For years, job seekers have been encouraged to keep their resumes brief, limiting the content to just one page. However, according to recent data, creating a two-page resume makes recruiters 70% more likely to prioritize your application. The question is, how are you going to bolster your application without filling your resume with fluff?
Prioritizing accomplishments for resumes is one of the best ways to add substance that catches the eye of hiring teams. However, simply adding accomplishments to resumes isn’t enough. You’ll need a concise and nuanced approach to show off your value as a candidate.
The SGA team has composed a list of resume accomplishment examples to help you make your next job application stand out from the others. Here’s a closer look at achievements to put on resumes.
Accomplishments for Resumes
An accomplishment can be any task or project you’ve completed that has provided a tangible benefit to your team or company. These achievements are evidence of your ability to contribute, solve problems, and exceed expectations. Unlike rattling off a list of responsibilities, laying out what you’ve done demonstrates your skills in action and the impact of your work.
Ideally, you want to provide tangible information that is backed up with hard data. For instance, instead of saying that you completed a project that saved your employer money, say something like “I reduced payroll costs by 10% by redesigning shift schedules.”
If you don’t have hard data, that’s okay. However, if you can include concrete figures, it gives more weight to your words and will further differentiate you from other candidates.
What Types of Achievements Should You List?
Look back on your career and make a list of moments when you felt especially proud. Consider times that you:
- Solved a challenging problem
- Exceeded your targets or goals
- Received recognition or awards
- Implemented a system or process that improved efficiency
- Saved the company money or time
- Contributed to significant projects
While you don’t need to reference every event that makes your list, try to offer a broad look into who you are as a professional. The goal is to demonstrate to the hiring team that you are well-rounded and action oriented.
How to List Your Accomplishments
When listing your achievements, be specific and quantify your impact wherever possible. Use the following structure to articulate your accomplishments:
- Action Verb: Begin with a strong action verb to grab the reader’s attention
- Task: Briefly describe the task or project you were involved in
- Result: Highlight the outcome of your actions
You don’t need to provide a comprehensive breakdown of what you did. Keep it simple and leave a little to the imagination. However, if you land an interview, be prepared to elaborate on the achievements you cited on your resume.
Examples of Resume Accomplishments
Here are a few examples of resume accomplishments across various industries so you can obtain a clearer understanding of how to list your achievements.
Sales & Marketing
- Increased Sales: Grew online sales by 40% over six months through targeted advertising
- Lead Generation: Implemented a new lead generation strategy that resulted in a 50% increase in qualified leads
IT & Technology
- Software Development: Developed and launched a new inventory management software that reduced processing time by 30%
- Cybersecurity: Led a team in identifying and mitigating a major security vulnerability, ensuring 100% uptime
Customer Service
- Customer Satisfaction: Revamped the customer service workflow, leading to a 20% increase in satisfaction ratings
- Process Improvement: Designed and implemented a new ticketed system that reduced average response time by 25%
All of these examples use the formula outlined above, beginning with an action verb and following up by explaining the task performed and the result achieved. You can use this same approach to list any accomplishment, regardless of what industry you operate within.
Get Noticed by Showcasing Your Achievements
Listing all you’ve achieved on your resume is a powerful way to demonstrate your value to potential employers. By articulating the impact of your work through specific examples, you provide a compelling narrative of your professional capabilities.
Remember to be clear, concise, and specific, tailoring your resume to highlight the accomplishments most relevant to the job you are seeking.
