How often do you acknowledge your achievements? From our experience working with clients, you likely answered, not very often. A suggestion we like to give is if you have not already, you should begin documenting your accomplishments as they happen.
Why is it important?
There are several reasons why keeping a list of your successes is important. First, it boosts confidence and gives a much-needed reminder of the important work that you do. We often forget to pat ourselves on the back, shrug off an exemplary job well done, or fail to recognize the difference we make at our job or for our clients. Taking stock of these achievements is incredibly beneficial for self-esteem.
Secondly, if you are about to embark on a career change or looking to land a new job, this list will come in handy when it’s time to write or revamp your resume. By keeping an updated list of your achievements, you can better market yourself and provide concrete examples of the success you had in your job. Specific statements can separate you from the competition and help you stand out in a sea of resumes.
Lastly, if you secure an interview, knowing exactly what you did, how you did it, and when you did it will help solidify your expertise. There is no guess work or struggling to remember examples of what was done in the past, because you have a clear and concise list of accomplishments.
Some things you want to include on your list are:
- Statistics such as sales, revenue, or improvement
- Testimonials from clients or employers
- Obstacles you successfully overcame
- Projects you were a part of or led
- Performance reviews
- Continued education
- Career wins or gains
- Awards received
These specific items will help you or a professional resume writer better understand your accomplishments, giving you the opportunity to shine as bright as possible.
To start, create a separate document that can be updated every few months. This way, when you need the information, it is at your fingertips. It is also a great morale boost for you every time you add to the list.
Having a list of accomplishments helps you see your value. At Resumes with Results, discovering and marketing your value is our key to success. When you can see your wins throughout your career, you are better able to recognize your worth and exactly how you benefit an organization.
Do you have a list of your successes? Have you found it to be beneficial? If not, would you consider starting one? Let us know! We would love to hear from you.