Did you know that only 2% of job candidates actually get called for an interview?
It is critical that your resume rises to the top and that starts with using compelling accomplishment statements.
Professional Resume Writers grab hiring managers’ attention by ensuring your track record of successes and key achievements are well noted, compelling and relevant to the hiring manager’s needs.
When writing your resume it can be helpful to think about the hiring manager as the “customer” and yourself as the product or service. The goal is to convince the “customer” that they should invest in you, over everyone else. An accomplishment statement helps to sell your value.
These accomplishment statements should be specific and include tangible, concrete examples of the outcomes you achieved. Use numbers, dollar signs and percentages as these metrics lend credibility and highlight your results.
Remember – the average recruiter and hiring manager spends just six seconds scanning an incoming resume. Quantifying your accomplishments can vastly improve your opportunity to land an interview, and ultimately be chosen for the job.
How to Craft a Killer Accomplishment Statement
Developing your own accomplishment statements can be challenging but with the right approach it doesn’t have to be.
Start by asking yourself a few key questions. For instance, have you:
- Received awards or special recognition?
- Increased efficiency?
- Received a promotion?
- Initiated projects?
- Managed budgets?
- Reduced downtime?
- Improved safety?
- Met or surpassed company standards?
- Achieved specific targets?
- Increased sales?
- Improved productivity?
- Captured new opportunities?
- Resolved key issues?
- Initiated new programs or initiatives?
- Saved your organization money?
- Designed or implemented new processes and procedures?
- Created or designed something?
- Managed difficult teams?
Keep in mind that while any of these accomplishments could be considered impressive, the only way they will be truly impactful is if they are quantifiable. In other words, they should be translated into real, measurable results.
The fact that you managed a particular project won’t necessarily impress a hiring manager….unless the outcome of that project produced increased sales revenues, efficiency or client satisfaction ratings.
Once you’ve identified your key accomplishments within each of your jobs, the next step is hammering out the details.
The Accomplishment Statement Formula
Use the following formula to build your Accomplishment Statements: Challenge + Action = Result
Think of a particular problem, obstacle or challenge you overcame in your current or previous position. Choose an action verb that best describes how you resolved the situation and then quantify the results.
For instance:
- “Introduced CRM software and sales training which increased sales from $2M to $6M within 2 years.”
- “Reduced shrinkage by 30% and improved stock levels by 6%.”
- “Implemented Lean manufacturing in 5 North American plants which improved overall efficiency by 17%.”
- “Analyzed and corrected production line inefficiencies resulting in a 15% increase in production.”
- “Negotiated vendor contracts to reduce manufacturing costs by $75,000 annually.”
Grab the hiring manager’s attention by starting your accomplishment statements with a powerful action verb. Some examples of resume action verbs:
Achieved, attained, awarded, championed, coordinated, created, decreased, delivered, developed, devised, directed, earned, eliminated, executed, improved, initiated, introduced, launched, led, maintained, managed, maximized, minimized, monitored, negotiated, optimized, persuaded, planned, produced, reduced, re-engineered, resolved, restructured, revised, saved, sold, spearheaded, streamlined, structured, surpassed, targeted, trained, tripled.
Be Part of the Chosen 2%
If you are going to get your foot in the door with prospective employers, your resume must capture the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. A powerful resume that showcases your key skills and achievements is a must in today’s competitive job market. Incorporate powerful, compelling accomplishment statements to improve your resume and capture interest.
Need more tips for developing a resume that stands out from the crowd? Contact me directly for a complimentary resume critique. I look forward to helping you land your next interview!
Author: Joanne Loberg of JL Careers Inc. is a Certified Executive Coach and Internationally Certified Career Management Professional. She has a reputation as a highly sought after Career Consultant and she has been referred to as “an absolute expert at navigating the complex territory of career advancement.” Copyright JL Careers Inc. All rights reserved.
Need Help Landing Your Dream Job?
JL Careers job search coaching makes it easy. Contact Joanne Loberg, Certified Executive Coach & Internationally Certified Career Management Professional, today for a complimentary 20-minute telephone consultation to determine what you need to do to fast track your job search and grab hiring managers’ attention.
Wishing you much career success!
Joanne Loberg
Certified Executive Coach & Internationally Certified Career Management Professional
JL Careers Inc
