how to write accomplishment statements in resume

Sample List of Accomplishments for Resume (35+ Examples)

By Biron Clark

Published: March 1, 2024

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

Listing accomplishments on your resume can get you more job interviews and get you hired faster.

Yet many job seekers don’t know the right way to list accomplishments and professional achievements on a resume.

Coming up, we’ll look at:

• 35+ resume accomplishment examples
• How to brainstorm your own list of achievements to write about
• Where on your resume to include this information

35+ Professional Achievement and Accomplishment Examples

Below are 35 examples of good accomplishment statements for your resume. Coming up after this, I’ll share more on how to brainstorm a list of your own achievements.

Accomplishment Examples for Students and New Grads:

• Led class project to research and present financial forecasts for global markets
• Dean’s List 2019
• Delivered presentation on diffusion and osmosis as a part of Biology 301 course, earning a 100% grade in the class
• Active member of university debate club
• Varsity soccer, 2018-2019

As you can see, you can mix a variety of academic awards, club and sport participation, presentations and projects, and your grades! These are all fair game when writing resume achievements as a student.

When you don’t have any full-time work experience yet, your academic work is your experience, so it’s important to show details beyond the name of your university and the degree you earned! Share more detail and you’ll stand out from other students and entry-level candidates.

Sample Accomplishments for Administrative Assistants:

• Administrative assistant to 12-person digital marketing team responsible for driving $1.9 million in annual revenue and an average of 180 new business leads per month
• Administrative assistant to a team of 10 Account Managers, overseeing $109 million in client accounts and growing 19% in 2020
• Promoted from Administrative Assistant to Senior Administrative Assistant due to consistent above-average performance and recognized as a “rising star” in 2020, an award given to just 2% of new employees
• Spearheaded a record-keeping process reorganization that led to a 20% time savings across the administrative team in Q4 2020
• Scheduled and coordinated meetings and travel arrangements for 11 managers and supervisors with 100% accuracy
• Trained two administrative assistants during a period of company expansion to ensure attention to detail and accuracy of work
• Implemented new document filing and organizational procedure resulting in a $9,200 annual savings in contracted labor costs

Note that you can vary how you begin each resume bullet. While many of your bullets should begin with verbs like, “Spearheaded,” you can also start others with a job title, like “Administrative Assistant.” You can see this in the first two examples in the list of bullets above.

Having some variety in language makes your resume more interesting to the reader, and using your job title in a few bullets is an effective way of adding some great keywords to your resume to get past any automated application systems the employer is using.

Accomplishments for Customer Service:

• Achieved a customer satisfaction rating of 98.2% in 2020, 3rd best among customer support team of 100+ employees
• Addressed an average of 200 inbound customer requests per week while also educating the customer about up-sells and additional ways our company could help them, which led to an additional $188,000 in revenue in 2019
• Decreased average customer wait time for service requests by 3% company-wide by creating email response templates for the department
• Managed training and onboarding of new customer service associates, in partnership with Department Head, for all 12 new customer support associates hired in 2020
• Managed 50+ daily inbound enterprise customer requests via phone and email in support of enterprise division’s 244% year-over-year growth in 2020

As you can see from the examples above, you can mix in achievements that highlight your day-to-day work, but also any projects you led, process improvement actions you implemented to save the department time or money, etc.

You can also mention any leadership skills used, such as training new team members, participating in the interview process when hiring new staff, etc.

These work achievements all show potential employers that you were trusted by your previous company and can bring valuable skills to your next position!

Accomplishments/Achievements for Sales & Marketing:

• Increased division revenue by 4% by achieving 212% of personal sales quota in 2020
• Developed cross-selling promotional campaign to bundle 3 top-selling products, increasing department revenue by 12% in 2020
• Orchestrated new social media marketing campaign resulting in a 309% increase in online leads generated in Q1 2020
• Achieved third-highest sales total in 2019 among a team of 50+ sales associates
• Increased sales by 9% through the successful rollout of a new subscription service spearheaded by myself and 3 team members

Sales jobs tend to be some of the easiest in terms of coming up with professional accomplishments on a resume, so I won’t put too many here.

Just remember, always look at the job description and demonstrate skills that are relevant to the jobs you’re applying to now.

And always think about how your duties and responsibilities can be quantified.

Accomplishment Examples for Human Resources:

• Trained and onboarded 22 new team members in Q4 2020, ensuring an understanding of company policies, goals, and mission
• Managed 12 contract recruiters and successfully hired 19 new team members in 2020 to help the company grow 22% year-over-year
• Implemented new onboarding process resulting in 20% less manager time required to onboard new employees through the use of software learning tools
• Promoted from Human Resources Associate to Human Resources Supervisor position in 2020
• Facilitated successful move to new office in 2019, coordinating more than 200 employees across 6 different departments to limit downtime and maximize productivity during office transition

Accomplishments for Software Developers:

• Managed the development of new subscription video platform, which earned the company $3.1 million in the first year after launch
• Performed code optimization on online customer dashboard, eliminating 2,000+ lines of code and reducing server resource usage by 19%
• Managed and led 9-person development team building the company’s new mobile apps (iOS and Android), successfully launching both projects in 2020, with an average app store review of 4.6 stars
• Spearheaded quality assurance project for company’s new Android app, diagnosing and eliminating 104 bugs/errors in the first 3 months after launch, resulting in a 22% increase in average user rating in the following 3 months
• Interviewed 22 potential new software engineering candidates for our company, ensuring adequate knowledge of software development and computer science, as well as cultural fit

Work Accomplishments for Managers/Directors:

• Oversaw 12-person marketing team responsible for 22% of the total revenue in the business, while growing the team 108% in 2020
• Managed 22 staff, overseeing 25+ projects per quarter with total project budgets exceeding $2.5 million
• Developed new recruiting & hiring plan, helping the department fill average job openings 29% faster compared to prior year
• Managed 29 staff (11 direct reports; 18 indirect) across 2 office locations and 2 business divisions, including hiring, performance reviews, and day-to-day guidance and oversight
• Saved business $29,000 in 2019 by implementing new customer service process that reduced refund requests by 9%

Next Steps: What Are Good Accomplishments for Your Resume?

The best accomplishments to put on your resume are work accomplishments, especially those that are relevant to the jobs you’re pursuing now.

Always check the job description when deciding which achievements are best to mention. This will help you stand out from other candidates.

Your work accomplishment examples should demonstrate to a hiring manager that your past work prepared you to step into their job and succeed now.

That’s the main goal of listing achievements on a resume.

Always review the duties and responsibilities from the job description and then think about which of your achievements relate to that type of job. That’s what you should emphasize on your resume.

Also, hiring managers will view your accomplishments and work experience as more relevant/significant if you performed them somewhat recently. So your resume should include more achievements that occurred in your two or three most recent positions.

For example, for your most recent role, you may want to include eight to ten bullet points. For the next role, maybe only six or seven. After that, for older positions, you may want to include even fewer.

Types of Accomplishments to Include on a Resume:

Numbers paint a clearer picture and grab the reader’s attention on your resume, so include numbers and data when possible. Consider including the following:

• Dollar amounts
• Percent increases or decreases
• Number of people (for example, the number of people you supported as an administrative assistant, the number of people you managed or trained as a supervisor, the number of customer requests you handled per day if you’re in customer service)
• Time periods (for example, saying you helped the company acquire 25 new customers in three months or that you completed a specific project in six weeks and ahead of the deadline)

Of course, you can also include non-numerical achievements, such as:

• Industry awards
• Academic achievements (if you’re a recent graduate or student)

You may need to ask colleagues and coworkers for ideas or do some research to quantify everything, but the more you can assign specific numbers and results to specific job tasks on your resume, the better.

This article has examples of good power words and verbs for a resume to help you start brainstorming. It also explains why you never want to start bullets with, “Responsible for…”

List Team and Company Accomplishments Along With Individual Results

You can also name group and company achievements to give context to the impact of your work. For example, if you’re an administrative assistant supporting a certain team, you can talk about how much revenue that team brought in.

Even if you only played a small role, you were a part of that effort!

The bottom line is, don’t feel like you can only include individual resume accomplishments. If you were part of a group, list what your group achieved, too!

