HOW DO I WRITE MY CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS TO SHOW MY VALUE?

How do I attract the attention of a hiring manager?

WRITTEN BY: Michelle White

Show your strengths, differentiate yourself, stand out from the crowd, make your information relevant…..Often this is the advice you hear when preparing your Resume for a job application.

It all makes sense in theory, but HOW do you ensure your value add to an employer is articulated?

When we prepare a Resume, we instinctively demonstrate our suitability for the role – which is absolutely correct. You have a skillset which initially qualifies your application and makes you suitable for the role, as are many Resumes submitted for that position. The same applies to your duties, however most candidates, in a particular role, have similar responsibilities. By the time you have listed and explained your skills and duties there hasn’t really been a focus on showcasing what you have achieved to set yourself apart and most importantly what your value to the prospective employer is. As we have all seen somewhere, seconds are spent assessing your initial application. You need to impress and attract attention quickly!

What makes your application attractive, is your achievements which are specific to you, and this is where the differentiation happens. Create and bring the reader into your unique career story and demonstrate your value. Ultimately what a prospective employer is looking for is how you applied your skills and capabilities, the results you achieved and the impact you made to a particular initiative or project. By describing a few examples in detail, you are delivering proof of your capabilities and demonstrating your ability to deliver rather than listing your skillset.

Remember to support these achievements by showcasing accolades, awards, recognition (promotions, salary increases, achievement of bonuses and incentives) due to your exceptional efforts. This is often omitted in a Resume as we fear we will be perceived as being boastful. This is achieved only if you deliver exceptional results and exceed expectations. Demonstrating your excellence in this factual way underpins your value and highlights your unique achievements. Being endorsed and recognised by peers is a notable and priceless accolade which you should acknowledge.

This is a smart strategy in a competitive market and could result in more choice, bigger opportunities, a strong negotiating position and interest from employers who value what you have to offer. As the saying goes: – Surround yourself with people who see your value and remind you of it.