Learning how to use accomplishments to make your resume stand out is an important skill. Your resume and cover letter should convince the reader that you can do the job and will enjoy the position.
It should show that you have the skills and expertise required to carry out job responsibilities 100% and that you’re willing and eager to perform.
Remember this message when writing your accomplishment-based resume and cover letter, which should include core competencies and industry-specific keywords. Keep it in mind and let your commitment shine through when writing your cover letter as well.
The perfect place to highlight your skills and years of work experience is in a profile paragraph directly below your contact information and job title.
Indicate which traits you possess are desired by the company. Include a sentence or two describing your dedication to helping the company achieve its goals and mission.
Since a cover letter provides a better opportunity to let your personality shine through, this is the chance to highlight your ability and commitment to doing the job right. As with the resume profile paragraph mentioned above, showcase all of your related skill sets, education, years of experience, and past responsibilities listed in the job advertisement or description.
Make sure you possess the specific qualities before putting them on paper. Even if you don’t have absolutely everything they’re looking for, you can highlight what you do have instead. Always make sure that what you put in your documents is the truth. If a potential employer asks you about qualifications or past jobs, be able to back up what you’ve written.
Examples of Accomplishments: Chief Diversity Officer’s Resume
- Raised minority enrollment rates by 30% during the 2007 fiscal year.
- Recruited new professors from Germany, Japan, China, Egypt, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
- Communicated extensively with the heads of human resources at X University in Tokyo. After numerous teleconferences and one face-to-face visit, designated X University to be Y College’s sister campus.
- Currently in the process of retaining Y University in Dubai as an additional sister campus.
Samples of Achievements: Sales and Marketing Executive Resume
- Successfully transitioned new market research project from the United States to Canada; consistently achieved sample design for five consecutive months. Created relevant policy, procedures, and training aids for the support team.
- Managed two major projects ensuring superior client satisfaction; coordinated product launches, print and Web material, advertising, mailings, and promotional items.
- Increased revenue by $8M through the renegotiation of five national account contracts.
- Improved company division’s order size by 8% in 2002, 15% in 2003, and 18% in 2004.
- Reversed stagnant sales during economic challenges after failures by other executives to meet desired expectations.
- Presented product demos at popular trade shows, overseeing set-up and takedown of booths. Demonstrated accurate and engaging promotions, ensuring retention of existing clients and securing new clientele.
- Increased sales by 50 licenses per year by bundling packages and reducing selling prices; obtained large purchases and followed-up on leads.
- Received Recognition Award for the large contribution to the team while maintaining sample design results for three consecutive months.
Once Land the Job Interview
Now you’ve secured a job interview, don’t forget what you’ve learned. A company has by now narrowed down the list of potential candidates who meet the job requirements.
What will make you stand above the rest is your desire to do the job and do it well?
Communicate your enthusiasm about past positions held and the future, sought-after position. A company wants to know the person they hire is committed, energetic, passionate, eager, and won’t burn out. If you choose, you can end the interview by saying: “I can and will do this job.”
Send a Thank-You
After going to an interview, it’s crucial that you send a thank-you letter to the company or directly to the interviewer. As mentioned, provide a list of bullet points outlining why you can do the job and say that you’re eager to do the job.
Let your passion and enthusiasm be clearly conveyed in this last chance to seal the deal. As with the interview, there is nothing wrong with writing: “I can and will do this job.”
Review sample resumes and letters to get an idea of incorporating bullets and formatting the documents correctly to make an impressive impression.
Need additional help? Reach out to Candace for assistance!