Why Do Employers Care About Past Achievements?

Now that we’ve looked at some resume accomplishment examples above, let’s talk about why it’s so important to show specific accomplishments in your resume.

The reason resume accomplishments are so powerful is that they provide proof of your past successes and abilities, and also paint a detailed picture for the employer in terms of what you could do for them.

Sharing a few examples of past successes is the best way to prove that you’ll have strong future performance as well.

For example, if an employer sees that you helped your last company grow a key metric or succeed and grow, they’ll be thinking, “Wow, imagine what this person could do for us now!”

It’s always more convincing and memorable to provide specific proof of what you’ve achieved rather than only listing duties and responsibilities on a resume.

Here’s an example of what a great professional accomplishment on a resume can do for your job search…

Imagine you’re writing your resume and trying to describe your contribution to developing a new product.

If you’re like most people, you might write a bullet point like this:

• Assisted in the development of new product suite launched in 2020

Now imagine you list this work accomplishment on your resume like this instead:

• Key member of development team for company’s new product suite in 2020, earning $12 million in the first 10 months after launch

In the second example above, instead of just talking about your basic duties, you’re showing the exact impact your work had on a company’s success. That’s going to set you apart and make recruiters and hiring managers more excited to talk to you.

Final Step: Write Your Own Work Accomplishments

To start writing your own accomplishment list for your job search, it may be helpful to look at past job descriptions of the roles you’ve held. Or, use your memory and begin to write down your typical work in a day, week, and month.

What were your main job duties?

Where did you spend the bulk of your time? What were you responsible for? Most importantly, what did you help the company achieve or improve?

That last part is the most important for impressing a hiring manager and winning interviews.

A list of resume bullets starting with, “Responsible for” is generic and NOT going to win over a hiring manager.

So always think about how your work tasks and duties actually helped the company, and then quantify them as much as possible!

Resume Format: Where to Place Accomplishments on Your Resume

The best place to list accomplishments on your resume is under your work experience, particularly in your bullets. Your resume bullets are the ideal place to list work accomplishments because bullets stand out visually and grab the reader’s attention. They are almost always one of the first places that recruiters and hiring managers look at on a resume.

You can also write a couple of key accomplishments in your resume summary paragraph at the top of the document. But then list even more in your bullets under your employment history.

Those are the two most important places to put this information on your resume.

Should You Include a Separate “Key Achievements” Resume Section?

If you read everything above, you now know that the best place to list key achievements on your resume is in your chronological work experience and your professional summary.

But if you want to provide some additional info, then you can consider adding a dedicated “Key Achievements” section.

This can help you include some additional keywords on your resume and variations of keywords. And if you’ve racked up many professional awards and impressive results across a long career, it allows you to show everything in one place at-a-glance.

However, I recommend keeping the list short (eight to ten bullets or fewer).

As a recruiter , I prefer to see context for where/when you used each skill, which I see in your resume work history. So that’s where most of your time/effort should go in terms of writing your resume.

Anything you include in a “Key Achievements” section should also be listed under your work experience.

For more help structuring your resume and deciding which sections to include and where, read this article about everything to put on a resume.

Bonus Tip: Use LinkedIn to See Real-World Examples of Work Accomplishments

Different positions and industries will have vastly different accomplishments.

So one more way you can write a stand-out list of achievements and separate yourself from most candidates is to look at top talent in your industry on LinkedIn.

Most people list key accomplishments beneath their various jobs on LinkedIn.

So you can gather far more examples there, and see some of the best achievements of your industry peers.

This may remind you of your own work achievements, and will surely give you more examples to take inspiration from.

Or, if you’re an entry-level job seeker, look at other recent graduates and see how people are listing their academic awards and other relevant accomplishments.

If many other people are listing their academic achievements in a certain way and have good jobs now, it’s a sign they’re attracting potential employers.

You’re more likely to get an interview for a position if you list results and accomplishments on your resume, especially if those results are relevant to the employer’s needs.

Don’t think of your resume as just a list of what you were responsible for in past roles. Instead, share achievements and results, and quantify them whenever possible.

There are a variety of achievements you can list, from managing a project, training a new team member, helping to sell more products, creating a new process, or receiving an award.

Find as many accomplishments as you can for your resume, and you’ll stand out from other job seekers.

If you take this approach with your resume, you’ll get more job interviews.

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

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47 Accomplishment Examples for Your Resume: Expert Picks

13 min read · Updated on December 08, 2023

The right accomplishments for your resume can make all the difference in the world

When employers look at your resume, what do they see? Do they see a dependable, run-of-the-mill employee with a track record of fulfilling responsibilities, or a dynamic, results-oriented worker with real, measurable accomplishments? Truly compelling resumes will always showcase you as that second type of worker - and for good reason. That's why it's so important to know how to create great accomplishments for your resume.

In this post, we'll explain what resume accomplishments are designed to do and why it's so important to include good accomplishments in your resume. We'll also offer some advice about where and how you should include them and provide tips to help you highlight your own accomplishments. Finally, we'll examine 47 examples of job accomplishments for a resume.

What are resume accomplishments?

So, what are resume accomplishments, anyway? Put simply, they're things that you've achieved in your previous jobs. In fact, achievement is another word for accomplishments on a resume. However, it's important to understand that achievements are not simply things that you did. Instead, they are quantifiable - measurable - accomplishments that added real value to your team and employer.

Of course, many people simply list their job duties in their resume and, for some professions, that may be all you need to land the job. However, most employers are less interested in reading some dry recitation of your previous job responsibilities than they are in seeing concrete examples of how you can benefit their company. Using the right accomplishments for your resume can help to illustrate that benefit.

The reality is that every job candidate with work experience has had job responsibilities. If that's all you list on your resume, then you'll always struggle to stand out from your competition. By including the right accomplishments for your resume, you can deliver a more compelling narrative that showcases you as the best person for the job.

Use numbers to showcase value

You might be wondering what we mean by “quantifiable” or “measurable” accomplishments. The easiest way to understand this concept is to think in terms of real numbers that demonstrate value. For example, you could list an accomplishment that looks like this:

Led a team of salespeople

Any hiring manager who looked at that achievement might be impressed that you were in some type of leadership role, but they would also likely wonder what you did with that responsibility. What impact did you have on the team's success? Now consider this example:

Successfully led a 12-person sales team that increased quarterly sales by 12%, reduced client attrition by 32%, and enhanced division profitability by 19%

If you were a hiring manager, which one of those examples would capture your interest? The second one, right? And the reason why is easy to understand; by including real numbers that demonstrate real value, you can help the employer better understand the benefits you can provide to their company.

Why is it important to include accomplishments in your resume?

To fully understand why accomplishments for your resume are so important, let's summarize some of the key benefits that they can provide for your job search efforts. For example:

Using real numbers is the best way to demonstrate your impact

While some accomplishments may not always be easy to quantify in this way, any achievement that illustrates real value is always going to grab attention. Those real numbers that you use to measure your results are a powerful way to showcase the positive impact you've made throughout your career.

Quantifiable achievements are more likely to make a real impression

It's also important to ensure that your resume makes a great first impression - and one that lasts longer than the time it takes to read your resume summary. Carefully crafted accomplishments for your resume can help you to ensure that you make the right impression, so that employers who read your resume walk away thinking about the type of value you can add to their enterprise.

Including these types of accomplishments showcases your professionalism

Of course, the simple act of taking the time to write down your measurable accomplishments will say a lot about your commitment to professionalism. When an employer reads these types of resume achievements, they will recognize you as someone who is committed to results. They'll also have confidence that you understand the importance of producing real, measurable value.

Where and how do you include resume achievements?

Before we look at our tips for creating accomplishments for your resume, it might be a good idea to focus on the best place to list these achievements and the right format to use. There are only two good places to incorporate these accomplishments in your resume. The first place is within the body of your resume summary paragraph. The second is in your work experience section.

Including accomplishments for your resume in your summary

Your summary statement is basically an elevator pitch that goes right below your contact information on the resume. This short statement should be designed to highlight your major qualifications and provide a “hook” that entices employers to read through the rest of your resume. By including a great measurable achievement in this paragraph, you can immediately capture that employer's attention. For example:

Dynamic Human Resources Manager with 9 years of experience in mid-size and large enterprise environments. Successfully managed employee relations in a 100-employee financial firm, reducing employee onboarding time by 15%, achieving a 92% issue-resolution rate, and reducing attrition by 22%.

