting your ability to realize goals, gain expertise in certain areas and succeed at what you do.

Why do employers place such an emphasis on accomplishments?

Think of it this way: Many people can perform tasks. How many of them look for improve their own work environment? How many attempt to help their boss succeed? The person who goes above and beyond the "call of duty" is the one that employers are especially looking for.

Communicating your accomplishments to an employer goes beyond simply stating the skills you have. It describes HOW WELL you utilize the skills and abilities you have. For instance, let's say you are an automotive mechanic. You diagnose and repair engines using computer diagnostics. But let's say you also focus extra time and energy on mastering the ability to repair ignition problems. You may have even won an award at your last job for doing just that. The employer wants to know what you have done that goes above and beyond what is normally expected of you. Blow your own horn! (Please forgive the pun.)

Think about everything you accomplish each day at your job and how you demonstrate your proficiency at various tasks. What makes you so good at what you do? How are you able to exhibit your determination to succeed? Dig a bit into the whys and hows of your job and how you do so well and you will start to understand the essence of true achievement.

As you create a list of your accomplishments, you will get an extra benefit from going through this process.

You will feel more confident about yourself.

Keep all of these good vibes with you while you are writing your resume, your cover letter AND as you interview. The positive flow of energy that will emanate from you will be so contagious that the hiring manager will take notice of you immediately. Everyone likes to be around someone who is self-assured and energetic.

What is the best part of all of this? No blue smoke and mirrors were needed to create this scene. It's all you.

It is the real you.

So enjoy who you are and relate it in the best possible way to employers. All that you have attained in times past will propel you into the future with an assurance of continued success.

Congratulations on the job you're about to get!

If you are finished reading about Accomplishments, you might find this article about Resume Brainstorming interesting

Follow this link to better understand the importance of making a Great First Impression

Click here to recognize the importance of Resume Keywords




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