How to Write an Accomplishment Driven Resume

An accomplishment-driven resume makes your job application stand out from the crowd. It provides your potential employers with proof of your achievements and should make him feel that you will be an asset to his company. Be specific about your accomplishments. Write clearly and concisely.

Instructions

1. Write an overview of your professional accomplishments. Position this at the top of your resume as your "Career Profile" or "Professional Accomplishments." This immediately grabs your potential employer's attention, and ensures that she focuses on your achievements and successes from the outset. If you have just left college, highlight educational and personal accomplishments, such as sporting achievements and academic awards.

2. Showcase your accomplishments with bullet points. Summary points inserted into your career overview convey information briefly and succinctly. Describe your accomplishment, incorporating information about what you did to make it happen, why it was important and the results it achieved. For example, if you initiated a project that saved money for your company, describe the nature of the project, along with the amount of money you saved. If you wrote a research document, tell your employer if it resulted in a change in your company's management policy or has been published elsewhere.

3. Insert action words. Dynamic verbs convey the impression that you are also dynamic and focused. Use words like initiated, co-ordinated, designed and increased. Instead of vaguely stating that you were responsible for setting up a leisure activity program to increase employee morale, say that you spearheaded or initiated the project. Use words that mirror those incorporated into the advertisement for the job you are applying for. For example, if the advertisement asks for applications from people with a proven sales ability, pinpoint a project that demonstrated your ability to sell products at a high-profit margin. Practice by writing three professional accomplishments on a sheet of paper. Omit vague or unnecessary words.

Tips & Warnings

• Include your career objectives and current responsibilities in another part of your resume and ensure that they complement your professional accomplishments.

References

• Resume-Resource: Writing An Accomplishment Driven Resume; Heather Eagar
• doccareer: Preparing an Accomplishments Based Resume