As you can see, the inclusion of a measurable achievement within that summary paragraph can provide the employer with some immediate and concrete information about your capabilities and potential value. It's just enough to make any hiring manager want to learn more about the type of benefits you can provide as an employee.

How to include accomplishments for your resume in your summary

Including this type of achievement in your summary paragraph is simple. You just take one of your most notable achievements and add it to the summary section. Unlike most of the achievements listed on your resume, however, this one should just be included within the paragraph. There's no need to separate it with a bullet point. Save that for the work experience accomplishments!

Including accomplishments for your resume in your work experience section

Of course, most of the accomplishments for your resume are going to be located within your work experience section. In fact, you should plan to include several achievements for each job you list in that section. While there's no hard and fast rule for how many accomplishments you can list, it is typically a good idea to include at least three or four for each position.

How to include accomplishments for your resume in your work experience section

The process for including measurable accomplishments for your resume in your work experience section is not as difficult as it might seem. Simply add a series of achievements for each job that you've held over the last ten years, right below the basic details you provide about that position (company name, job title, dates of employment).

Make sure that you draw attention to these accomplishments by listing them in bullet point form. That will enable hiring managers to focus on each achievement and ensures that the information on your resume is easy to follow.

Tips for creating accomplishments for your resume

By now, you're probably ready to learn how to craft powerful accomplishments for your resume. We've compiled some simple tips to help you get started.

Make a list of your achievements

Before you can write a resume-ready accomplishment bullet point, you need to identify your achievements. Suitable accomplishments for your resume can include:

Making or saving the company money

Exceeding expectations

Improving customer experience

Introducing innovation

Leading a team that achieved positive, measurable results

Reducing inefficiencies

While it's tempting to focus on monetary value, it's vital to recognize that there are many ways to provide benefits to an employer. For example, you may have accomplished something that saved time, or reduced costs. These achievements can all be enticing for prospective employers.

Remember also that there are different ways to measure the value of your achievements. You may want to quantify some achievements in terms of monetary value by citing specific dollar amounts. Other achievements are best measured as a function of time or as a percentage of increase or decrease.

Include context

Each accomplishment also needs to provide enough information to give needed context to the achievement. If you simply say that you saved the company $10,000, that's not enough context to make any sort of positive impression on an employer. However, if you say that you reorganized the sales process to reduce inefficiencies, saving the company $10,000 a year, that explains not only what you did but how you did it.

Add keywords

Your accomplishments can also be a great place to include relevant keywords in your resume. You can find those keywords in the job posting you're targeting, since they are primarily related to things like skills and other qualifications. 

Make sure that you use those keywords exactly as you find them in the job posting. That can help to ensure that any applicant tracking system, or ATS , that the company is using will find your resume. This automated screening process will scan your resume in search of those keywords, so including them is one of the easiest ways to improve your likelihood of success.

Challenge, Action, Result

To further simplify this stage, you can use a simple step-by-step process that is often used in job interviews - the CAR method. CAR stands for Challenge, Action, and Result. Simply think about the problem you were tasked with resolving, the action you took, and the results you obtained.

Accomplishments for your resume: 47 examples

And now for the main event: our sample list of accomplishments for a resume. Below are 47 examples of achievements you can use in your resume, separated by job role. Feel free to modify and adapt any of them to your situation!

1.     Student examples

Increased readership by 23% while serving as Editor-in-Chief of university newspaper

Acquired real-world experience in an internship at XYZ Corp during senior year of college, with management praising commitment and attitude 

Established and ran a successful student events society that attracted 150 members in its first 6 months

Volunteered at a local animal hospital part-time, while maintaining 3.9 GPA

2.     Customer service examples

Resolved customer complaints with a reported 98% satisfaction rate.

Led effort to increase upsell rates by 10% in 2022 and 2023

Revitalized retention outreach program, increasing customer retention by 11% over two quarters

Implemented a customer response program that reduced response time by 20%, resulting in 22% improvement in client retention

3.     Teacher and educational examples

Introduced a knowledge-based learning program that increased class GPA by an average of 13%

Managed classrooms of 25+ students, maintaining 92% overall attendance rate

Led a school-wide effort to focus on individualized learning, which increased pass rate by 20%

Created an innovative parent-teacher online interface that improved parent engagement by 30%, with a 20% boost in student performance

4.     Marketing examples

Led a social media reorganization that increased online customer engagement by 40%

Introduced marketing campaigns that increased market share by 12%, while enhancing reported brand loyalty by 15%

Re-energized online marketing by doubling company's digital content output with new landing pages, regular blog postings, and social media interactions.

Redesigned the company website, increasing customer engagement and sales conversions by 30%

Deployed an email engagement strategy that expanded customer lists by 300% in six months, followed by a rewards program that increased sales and customer interactions by 23%

5.     Finance and accounting examples

Oversaw a team of Accountants tasked with managing a $2 million budget

Modernized the company's financial reporting processes, reducing redundancies by 23% and lowering labor input by 12%

Managed a financial team responsible for overseeing project budgets valued at more than $400,000

Led a training process that onboarded more than 40 new Bank Tellers over a five-year period

6.     Project manager examples

Oversaw implementation of a performance management process that boosted productivity by 22%

Led a workplace safety overhaul effort that reduced site injuries by 33% over six months

Successfully completed 9 projects worth more than $4,000,000 over the last two years

Delivered a business-critical IT initiative within a challenging 3-month deadline, 6% under budget

7.     IT examples

Led an effort to integrate a new network system that reduced downtime and repairs by 18%

Implemented a  Lean training program that reduced labor costs by 8% while increasing profitability by 9%

Oversaw updates to obsolete equipment, replaced energy-inefficient machines, and lowered yearly energy bills by 11%

Efficiently managed the departmental budget, negotiating with vendors to reduce annual supply costs by 10%

8.     Software Programmer examples

Led a team that migrated legacy systems to new technology, improving sustainability and scalability, while reducing downtime and IT troubleshooting calls

Successfully managed troubleshooting efforts to eliminate a critical bug responsible for software crashes, reducing failures by 90% and boosting program stability

Reorganized development processes, increasing productivity by 19% through improved Developer collaboration

Managed a 12-person team of Programmers in the development of an innovative customer relationship management platform

9.     Engineer examples

Streamlined project management processes to reduce costs and increase efficiency, resulting in 22% enhancement in program turnaround times

Collaborated with a 10-person team of Junior Engineers to redesign HVAC systems for commercial real estate clients

Managed more than two-dozen projects valued at $19 million, ensuring 100% technical and regulatory compliance

Optimized workflow and worker utilization to reduce inefficiencies by 19% and increase annual production by 11%

10.  Managerial examples

Implemented workplace changes that refocused company culture on customer satisfaction and employee morale, resulting in a 28% boost in worker retention and 18% increase in revenue

Oversaw three departments during a company-wide reorganization, minimizing employee turnover and increasing profits by 22% over three quarters.

Created hybrid remote work policies and procedures that resulted in a 19% increase in retention, 17% boost in productivity, and 33% reduction in sick time

Successfully incorporated new daily shift safety meetings that resulted in a 22% increase in employee engagement, 12% boost in productivity, and 24% reduction in accidents

Led 12 design team projects to modernize the company, increasing efficiency and profitability by 17%

11.  Sales examples

Successfully led a 20-person sales team that boosted company growth by more than 24% over six months, by focusing on larger accounts and increased attention to client relationships

Consistently exceeded sales goals by 20%, while increasing client retention by 23%

Created and implemented a new training program for new sales personnel, reducing onboarding time by 42% and boosting overall sales production by 24%

Expanded company client base by 22% in six months, building profitable relationships with mid-size clients and increasing sales revenues by more than $3 million

Achieved recognition by XYZ Inc. as its Top Producer for three straight years, with client accounts valued at more than $60 million

The bottom line

Though there was a time long ago when employers would be satisfied with you listing your job duties on your resume, those days are gone. Today's companies are more interested in what you achieved for your past employers. Fortunately, that can provide you with a golden opportunity to illustrate your potential value by including the right accomplishments in your resume, showcasing measurable results that are sure to make a powerful first impression !

