As a job seeker, your resume is your first chance to make a strong impression on potential employers. To stand out from the competition, it is essential that you highlight your accomplishments in your resume.

Why are Accomplishments Important

Employers are not just interested in your work experience and education, they also want to know what you have accomplished. Accomplishments demonstrate your ability to deliver results and showcase your value as a potential employee.

Your accomplishments can include successful projects, awards, promotions, and specific work-related results that you achieved. Clearly articulating your accomplishments can make you stand out as a candidate and give hiring managers a sense of what you can achieve for their organization.

How to Effectively Present Accomplishments in a Resume

When presenting your accomplishments in your resume, it’s important to highlight them in a way that catches the reader’s attention. Use bullet points to make your accomplishments stand out and focus on the impact you made.

One effective way to present your accomplishments is by using the STAR method. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result, and is used to structure your accomplishments in a way that highlights the specific impact you made.

The Importance of Specific and Quantifiable Achievements

It’s not enough to simply list your accomplishments in your resume, they need to be specific and quantifiable. Specific accomplishments demonstrate your ability to achieve measurable results and can provide context for your skills and abilities.

Quantifiable accomplishments are even more impactful as they demonstrate clear, tangible results that you achieved. For example, instead of saying “Increased sales revenue”, you could say “Increased sales revenue by 15% in six months through targeted marketing campaigns”. This is more specific and demonstrates the actual impact that you made in your role.

In this article, we’ll explore 150 different types of accomplishments that you can use to bolster your resume. By highlighting your specific, quantifiable achievements using the STAR method, you can demonstrate your value to potential employers and increase your chances of getting hired.

Professional Accomplishments

Highlighting your professional achievements in your resume is an essential component of building a compelling application. Employers want to know what you have achieved in your previous roles and how you can bring those successes to their organization.

Here are six areas of accomplishment that you should prominently feature in your resume:

A. Successes in Meeting Business Goals

Businesses exist to make a profit, so demonstrating your ability to help your previous employer achieve their financial targets is crucial. Your accomplishments in this area may include meeting sales quotas or improving the profitability of a particular product or department.

B. Leadership Achievements

Employers want to know that you can lead effectively, so emphasizing your leadership achievements is essential. Highlighting your ability to manage and motivate a team, implement organizational change, and steer a company through challenging times is a must.

C. Revenue or Cost Savings Contributions

Contributing to the bottom line of a company is a significant accomplishment. Employers always look for employees who can help them save money while increasing revenue. This section is where you can discuss how you helped your previous employer save money, increase efficiency, and streamline processes.

D. Successful Project Management

Successfully managing projects requires excellent communication skills, leadership skills, delegation, organization, and time management skills. Employers are always interested in candidates who can demonstrate their ability to manage projects successfully and bring them to a successful conclusion.

E. Successful Implementation of Campaigns or Strategies

Campaigns or strategies are an essential component of most companies’ success. Employers will be impressed if you can demonstrate that you have successfully implemented a new campaign or strategy and increased the company’s revenue or boosted its reputation.

F. Awards and Recognition

Don’t forget to showcase any awards, accolades, or other forms of recognition you’ve received. These demonstrate your hard work and abilities and make you stand out from the competition.

By showcasing these accomplishments in your resume, you are demonstrating your value to a potential employer and what you can bring to their organization. So, be sure to highlight your accomplishments as you prepare your resume for applying to your next job.

Educational Achievements

When it comes to crafting a winning resume, highlighting your educational achievements can often make all the difference. Here are three key areas to focus on:

A. Degrees and Certifications

Your academic degrees and professional certifications can show potential employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in a given role. Be sure to list any degrees you have earned or programs you have completed, as well as any relevant certifications or licenses you hold.

B. Relevant Coursework or Training

Even if you don’t have a formal degree or certification, highlighting relevant coursework or training you have completed can be just as impactful. This is especially important if your coursework or training aligns with the responsibilities of the job you’re applying for.

