It should have 1-2 sentences with information on actionable steps to take.
In today’s highly competitive job market, having a well-crafted resume that highlights your accomplishments is key to showcasing your value to potential employers. It can be intimidating to make a standout resume, but it doesn’t have to be. Writing an accomplishment-based resume doesn’t have to be a daunting task – with these eight easy steps, you’ll have a resume to be proud of.
Step 1: Determine Your Goal
The first step to writing an accomplishment-based resume is to determine the goal of your resume. Are you looking to get a promotion or a new job in a different field? It’s important to think through what you want to achieve and consider it when writing your resume. Once you have determined your goal, it is important to tailor your resume to meet it.
Focus on strengths
Your resume should be centered on your strengths and the skills that make you a valuable asset to the company. Highlight your past successes and achievements that make you a good fit for the job. Make sure to research the company you are applying for so that you can tailor your resume to match their needs.
Demonstrate growth
When adding accomplishments to your resume, try to showcase how you’ve grown in your career. Show employers how you’ve taken on additional responsibilities and improved processes. Employers like to see that you are continuously learning and making progress.
Keep it succinct
Remember, your resume should give a snapshot of who you are and what you can bring to the table. You don’t need to include every detail of your experience and accomplishments – focus on the key highlights that will be most relevant to the job you are applying for.
Step 2: List Your Accomplishments
The next step is to start compiling a list of your accomplishments. Even if it’s just a few bullet points at first, it’s a good place to start. Look back on your projects and tasks at past jobs and think about the successes you had in those roles. What were you proud of completing? Did you exceed any of your goals or set any records? Make sure you include any awards or acknowledgments you received. These accomplishments should be quantifiable and show how you made a difference.
Show your value
When writing your accomplishments, focus on how you brought value to the team or organization. Use action words to describe your accomplishments – for example, “developed a new system to improve efficiency by 30%” or “achieved 98% customer satisfaction ratings”. This will show employers how your hard work has helped the company in the past, and will demonstrate the success you can bring to future employers.
Include data and results
Whenever possible, include data and results to back up your accomplishments. Things like sales figures, customer satisfaction ratings, project timelines, and other metrics are great to include as evidence of your successes. These will add credibility to your accomplishments and will show recruiters that you are a results-driven individual.
Step 3: Tailor Your Resume To The Job
Now that you’ve listed your accomplishments, it’s time to tailor your resume to fit the job description. When applying for multiple positions with the same employer, it’s important to make sure each resume is tailored to the specific job you are applying for. Take the job description and find keywords and phrases to use in your resume. Make sure you are highlighting the skills you possess that are listed in the job description.
Research the employer
Doing research on the employer is also important. Try to find out as much information about the employer as you can. This will help you create a resume that is tailored to the needs of the employer and will show them that you have done your homework.
Highlight your unique qualities
When crafting your resume, make sure to highlight your unique qualities and experiences. Talk about any unique skills or technologies that you have experience in working with. This will show employers that you have a varied background and will bring a unique perspective to the role.
Step 4: Create a Format That Showcases Accomplishments
Now that you’ve decided the content for your accomplishment-based resume, it’s time to create a format that will showcase those accomplishments. One good way to do this is to use a chronological format. This format starts with your most recent job experience and works its way back. This makes it easy for recruiters to see your current skills and the progress you’ve made in your career.
Prioritize accomplishments
When creating your resume, it’s important to prioritize the accomplishments you include. Not all accomplishments are equal, so be sure to highlight the most impressive ones first. Also, make sure you are including accomplishments that are related to the job you are applying for.
Use bullet points
When listing your accomplishments, try to use bullet points. This will make it easier for recruiters to quickly scan your resume and find the most important information. It will also make your resume look more organized and professional.
Step 5: Create Sections for Easier Reading
Making sure your resume is easy to read is important when applying for jobs. This means creating sections that are clear and organized. The header of your resume should clearly define who you are and the goal of your resume. After that, you should have sections that focus on your job experience, education history, and any other relevant experience. At the end of your resume, you should include a section that focuses on your skills and accomplishments.
Group related experiences
When creating your sections, it’s important to group related experiences together. This will make it easier for recruiters to read through your resume and understand the scope of your experience. You don’t want them to be overwhelmed with too much information.
Be consistent
Also, make sure you are using a consistent format for each section. For example, if you’re using bullet points for your job experience, make sure you’re using bullet points for your education history, as well. This makes it easier for recruiters to read and understand your resume.
Step 6: Update Your Resume with New Accomplishments
Now that you’ve created a great accomplishments-based resume, it’s important to keep it updated. As you take on new tasks and projects, and achieve new successes, be sure to update your resume with those accomplishments. This will ensure that you’re showcasing the most recent and relevant experience to potential employers.
Proofread
Before sending out your resume, it’s a good idea to proofread your resume. Check for any grammar or spelling errors, as these can make a bad impression on an employer. Also, make sure each accomplishment is relevant to the job you are applying for.
Make updates
Finally, make sure you are updating your resume with any new certifications, courses, or job responsibilities. Every few months, it’s a good idea to go through your resume and make sure everything is up-to-date. This will ensure you are showcasing your best qualities to potential employers.
Step 7: Use Professional Language
When crafting your accomplishments-based resume, it’s important to use language that is both professional and concise. Avoid using industry jargon and technical terminology. Instead, stick to language that is easy to understand by people in all industries. Be sure to use action words to describe your accomplishments – instead of saying “was responsible for”, say “developed” or “created”.
Write clearly
Also, make sure your writing is clear and concise. Don’t use long sentences or run-on sentences. Try to be as comprehensive as possible while still being succinct. This will make it easier for the recruiter to read and understand your accomplishments.
Avoid repetition
Finally, try to avoid repetition. Re-using the same language or phrases can make your resume seem less interesting and less impactful. Try to find different ways to express yourself, as this will make your resume stand out.
Step 8: Ask A Friend for Feedback
The last step in creating an accomplishment-based resume is to get a friend to read through it and give feedback. It’s hard to evaluate your own writing objectively – having a fresh pair of eyes to point out any potential mistakes or areas of improvement can be invaluable.
Have them review your resume
Ask a friend to review your resume and provide any constructive feedback. They might point out typos or areas where you could be more concise. This can help to ensure that your resume is as strong as it can be.
Be open to feedback
It’s also important to be open to the suggestions your friend has. Their feedback might be different from what you originally intended, but it can be invaluable in ensuring your resume looks and reads as best as it can.
Final Words
Writing an accomplishment-based resume doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these eight simple steps, you can create a resume that highlights your strengths and shows recruiters the value you can bring to their organization. Remember – your resume should be tailored to the job you are applying for, should focus on your successes, and should be kept concise. So, go ahead and create a resume you can be proud of.