Need help creating and organizing those powerful accomplishments for your resume? Get your free resume review from our team of experts today and learn how they can help you to get the effective resume you need to land more interviews.

Recommended reading:

Make the Perfect Resume for a Career Change

How to Write a Resume Outline that Can Simplify the Resume Creation Process

How to Answer, “What Motivates You?” - With Examples

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How to Write Achievements in Your Resume (+ Examples)

3 key takeaways

• Effective resume achievements often include an action verb, noun, metric, and outcome.
• Professional achievements differ from personal achievements. ‍
• Teal’s AI Resume Builder is a tool that can help you write resume achievements.

Your resume offers a quick snapshot of your work history and relevant skills. But what can make it stand out and grab the attention of a hiring manager? Short answer: Effectively communicating your professional accomplishments. 

Most job seekers make the mistake of simply listing duties or tasks you’d find in their current job description. But that doesn’t tell potential employers why you’re right for their role. Listing achievements in your resume and job application can help you cut through the noise by offering a more complete picture of what you’ve done.

Here’s the good news—you don’t have to figure this out alone. You can use Teal’s AI-powered Resume Builder to write your achievements for you, so you’re never starting from scratch. Plus, this guide breaks down how to write achievements in a resume, if you’d prefer not to use AI. 

Understanding resume achievements

Resume achievements refer to the accomplishments featured on a resume. These achievements should focus on how you’ve contributed to a particular role, department, or business using concrete and measurable business outcomes. 

That means including any awards and specific metrics that typically include numbers or other KPIs to illustrate the point. 

Resume achievement examples

• Cut expenses by 20% within a fiscal year 
• Increased website traffic by 42% in a year
• Implemented sales strategies to increase annual revenue by 30% in six months

To write effective achievements in your resume, follow this formula:

Action verb + Noun + Metric + Outcome = Achievements

While you can tweak what you write and add more nuance, this is a good starting point if you’re feeling stuck. Check out 75+ resume accomplishments for inspiration.

How to identify your achievements

Sharing your achievements might not come naturally to you. It can feel boastful. You want to get it “right” but the stress of figuring out the right presentation may leave you with analysis paralysis. A common question is, “How should I write my achievements in my resume?”

Career coach Annette Garsteck suggests starting with these questions:

• What was something I improved?
• Did I save my company from extra spending?
• Did I contribute to extra efficiency?
• Where did I exceed a goal or key performance indicator (KPI)?
• Was I recognized with an honor or given an award?

“After answering the above questions, go a bit deeper and add a quantifier. Demonstrating the outcome you achieved on your resume will help you stand apart from the competition,” says Garsteck. Numerical metrics, she says, are one of the best ways to showcase professional results:

“I format accomplishments on a resume with numbers that demonstrate the scope of the responsibility, the percent improvement, savings, time savings in hours or full-time equivalents, how much a goal or target was exceeded, and the name of the award or honor given.”

When you list achievements, you can include a mix of personal and professional accomplishments. Personal achievements can be a good idea if you have limited work experience and are looking for an entry-level job. These can be academic awards or based on your hobbies and interests. If your personal achievements are relevant to the job you’re applying for, include them. 

Here are some achievements examples: 

Personal achievements

• Volunteered at a local food bank for four years, serving thousands of families
• Maintained a 4.0 GPA in all four years of college
• Studied abroad in Madrid for six months, becoming proficient in Spanish
• Completed a triathlon in 2023
• Created a custom website for [nonprofit] 
• Spearheaded the committee for the theater company’s annual gala 
• Taught English at the local library every weekend for two years 
• Had photographs exhibited in the New Talent gallery showcase 

Professional achievements

• Increased website traffic by 52% in 12 months
• Implemented cost-saving measures and reduced expenses by 30% 
• Streamlined bookkeeping protocols, reducing errors by 15%
• Managed a team of 10 employees and increased customer retention rates by 7%
• Consolidated vendors, saving the company $35,000 annually
• Exceeded sales targets by 25% in Q1 
• Led the DEI committee, leading to a 91% company approval rating on workplace inclusivity
• Secured five major partnerships for a media campaign 

To help you identify and improve your achievements, use Teal's AI Resume Achievements feature. Included in the Resume Builder. The achievements generator can rewrite what you already have and add notable keywords to customize them to each job description .

Writing effective achievement statements for your resume

Writing an effective achievement statement is pretty simple. Here’s the easy framework once again to help turn any work accomplishment into an eye-catching resume achievement:

Action verb + metric + timeframe = achievements 

Here’s the step-by-step breakdown of this achievement formula:

 An action verb, as you can probably guess, is a verb that demonstrates a particular action. Some action verbs that you can consider using in your resume include:

• Administered
• Facilitated
• Coordinated
• Demonstrated 
• Communicated
• Collaborated

Related: Check out 250+ more examples of action verbs for your resume

The next step is adding a metric. A metric refers to the measurement of something quantifiable. So instead of “Saved the company money” you’d include “Saved the company $75,000, reducing the operating budget.” (If that were true, of course.)

Common resume achievement metrics

• Annual revenue
• Conversion rates
• Retention rates
• Project completion time
• Customer satisfaction

Different professions may focus on other metrics as well. Research common OKRs and KPIs for your industry to craft compelling and relevant achievements.

Resume achievement metric examples

• Increased follower count by 100,000 across social media accounts
• Implemented a new SEO strategy, boosting website traffic by 52% in the past year
• Analyzed hundreds of online reviews to develop a strategy to increase customer satisfaction
• Created a new curriculum, raising test scores by 23% from the previous school year 

The metrics you end up using depend on your industry and your role. What you’re measuring can be expressed as a percentage, dollar amount, or time saved. Which one should you use when writing resume accomplishments? The one that sounds the most impressive. 

Going back to the “Saved the company $75,000, reducing the operating budget” as one of the accomplishments examples, whether you use a dollar amount or percentage will depend on the overall budget.

Let’s say the operating budget is one million dollars. As a percentage, that would be “Reduced the operating budget by 7.5%” Which one sounds better? Obviously, the achievement example about saving the company $75,000. On its own, that sounds like a good chunk of change, even if it’s a small percentage of the total budget. 

The final part of the achievement equation is to include a timeframe. It’s not absolutely necessary in all cases, but it can increase the impact of your achievement. Illustrating that you accomplished something within a set period of time can be more impressive than generalizations about what you did in your former role with your previous employer. 

Timeframes can include days, weeks, months, or years. Some examples of achievements for resume using time frames include: 

• Increased open rate by 31% for company newsletter in 4 weeks using a new strategy 
• Trained 10 new employees over three months 
• Developed a sales system increasing revenue by 65% in two years

Examples of resume achievements

Your achievements section is where you add a bit of razzle-dazzle, instead of listing lackluster job duties and basic responsibilities.

As Eva Steortz, an ex-Disney executive turned ICF certified executive coach at Vita Creativa explains:

“Writing your resume is no time to be modest. You have to tell interesting stories about what you are most proud of achieving in your career. Pick the scenarios where your actions led to a significant result. Be concise and specific using interesting action verbs like increased, elevated, created, and revamped. Use numbers when applicable but a description of the impact your actions had works, too.”

When you’re a student, you may have limited work experience—or none at all—because you’re focusing on your education. And that’s okay! That’s perfectly appropriate for this time of your life.

There are still ways to highlight your professional accomplishments, such as including GPA , academic awards, and volunteering opportunities. 

Student resume achievement examples

• Maintained a 3.8 GPA over four years 
• Received Best Innovative Scientist award 
• Volunteered at Memorial Hospital, reading to sick children
• Created a short film used at new student orientation 
• Learned X,Y,Z programming languages 
• Completed a year abroad in Spain, becoming fluent in Spanish 

Recent graduate 

Graduating is such an exciting milestone. It’s the end of one chapter and the start of another. But it can also be daunting to join the so-called real world and jump head-first into the job market. Especially if you haven’t had many jobs. Here are some pre-career achievements worth considering:

Recent graduate resume achievement examples

• Graduated with honors 
• Contributed to a successful launch of a new product during a marketing internship for [employer]
• Organized the end-of-year fundraising drive for the Arts Department, leading to $20,000 in donations 
• Presented original research at the Future of Biology conference 
• Completed training to become a certified crisis counselor at the Crisis Text Line
• Worked part-time at the Office of Student Affairs supporting students, while attending school full-time and maintaining a 3.9 GPA

Experienced managers likely have a range of achievements to consider adding to their resume. The key is to choose the most potent ones that relate to the job description for the role you want. 