For example, if you’re applying for a job in marketing, you may want to highlight coursework you’ve completed in areas like market research, consumer behavior, or digital marketing. Similarly, if you’re applying for a job in software development, you can include any coding bootcamps or online courses you’ve taken in languages like Python, Java or Ruby.

C. Research or Publications

If you’ve conducted research or published any articles or papers in your field, be sure to include them on your resume. This can demonstrate your expertise and thought leadership to potential employers. Include the title of your research or publication, as well as where it was published and any co-authors or contributors.

Whether you have a formal degree, relevant coursework, or research experience, highlighting your educational achievements on your resume can help set you apart from other candidates and position you as a qualified and valuable asset to any organization.

Skills

Your list of accomplishments on your resume isn’t the only thing that employers are interested in. They want to know what skills you have that make you a valuable asset to their team. This section should showcase your technical skills, soft skills, language proficiency, and any other relevant skills that relate to the job.

A. Technical Skills

Technical skills are specific abilities that you have acquired through education or training that make you proficient in a particular field. Examples of technical skills include programming languages, data analysis software, and hardware systems. It’s important to highlight your technical skills on your resume, especially if the job you’re applying for requires a specific set of technical abilities. Keep in mind that employers are also interested in your proficiency level, so be sure to mention your experience and how you’ve utilized these skills in your career.

B. Soft Skills

Soft skills are non-technical abilities that are more personality-driven and relate to how you interact with others. Examples of soft skills include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and leadership. These skills are important to showcase on your resume as they demonstrate your ability to work well with others, adapt to changes, and handle different situations. Soft skills are also increasingly important in today’s workforce, especially in industries that require collaboration, customer service, or human interaction.

C. Language Proficiency

Language proficiency refers to your ability to speak, read, and write in a language beyond your mother tongue. In today’s global economy, language skills can often give you an edge over other applicants, particularly if the job involves interacting with clients or colleagues in other countries. Be sure to mention your proficiency level for each language you know, whether it’s basic, intermediate, or fluent.

D. Other Relevant Skills

Other relevant skills are those that don’t fit neatly into the technical or soft skills categories yet are still valuable to the job you’re applying for. Some examples might include project management, sales or marketing experience, or experience with a specific software or tool that the job requires. It’s important to keep in mind what the employer is looking for and tailor your “other” skills section accordingly.

Your skills are equally important as your list of accomplishments on your resume. Technical skills, soft skills, language proficiency, and relevant other skills are all essential to showcase your value as a candidate. By highlighting these skills, you can set yourself apart from the competition and improve your chances of landing the job.

Volunteering and Community Service

Volunteering and community service are more than just acts of kindness and goodwill towards others. Engaging in such activities can demonstrate various qualities and skills that are highly valued by employers, making them an excellent addition to any resume. In this section, we will explore the different types of volunteering and community service that can help maximize your resume.

A. Charitable Work

Charitable work involves donating time and resources to a particular cause or organization. This kind of volunteering typically includes fundraising, organizing events, or other activities to support the mission of the charity. Some popular examples of charitable work include working with a local food bank or volunteering at a homeless shelter.

Charitable work can be a strong addition to any resume, as it demonstrates both a sense of community involvement and dedication to a particular cause. Moreover, this type of volunteering also involves skills such as communication, event planning, and teamwork, which are highly transferable across different professions.

B. Non-Profit Contribution

Non-profits rely on the contribution of volunteers to carry out their vital functions. As such, volunteering for a non-profit can be an excellent way to gain exposure to a particular field, such as healthcare or education. Non-profits that operate in areas like environmental conservation or social justice can also help demonstrate a potential employer that you are passionate about issues that matter to you.

When adding non-profit volunteering on a resume, highlighting specific tasks or projects can help provide a better understanding of the skills learned/regained. For example, volunteering with a non-profit may have included fundraising, working directly with clients, or event planning, each of which may demonstrate different transferable skills of value to the employer.

