3 Quick Tips for Listing Accomplishments on Your Resume

As one of Houston, Texas’s top staffing agencies, Murray Resources knows that hiring managers spend, on average, six seconds scanning resumes. That means you need to grab their attention and make an impact…quickly. How can you do it? By focusing on accomplishments. Hiring managers want strong performers who deliver results. Highlighting your achievements is the best way to prove that you have a track record of success. Here’s how:

Brainstorm your accomplishments.

Accomplishments don’t necessarily mean industry awards or big recognitions. They’re simple ways you’ve contributed to past employers. For instance, did you complete an important project ahead of time? Turn angry customers into happy, loyal ones? Improve a process that ended up saving a past employer time or money? These are all ways you’ve contributed and added value.

So take a few minutes and write down a list of accomplishments – big and small – for your most recent position. Once you’re done, move onto past positions and list accomplishments for those as well. Don’t filter anything out in the process. If you’re having trouble coming up with examples, ask yourself some of these questions:

  • What are you known for in the company or department?
  • Did you serve on any special committees or receive any commendations from past bosses or customers?
  • What accomplishments or projects are you most proud of? Why?

Focus on the best examples.

Now that you have a full list of accomplishments, consider the ones that are most relevant to the job. Take a look back at the job description and read through it again if you’re not sure. Then decide on which accomplishments from your current and past positions best showcase the skills and abilities the employer is most interested in.

Use action verbs to describe your accomplishments.

Finally, on your resume, when you’re describing your accomplishments, use high impact, action statements, such as “re-engineered account reconciliation process to provide a more systematic and efficient process.” Whatever industry you work in, or jobs you’re applying for, use action verbs like executed, spearheaded, led, and initiated when explaining your accomplishments.

If you’re still having a hard time coming up with good examples, ask a trusted colleague or co-worker. They may be able to offer you some perspective on what an employer will value most about you.

If you need more help with your resume – or any aspect of the job search process – contact Murray Resources. As one of Houston, Texas’s top staffing agencies, we’re able to provide you with access to jobs that you will not find anywhere else. Contact us today to learn more or search our Houston jobs now.