Manager resume achievement examples  

• Identified new revenue streams and increased profits by 40% in 18 months
• Increased retention rates by 50% in two years after implementing new employee programs 
• Reduced $500,000 budget by 15% by streamlining vendor relationships 
• Managed a team of 23 agents working collaboratively with other departments
• Elevated new employees’ skills through career development initiatives, reducing project completion time by 30%
• Maintained a roster of clients with an average of 93% customer satisfaction for five years

If you’re in sales, you likely know how to sell products. But with resume accomplishments, you need to sell yourself. It may not feel comfortable, but the good news is sales is a metric-heavy industry, so you have recorded data in your CRM to pull from. Some sales achievements examples include:

• Generated $600,000 in revenue over the past year for a new product 
• Created upselling protocols, increasing the average transaction by 23% in six months
• Trained five new sales consultants in three months, resulting in a 200% increase in sales
• Transitioned to a new CRM, reducing reporting errors by 20% 
• Established major partnerships, increasing brand visibility and boosting sales by 37%
• Increased closing rate by 41% in two years

Nonprofit employees work in a range of industries. It’s key to list achievements to score your next nonprofit role or to help you transition to the private sector. 

Nonprofit resume achievement examples

• Increased volunteer participation by 60% in two years 
• Developed new educational programs, serving 2,000 low-income community members
• Managed various grants from 20+ funding partners over three years
• Led a team of 10 teaching artists providing free art classes to 500 students over the school year
• Organized gala, resulting in $250,000 in donations in one night
• Improved community outreach, resulting in 28% higher participation in six months

Human Resources (HR)

HR professionals are often the backbone of a company, wearing many hats along the way. When it comes to how to write achievements in resume, HR pros should include their diverse range of experiences and accomplishments.

HR resume achievement examples

• Implemented a new employee wellness program reducing healthcare costs by 27% in one year
• Facilitated sexual harassment training among all employees every two years to comply with local laws
• Mediated employee conflicts and disputes, reducing complaints by 42% in two years 
• Managed 10+ vendor relationships as part of the employee benefits package
• Redesigned employee training program, saving the company $10,000
• Developed a new system for employee reviews, increasing satisfaction by 33% in one year

Related: Browse 75+ more examples of resume achievement examples

How to use AI to write achievements in your resume

Don’t see achievement examples for your field? Teal’s AI Resume Achievements feature can help. To get started, create an account or log in to your Teal account. 

Navigate to the Resume Builder (resume icon) from the homepage. From there, you can either import an existing resume or submit your LinkedIn profile URL to generate a resume.

In the work experience section, under each role, you can click on the plus sign next to “Add an achievement.”

From there, type in an achievement or click “Write with AI” to generate three suggestions that you can edit and customize to match your experience. 

Teal will present three achievements options to choose from. Select the one that is the best fit for the job you’re tailoring to. 

After making a selection, you can customize the resume accomplishment in several ways. You can add keywords, attach a job description to match to, or use a custom prompt to help you craft the best version. 

Note: You get five free AI generations as a Teal user (unlimited as a Teal+ user).

How to arrange achievements on a resume

Now that you know how to write achievements in resumes, it’s time to order them appropriately on your resume.

While you can highlight some achievements in your resume summary and cover letter, the bulk will be resume bullet points within the work experience section. This makes it easier for a hiring manager to scan and focus on your past experiences and accomplishments. 

Your most recent position should have three to five bullet points. Older positions, or ones that aren’t as relevant, may only have a couple or none at all. This can help draw the most attention to your most recent role and avoid lengthy, wordy resumes. Teal's Resume Builder can help arrange achievements easily and effectively.

Including awards in your resume achievements

Your resume achievements section should convey how you’ve tangibly contributed to the company. But should you include awards on a resume ?

If you’re a recent graduate or have taken a break it can make sense to include awards on a resume. Additionally, if the award is related to your career, it can add more credibility and prestige to your work experience.

Add an awards section to your resume and include relevant information. Teal’s Resume Builder lets users incorporate awards into a resume with an easy-to-use template.

Simply add the award, organization, and the date received. Then hit “Save” to complete the process and add to your resume. 

Why resume achievements matter 

One of the most common resume mistakes is not being specific. The vast majority of job seekers who simply repeat the duties on their job description won’t move forward. But you can make moves to stand out to hiring managers by highlighting the specific things you’ve done.

Speaking to your achievements in your resume summary and work experience sections can bring your job duties to life and show more of your characteristics, skills, and abilities. It not only shows that you did your job, but also that you did some parts of it very well. 

To get started, use Teal's AI-powered Resume Builder to help you write, format, and arrange your achievements and better tailor your resume to specific job descriptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i quantify achievements in my resume if my role was not sales or target-driven, should i include achievements from early in my career or only recent accomplishments, how do i write achievements for a collaborative project where i was part of a team.

Melanie Lockert

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How To Write Resume Accomplishment Statements + 10 Examples

• POSTED ON February 4, 2024
• by Barbara Isla

Writing accomplishment statements for my resume often felt like navigating a delicate balance. I wanted to avoid sounding boastful or overly confident, yet I understood the importance of showcasing my achievements. After all, it’s essential to be proud of what I’ve accomplished while remaining humble and open to learning. 

Initially, I considered downplaying my successes, but I realized that including well-crafted accomplishment statements could greatly enhance my chances of getting noticed by potential employers. 

In my journey to find the ideal approach for writing these statements, I discovered several valuable insights and techniques. Below, I’ve shared a concise guide, including expert advice, to help anyone struggling with the same challenge.

For further enhancement of your resume and career skills, I highly recommend exploring these career development courses . They offer valuable insights and come with certificates upon completion, adding an extra layer of credibility to your professional growth.

Expert Tips for Crafting an Impactful Resume

Crafting an expert resume that stands out in today’s competitive job market is essential for career progression. A resume is more than a list of your work history; it’s a tool to showcase your achievements and professional journey. 

Here are expert tips to help you articulate your experience and accomplishments effectively.

1. Identify and articulate key accomplishments

Start by identifying your most significant achievements in each role you’ve held. Focus on instances where you made a tangible impact, whether through improving processes, driving revenue growth, or leading successful projects. It’s not just about what you did, but how well you did it.

Kartik Ahuja of Thailand Nomads has this to share.

“In my opinion, while determining which accomplishments to highlight, it is important to take into consideration those that are most pertinent to the position and the organization to which you are asking.” Kartik Ahuja, Marketing Manager, Thailand Nomads

2. Use action verbs

Begin each bullet point with a strong action verb. Words like ‘led’, ‘developed’, ‘increased’, ‘transformed’, and ‘achieved’ convey a sense of initiative and accomplishment. Action verbs help to create a narrative of dynamism and proactivity in your career.

Erman Küplü of GA4 shares his technique when writing accomplishment statements. 

“When it comes to demonstrating your efforts and the repercussions they have produced, I believe that the language you employ throughout your accomplishment statements is quite essential. Incorporating powerful action verbs into your assertions will assist you in crafting powerful statements that capture what you have achieved and provide hiring managers with a clear understanding of everything you've accomplished in your professional life.” Erman Küplü, CEO, GA4

3. Quantify your achievements

Numbers speak louder than words. Whenever possible, quantify your achievements. For example, “Increased sales by 25% within one year” or “Managed a team of 10 professionals.” These quantifiable accomplishments provide a clear and measurable impact of your work.

James Gibson of Camsurf strongly agrees on this. 

“To measure your achievements, I would recommend that you make use of numbers whenever it is practicable to do so. These assertions are given more specificity and believability as a result of this.” James Gibson, Digital Marketing Manager, Camsurf

4. Be specific

Vague statements can dilute the impact of your achievements. Be specific about what you did, how you did it, and the outcome. Specificity makes your resume more compelling and memorable.