C. Community Work and Leadership

Volunteering as part of a leadership role in a community group or organization can yield an impressive skillset that is highly valued by potential employers. Gaining leadership skills can demonstrate the ability to work well in a team, communicate effectively with others, delegate tasks, and develop relationships.

Furthermore, community work and leadership are highly transferable skills that can be applied in various professional situations, making them valuable in any desired field. For example, volunteering as a mentor through a local youth group may indicate strong leadership and mentoring skills, which are highly valuable in supervisor and managerial positions.

Volunteering and community service can be valuable additions to any resume, showing a genuine dedication to a particular cause or field. By demonstrating relevant transferable skills, and providing specific examples of various projects and activities completed as part of volunteer work, you can create a resume that stands out among other applicants in the hiring process.

Experience

When it comes to maximizing your resume, experience is key. This section of your resume should highlight your relevant professional experience, transferable skills, internships or co-op experience, and relevant freelance or contract work.

A. Relevant Professional Experience

Your relevant professional experience is the backbone of your resume. This section should showcase your previous positions, responsibilities, and accomplishments that directly relate to the job you are applying for. Be sure to focus on your most recent roles, making sure to include the job title, company name, city, state, and employment dates. When listing your responsibilities, try to frame them in terms of measurable accomplishments. For example, instead of stating “managed social media accounts,” say “increased social media engagement by 30% month over month.”

B. Transferable Skills from Non-Relevant Jobs

Even if your previous jobs were not directly related to the position you’re applying for, you can still include transferable skills that you acquired in those roles. For example, if you were a server at a restaurant, you likely have strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills. These are all valuable traits that can be applied to a variety of jobs.

C. Internships or Co-Op Experience

If you had an internship or co-op experience, it’s important to include this on your resume. This section can act as an extension of your education, showing potential employers that you have hands-on experience in your field. Be sure to include the company name, city, state, your role, and employment dates, as well as any significant projects or accomplishments you achieved during your time there.

D. Relevant Freelance or Contract Work

If you have relevant freelance or contract work, this section can be a particularly useful addition to your resume. It shows that you have taken on significant projects outside of formal employment, indicating that you are a self-starter and motivated worker. Be sure to include the details of each project, such as the client, the scope of the work, the timeline, and the outcome.

In all of these sections, it’s important to focus on your accomplishments, rather than just listing tasks or responsibilities. By highlighting what you achieved in each role, you’ll demonstrate to potential employers the value you can bring to their organization. Remember to keep your resume concise, while still providing enough detail to showcase your experience and suitability for the job.

Professional Development

In today’s rapidly changing work environment, professional development should not stop after graduation. There are several ways to show employers you are committed to continuous learning and growth. Here are three ways to highlight professional development on your resume.

A. Continued Education and Training

Continuing education and training are essential to keep up with the latest industry advancements and stay competitive in your field. Highlighting these accomplishments on your resume will show hiring managers your dedication to self-improvement. This can include attending workshops, taking online courses, earning certifications, and more.

When listing continued education and training on your resume, include the name of the course or certification and the institution where you completed it. Be specific about the skills or knowledge you have gained, and explain how that benefits you in the workplace.

B. Attendance at Relevant Conferences

Attending conferences is a great way to network with professionals in your industry, learn about the latest trends, and gain new insight into your field. It’s also an excellent opportunity to showcase your commitment to professional development on your resume. When listing conferences, include the name of the event, the location, and the date.

In addition to listing which conference you attended, it is also helpful to describe what you learned or accomplished while there. This kind of detail can demonstrate your enthusiasm for learning and your ability to apply that knowledge in the workplace.

C. Professional Memberships and Associations

Joining a professional membership or association can provide valuable networking opportunities, access to resources, and help with career advancement. It can also illustrate your commitment to growing within your industry.

On your resume, list any memberships and associations you belong to, including the name of the organization and your level of involvement. If you have held a leadership position, emphasize the skills you developed, such as networking, event planning, or public speaking.

These three categories of professional development can help set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to keeping your skills and knowledge relevant in today’s job market. By including these accomplishments on your resume, you will show employers that you are highly motivated, enthusiastic, and a valuable asset to any organization.