5. Use the CAR (Challenge, Action, Result) method

The CAR method is a powerful way to structure your achievements. First, state the Challenge you faced. Next, describe the Action you took to address it. Finally, highlight the Result of your actions. This method provides a complete story of your problem-solving abilities.

Marom Anaky of Coinscipher offers a similar solution.

“My viewpoint is that the STAR interview method is a strategy that consists of four parts and is commonly utilized for the purpose of responding to interview questions. When it comes to developing your accomplishment declarations, it could be advantageous to adopt this strategy due to the fact it presents a clear pattern for creating an answer that is both compelling and concise.” Marom Anaky, Marketing Manager, Coinscipher

The STAR interview method is a structured approach used by interviewers and candidates to answer behavioral questions. It involves describing a Situation, Task, Action, and Result to provide a comprehensive and concise response that highlights one’s skills and experiences.

6. Include awards

If you’ve received any professional awards or recognitions, make sure to include them. Awards are a testament to your expertise and dedication and can set you apart from other candidates.

7. Focus on unique contributions

Highlight what makes you unique. Maybe you have a rare certification, specific technical skills, or an unusual combination of experiences. These unique traits can make you an attractive candidate.

8. Avoid jargon

While it’s important to include relevant industry-specific terms, avoid overusing jargon. Your resume should be accessible to all potential readers, including those who may not be specialists in your field.

9. Show progression

Your career progression should be evident in your resume. Show how you’ve grown in responsibility and skill level over time. This progression can demonstrate your ability to learn, adapt, and take on more significant challenges.

Ethan Keller of Dominion has this to say.

“I would say that highlight not only what you have accomplished but also the abilities that you have grown or improved as a result of the process, in my opinion. Your versatility and adaptability can be demonstrated through this.” Ethan Keller, President, Dominion

10. Elevate routine tasks to noteworthy feats

The ability to turn routine tasks into noteworthy feats is a valuable skill. It signifies an individual’s capacity to see beyond the mundane and transform everyday responsibilities into impactful achievements. 

Here’s how you can do it according to Richard Heaton of Cartisian. 

“In my own professional journey, I turned a routine task into a notable achievement. I changed it from saying, Managed social media accounts, to, Drove a 50% increase in online engagement through strategic management of social media channels. This demonstrated my position and its concrete influence on the company's online presence.” Richard Heaton, Marketing Manager, Cartisian

11. Review and Revise

Finally, review and revise your resume regularly. Keep it updated with any new skills, experiences, or accomplishments. A well-maintained resume is ready to go whenever an opportunity arises.

10 Examples of Resume Accomplishment Statements 

Here are ten concise examples to illustrate how you can showcase your achievements:

• Increased sales: “Boosted regional sales by 30% in one year, leading to a significant market share increase.”
• Cost reduction: “Implemented a new inventory management system, reducing operational costs by 15%.”
• Project management: “Led a team of 12 in a project that delivered a new software product 3 weeks ahead of schedule.”
• Customer satisfaction: “Enhanced customer service protocols, resulting in a 20% increase in customer satisfaction ratings.”
• Revenue growth: “Initiated a strategic partnership that resulted in a 40% revenue increase for a key product line.”
• Process improvement: “Redesigned the employee onboarding process, reducing the time-to-productivity by 25%.”
• Team leadership: “Managed a cross-functional team that successfully completed a company-wide rebranding initiative.”
• Innovation: “Developed a patent-pending technology that reduced manufacturing time by 10%.”
• Award recognition: “Recipient of the ‘Top Performer’ award for two consecutive years due to exceptional sales performance.”
• Professional development: “Completed an advanced certification in data analysis, contributing to a 15% improvement in data-driven decision-making.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Resume Accomplishments Statements

Keep in mind that over 80% of resumes are eliminated during the initial screening, underscoring the importance of making a strong first impression.

When writing resume accomplishment statements, it’s crucial to effectively communicate your achievements without common errors that can undermine their impact. 

Here are several mistakes to avoid: 

1. Being vague

Avoid general statements like “worked on many projects” or “improved sales.” Instead, be specific about what you did and the results you achieved.

Christy Pyrz of Paradigm Peptides shares her expert insights. 

“The mistake that many people make when writing an accomplishment statement is that they do it in a passive manner, that is why it is important that yours convey action to best demonstrate intent. Listing an accomplishment without giving it context or including what was needed to obtain the goal, is basically describing an outcome in a vacuum.” Christy Pyrz, CMO, Paradigm Peptides

2. Focusing only on duties, not achievements

Listing only job responsibilities rather than accomplishments can make your resume look like a job description. Focus on what you achieved in those roles.

3. Exaggerating or misrepresenting the truth

It’s important to be honest. Overstating your achievements can backfire, especially if you are questioned about them during an interview.

4. Neglecting to show the impact

It’s not just about what you did, but also about the impact it had. Make sure to connect your actions to positive outcomes for the company or team.

Take note of what Kirk Hazlett of The University of Tampa has to say about what hiring managers look for. 

“Hiring managers are looking for candidates who will make a difference for their organization, and citing specific examples of your accomplishments moves your resume to the top of the pile.” Kirk Hazlett, APR, Fellow PRSA, The University of Tampa

5. Ignoring team contributions

If your accomplishment was part of a team effort, acknowledge this. It shows your ability to work collaboratively.

6. Repeating the same accomplishments

Avoid repeating similar accomplishments for different roles. Each statement should highlight a unique aspect of your skills or experience.

7. Not tailoring to the job

Make sure your accomplishments are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Highlight the achievements that align closely with the job requirements.

Kevin Miller shares his ‘research-then-construct’ technique.

“When businesses look at an accomplishment statement the very first thing they consider is if it applies to them, and this is why it is critical to research that element before constructing one. You can have a series of accomplishments throughout your career, but if a potential employer cannot draw the connection between your attributes and reached objectives and their own needs, it will fail to hit the mark.” Kevin Miller, SEO Expert, Entrepreneur, Angel Investor

10. Poor formatting or grammar

Errors in spelling, grammar, or formatting can distract from the content of your achievements. Always proofread and consider having someone else review your resume.

Meanwhile, to ensure that you have a better chance of getting shortlisted, please read these common resume mistakes .

Frequently Asked Questions 

What makes a strong accomplishment statement on a resume.

A strong accomplishment statement on a resume clearly and concisely describes a specific achievement, quantifies the results (if possible), and highlights the impact or value added. 

It typically starts with a strong action verb and includes enough context to understand the significance of the accomplishment. The statement should reflect not just what was done, but how well it was done and the positive outcomes that resulted from the action.

Can I include accomplishments from unrelated jobs? 

Yes, you can include accomplishments from unrelated jobs, especially if they demonstrate transferable skills, personal qualities, or achievements that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. 

Even if the job itself was in a different industry, accomplishments that show leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, or other universal skills can be valuable to potential employers.

Harrison Jordan, Managing Lawyer at Substance Law, provides an insight that supports this perspective: 

“Personal side hustles, in my opinion, are beneficial in that they assist individuals hone new talents prior to transforming into a new job creation.” 

How many accomplishment statements should I include per job?  

The number of accomplishment statements per job can vary, but a good rule of thumb is to include 3-5 strong statements for each position. 

This allows you to showcase your most significant achievements without overwhelming the reader. Quality is more important than quantity; it’s better to have a few well-articulated accomplishments than a long list of less impactful ones.

How do I write an accomplishment statement if I’m a new graduate? 

As a new graduate, you can write accomplishment statements focusing on relevant coursework, projects, internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities. 

Highlight any situation where you had a positive impact, whether it was leading a group project, improving a process, or achieving outstanding results in your studies. The key is to demonstrate skills and experiences that are transferable to the workplace.

Should I include personal achievements on my resume?

Personal achievements can be included on a resume if they are relevant to the job or demonstrate qualities that are desirable in the professional world, such as determination, leadership, or the ability to overcome challenges. 

However, it’s important to balance personal achievements with professional accomplishments and to ensure that the personal achievements you include are appropriate and align with the job’s requirements.

Key Takeaways

Crafting effective accomplishment statements for your resume is crucial to stand out in the competitive job market. Balancing humility with showcasing your achievements is essential. This concise guide has provided expert tips and 10 examples to help you articulate your experience effectively. 

It’s time to put this knowledge into action. Start revising your resume and incorporating these expert tips right away. Remember, your resume is a powerful tool to boost your career. 

To further enhance your skills and career prospects, consider exploring the wide range of career development courses offered by Skill Success All Access Pass . These courses provide valuable insights and come with certificates upon completion, adding an extra layer of credibility to your professional growth.

Barbara Isla

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Dive Into Expert Guides to Enhance your Resume

How to Write Accomplishments on Your Resume

First things first, what are accomplishments? On a resume, they are more than just a list of your job duties. They are a testament to your professional achievements and a showcase of your potential to future employers.

Including accomplishments in your resume is crucial because it not only highlights your past successes but also demonstrates how you can add value to a new role. 

These achievements set you apart from other candidates by providing tangible evidence of your skills and abilities.

Writing an  accomplishment-based resume  is simple if you follow this guide and use a  resume builder .

How to Highlight Accomplishments on Your Resume

Use this effective step-by-step guide to showcase your accomplishments, highlighting your unique contributions and successes in your professional journey.

1. Identify Your Accomplishments

Start by reflecting on your career and identifying key achievements. These could include instances where you exceeded targets, implemented successful projects, or received recognition for your work. 

Think about the challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as these can also be powerful accomplishments.

2. Quantify Your Achievements

Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments with numbers, percentages, or specific outcomes. This approach adds credibility and helps the employer understand the magnitude of your contributions. 

For example, “Increased sales by 20% in one year” or “Reduced operational costs by 15% through process optimization.”

3. Tailor Accomplishments to the Job Description

Review the job description of the position you are applying for and align your accomplishments with the requirements of the role. 

This tailored approach shows that you have the specific skills and experience the employer is seeking.

4. Incorporate Accomplishments in Various Resume Sections

Where you add achievements on your resume will depend on your resume format and what suits you best. Have a look at the following examples:

• Summary or objective : Briefly mention one or two major accomplishments that are highly relevant to the job.

“Dynamic marketing professional with over 10 years of experience, recognized for increasing online engagement by 40% through innovative social media strategies. Seeking to leverage my expertise in digital marketing and team leadership at XYZ Corp.”

• Professional experience : Under each job role, include bullet points of key achievements. Focus on what you accomplished in the role, rather than just your responsibilities.

“Sales Manager, ABC Corporation (2018-2023)

• Spearheaded a team of 15 sales associates, achieving a record-breaking 25% increase in annual sales revenue.
• Implemented a new CRM system, enhancing customer relationship management and boosting repeat business by 30%.”
• Education : If you have notable academic achievements, such as awards or a high GPA, include them in your education section.

“Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, University of Technology (Graduated 2020)

• Graduated Summa Cum Laude with a GPA of 3.9/4.0.
• Awarded the Dean’s List for academic excellence for four consecutive years.”
• Skills section : You can highlight accomplishments that demonstrate specific skills, especially if they are relevant to the job you are applying for.
• “Project Management: Successfully led a cross-functional team in a complex software development project, delivered on time and 15% under budget.
• Bilingual Proficiency: Fluent in English and Spanish, utilized language skills to expand the company’s client base in Latin American markets by 20%.”

If you have a few particularly impressive accomplishments that you want to emphasize, you could create a resume accomplishments section. It can include a bullet-pointed summary of accomplishments or a concise accomplishments statement . 

When you add your accomplishments, make sure you avoid the most common resume-writing mistakes.

Have a look at this example of an accomplishments section:

Key Accomplishments:

• Increased Sales Revenue: Spearheaded a new digital marketing campaign that resulted in a 30% increase in sales revenue within the first quarter of implementation.
• Project Management Excellence: Successfully led a cross-functional team in the launch of a new software product, completing the project 2 weeks ahead of schedule and under budget by 10%.
• Award for Customer Service Excellence: Recognized with the 2020 National Customer Service Award for implementing customer feedback systems that improved service delivery and customer satisfaction ratings by 25%.

5. Use Action Verbs and Clear Language

Start your accomplishment statements with strong action verbs and keep the language clear and concise. This makes your resume more dynamic and easy to read.

Here’s a list of 20 action verbs commonly used in resumes:

• Implemented
• Streamlined
• Facilitated
• Coordinated
• Transformed

These verbs are effective for starting bullet points that describe your accomplishments, giving your resume a dynamic and proactive feel.

6. Review and Edit

Finally, review your accomplishments to ensure they are clear, concise, and free of jargon. Your achievements must be easily understood by anyone reading your resume.

Your accomplishments are a reflection of your professional journey and the unique value you bring to the table. How you list accomplishments on your resume can significantly enhance your chances of catching a potential employer’s attention.

Using a resume template is the most time-effective way of tailoring your resume for each position.

Additional Tips for Energizing Your Resume with Accomplishments

Enhance the impact of your resume with these additional tips, elevating your professional story to the next level.

Highlight Progression and Growth

Demonstrate how your accomplishments have contributed to your professional growth. 

For instance, show how an early career achievement led to more significant responsibilities or how continuous learning has enhanced your performance.

“Began as a Junior Developer and progressed to Lead Developer within two years, demonstrating rapid skill acquisition and leadership capabilities.”

Include Non-Quantifiable Achievements 

Not all accomplishments are measurable in numbers. Include impactful contributions like improving team morale, leading successful collaborations, or developing new procedures that enhance workflow efficiency.

“Revitalized team morale and enhanced collaboration by initiating regular team-building activities and open feedback sessions, leading to a more cohesive and productive work environment.”

Mention Awards and Recognitions 

If you’ve received any awards, recognitions, or commendations, either in your professional or academic life, make sure to include these. 

They serve as third-party validation of your skills and achievements.

“Recipient of the 2021 Manager of the Year Award for outstanding leadership and team development.”

Use Testimonials or Endorsements

If you have received positive feedback from supervisors, colleagues, or clients, consider including brief quotes or endorsements that highlight your accomplishments and work ethic. 

This adds a level of credibility and personal testimony to your achievements.

“John consistently delivers exceptional results. His innovative approach to problem-solving has been a game-changer for our projects.” – Jane Doe, Senior Project Manager

5 Top Mistakes When Writing Accomplishments

The mistakes below can significantly diminish the effectiveness of your resume, so it’s important to address them to present your accomplishments in the best possible light:

• Being vague : Lack of specific details makes your accomplishments less convincing and impactful. It’s crucial to provide clear, concrete examples of what you achieved.
• Failing to quantify achievements : Not using numbers or metrics to demonstrate the scale and impact of your achievements can make them seem less significant. Quantifiable achievements provide a clearer and more compelling picture of your success.
• Listing duties instead of achievement s: A common error is to focus on job responsibilities rather than what you accomplished in those roles. Highlight your unique contributions and successes, not just your day-to-day tasks.
• Exaggerating or lying : Overstating your achievements or including false information can seriously undermine your credibility. It’s important to be honest and accurate in your descriptions.
• Poor formatting and structure : If your accomplishments are not presented in a clear format, they may be overlooked or undervalued. Proper formatting ensures that your achievements are easily noticeable and understandable.

Examples of accomplishments to put on a resume: by industry

Here are some industry-specific accomplishment examples which you can use to give you ideas and to help you write an achievements-based resume .

“Balanced an annual budget of over $600,000”

“Saved the company 7% over 5 years”

Administrative Assistant

“Responded to over 30 emails a day and resolved customer’s problems”

“Designed email templates, which were used throughout the department”

Customer Service

“Operated a cash register and handled over $10,000 a week”

“Assisted 20 customers a day, making tailored recommendations”

Information Technology

“Saved the company $10,000 by implementing efficiency software”

“Reduced the hours lost through IT problems by 8%”

“Provided high-quality care to over 20 patients daily”

“Mentored and led a team of 12 newly-qualified nurses”

“Top salesperson in the team for 3 years running”

“Boosted sales by over 25% in 2016”

Students  (for a  student resume )

“Helped to run the History Society which had over 800 members”

“Tutored 6 freshman students and improved each of their grades”

“Improved students scores in math by an average of 12%”

“Received three ‘Best Teacher Awards’  in 2012, 2014, and 2015”.