Adaptability and Innovation

When it comes to maximizing your resume, demonstrating your ability to adapt to changes and apply innovative solutions to business and technology problems can set you apart from other candidates.

A. Demonstrated Ability to Adapt to Changes

In today’s fast-paced business environment, being able to quickly acclimate to new challenges and changing circumstances is essential. Employers want to know that their workforce can adapt to evolving technologies, changing markets, and unexpected disruptions.

Including examples of how you have adapted to changes in your work history, such as reorganizing a project plan or pivoting a marketing strategy, can show that you are proactive and flexible in the face of adversity. Highlighting these accomplishments can demonstrate your ability to thrive in a dynamic environment and bolster your job candidacy.

B. Innovation in Business and Technology

With advancements in technology changing the way companies operate, being innovative in your approach to problem-solving is more important than ever. Employers seek out candidates who can bring fresh perspectives and new solutions to existing problems.

Highlighting your innovation skills in your resume can demonstrate your ability to identify areas for improvement and implement creative solutions. For example, if you developed new software to streamline a business process or created a new marketing campaign that increased customer engagement, these accomplishments can speak volumes about your innovative approach to problem-solving.

C. Ability to Solve Complex Problems

Complex problems require sophisticated solutions. Employers want to see that you have the ability to analyze, dissect, and solve complex problems with ease.

One way to demonstrate your problem-solving skills in your resume is to provide specific examples of challenging obstacles you have overcome. These examples can showcase your critical thinking abilities and algorithmic approach to problem-solving.

Emphasizing your adaptability, innovation, and problem-solving capabilities in your resume can showcase your unique value proposition as a job candidate. By highlighting these skills, you can position yourself as a high-potential candidate that can add tremendous value to any organization.

Growth and Self-Improvement

One important section to include on your resume is a section that highlights your personal growth and development, as well as your ability to learn new skills and overcome challenges. This section can showcase your dedication to self-improvement and your willingness to take on new challenges, which can be valuable qualities for potential employers.

A. Personal Growth and Development

In this section, you can list any personal development programs you have completed, such as leadership courses, communication training, or personal coaching. You can also include any personal accomplishments that demonstrate your commitment to self-improvement, such as overcoming a difficult personal challenge, quitting a harmful habit, or achieving a personal goal.

B. Learning New Skills or Hobbies

Employers are always looking for candidates with a diverse range of skills, so it’s important to showcase your ability to learn new things. This section is an opportunity to highlight any new skills you have acquired, such as learning a new software program, mastering a new language, or gaining experience in a new industry. You can also include any hobbies or interests that demonstrate your willingness to learn and explore new areas.

C. Overcoming Adversities and Challenges

Life presents us with challenges, but it’s how we respond to those challenges that defines us. In this section, you can list any personal or professional challenges that you have faced and overcome, such as a difficult project, a personal illness, or a setback in your career. Be sure to highlight how you overcame the challenge and what you learned from the experience.

The Growth and Self-Improvement section of your resume should showcase your dedication to personal and professional growth, your ability to learn and acquire new skills, and your resilience in the face of adversity. By highlighting these accomplishments, you can demonstrate to potential employers that you are a valuable asset to any team.

Example Resumes and Achievements

When it comes to crafting your resume, including your accomplishments can help you stand out from the crowd. To help you get started, here are two sample resumes and their corresponding achievements, as well as a list of industry-specific achievements to consider incorporating into your own resume.

A. Sample Resume 1 and Accomplishments

Name: John Doe
Title: Marketing Manager
Years of Experience: 7

Accomplishments:

Increased website traffic by 60% through SEO optimization and content marketing strategies
Developed and executed successful email marketing campaigns resulting in a 40% increase in open rates and a 25% increase in click-through rates
Implemented a referral program that generated over 500 new customers in the first quarter

B. Sample Resume 2 and Accomplishments

Name: Jane Smith
Title: Sales Representative
Years of Experience: 5