Still unsure about how to list accomplishments on your resume? Don’t fret! Try our AI-assited resume builder and you’ll have a powerful achievements-based, ATS-proof resume in no time.

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Related Posts

171+ Achievements to List On Your Resume [In 2024]

Listing achievements is what sets the top candidates apart from the crowd.

See, most job-seekers only talk about their previous responsibilities and day-to-day tasks on their resume.

But that’s not enough to make you stand out.

The hiring manager knows exactly what responsibilities your profession includes. After all, they’re the ones who wrote the job description!

So if you want to get ahead of the competition, you should talk about your professional achievements instead.

Your achievements speak volumes about your skills and potential, and they can make your resume stand out.

This guide will cover:

• How to List Achievements on Your Resume (and Get the Job!)
• Where to Mention Your Achievements
• 171+ Achievements You Can Use (covering 55+ professions!)

Let’s get started!

Achievements on Your Resume

So, why are achievements so important on your resume?

Just compare these two examples:

• Contributed to the number of sales. 
• Hit and exceeded department KPIs by 20% for 5 months in a row.

See the difference?

The first example doesn’t say much about the candidate at all. If you worked in sales , it’s already pretty obvious you did sales, and it doesn’t specify how you contributed. You could have barely met your KPIs or outperformed the whole department, and the hiring manager will never know.

But the second example shows exactly what you bring to the table. Saying you managed to hit KPIs is good, and exceeding them is even greater. By also adding the short timeframe, the hiring manager can see you’re a top performer and might prefer you as a candidate.

Where Do I List My Achievements?

Ideally, your achievements should be mentioned in several sections across your resume.

List them in these sections:

• Resume summary
• Work experience
• Optional sections

Listing accomplishments in your work experience section is the most common way to go.

Just add them in separate bullet points, the same way you would list your responsibilities. 

Here’s an example:

The next place we recommend including achievements is your resume summary .

This summary of your career sits at the top of your resume, right next to your contact information and job title . Here’s an example:

This section is an introduction to the rest of your resume, and it’s the first thing the hiring manager is going to read, so you want to make sure it grabs their attention.

The average resume summary goes like this:

• Experienced project manager with 5+ years of work experience seeking a position at Company X. Previous experience includes working at Company Y, developing software for clients such as Client A and Client B.

This summary example is, at best, okay . All it says is that you’ve worked as a project manager across two companies within the past five years.

Newsflash: So have all the other candidates.

There’s nothing in that resume summary that makes you stand out.

But here’s what happens if you add an achievement or two:

• Experienced project manager with 5+ years of work experience seeking a position at Company X. Managed cross-department teams of 15+ people. Successfully spearheaded the development of several software projects, including Project A and Project B.

Other sections on your resume where your achievements can make an appearance include:

• Your volunteer experience, 
• Your projects, 
• Your extracurricular activities

How to List Achievements (the Right Way)

Just like with everything else, there’s a right and wrong way to list achievements.

See, the more details you add to them, the more you’ll stand out.

Let’s compare these two examples:

• Improved product sales by 12%, which led to a 20% increase in annual revenue.
• Significantly improved sales.

In the first example, “significantly” doesn’t say much. You could’ve improved sales by selling one extra product, or you could have lifted company revenue by 10%.

The hiring manager has no way of knowing what the impact of your work was! This is why backing up your achievements with data is important.

Whenever possible, each of your achievements should include:

#1. Timeframe

The timeframe of your achievement provides the hiring manager with context. Achieving something over a weekend is more significant than achieving the same thing over several months.

Adding a timeframe can also highlight your time management skills and ability to prioritize tasks, as well as set benchmarks for future performance.

Ask yourself these questions to figure out the timeframe of your achievements:

• (E.g.: Resolved a major client's technical issue in under 12 hours, exceeding the 48-hour expectation.)
• (E.g.: Increased customer satisfaction rate within three months of employment at Company X.)
• (E.g.: Talked to 50+ customers daily.)

Adding the scale of your achievements demonstrates the impact and reach of your work.

You can measure the scale of your success through different factors, like the number of people affected or the financial impact. This data backs up your credibility and helps future employers see the value and expertise you can bring to their company.

Here are some questions to measure the scale of your achievements with:

• (E.g.: Managed a team of six to create award-winning ad campaigns for Company X.)
• (E.g. Successfully carried out X marketing campaign, going under the designated budget of Y USD.)
• (E.g.: Managed campaigns of 5+ SaaS clients in the fin-tech industry.)

#3. Results

Of course, the results of your achievements show the effectiveness of your efforts.

Specific results, like percentage increases in sales or customer satisfaction ratings, give the hiring manager tangible evidence of your skills and success and make you a more appealing candidate. (E.g.: “Delivered a 1.8x ROI on a total ad spend of $22,000”.)

By backing up your achievements with clear outcomes, you’re giving potential employers an idea of how you can contribute to their team. This approach makes your resume stand out by showcasing what you've done, how well you've done it, and the positive impact you've made.

What If I Don’t Have the Data?

This is one of the most common questions among job-seekers.

Unless you were actively keeping track of your results at your job, you probably don’t know much about the impact your work had or what your greatest accomplishment was.

The solution here is pretty straightforward: just reach out to your previous employer and ask for the data. They should be more than happy to send it over!

Moving forward, though, we’d recommend keeping track of your results and achievements in your next job. This also makes it easier to answer interview questions down the line.

You’ll thank us for it later!

What if My Job Isn’t Achievement-Oriented?

If your previous roles weren't achievement-oriented, you might have trouble listing accomplishments.

What you can do instead is focus on the times when you contributed to the workplace.

Think about instances where you helped your team, improved a process, or were recognized for your work. Take the opportunity to show off your soft skills , like problem-solving and teamwork .

The same approach can be applied to your personal projects or volunteer work . Just highlight relevant skills that helped you succeed instead of giving a generic description of what you did.

Achievements can be about growth and impact, not just numbers. So long as you align your past experiences with the job you want, you can show the hiring manager how you can be a valuable addition to their team.

How to List Achievements as a Student

If you’re a student or a recent graduate , you probably don’t have that much work experience, so you can’t exactly list a lot of achievements on your resume.

But what you can do is list your achievements in several other sections, such as:

• (E.g.: “Maintained a 3.8 GPA while working and studying full-time.”)
• (E.g.: “Created a marketing strategy for Company X as part of my Marketing 101 course and was rewarded at the top of the class.”)
• (E.g.: “Taught elementary mathematics as a volunteer at Saint Jude’s orphanage and improved student performance by 60% over one semester.”)

Writing a resume for your first job? Check out our detailed article for tailored advice!

171+ Achievements You Can Steal (For Every Profession)

Need some inspiration? We’ve got you covered.

Here are 171 achievements across different professions that you can use:

Sales and Customer Service Achievement Examples

#1. sales associate achievements.

• Cold-called 20+ potential clients daily, with a closing rate of 10% to 20%.
• Hit and exceeded sales KPIs by 30% for October, November, and December in 2023.
• Sent 200+ cold emails daily, managing to set up calls with 10% of the recipients.

For more examples, check out our sales associate resume example and full guide.

#2. Customer Service Representative Achievements

• Maintained a customer satisfaction rate of 95% for the entire duration of employment.
• Solved 40 - 50 tickets daily.
• Carried out retention calls with unsatisfied customers, convincing 20% of them to keep using the software.

For more examples, check out our customer service resume example and full guide.

#3. Cashier Achievements

• Trained and supervised five other cashiers over two years at Company X.
• Received ‘Employee of the Month’ award for consistently providing excellent service in June, August, and December.
• Achieved highest up-sell rates in 2022 (1.9%) and 2023 (2.6%).

For more examples, check out our cashier resume example and full guide.

#4. Retail Manager Achievements

• Boosted store sales by 15% over six months through strategic merchandising and upselling techniques.
• Led a team of 10 sales associates to achieve the highest regional sales record for two consecutive quarters.
• Designed and implemented a customer loyalty program that increased repeat customer visits by 25%.

For more examples, check out our retail manager resume example and full guide.

#5. Barista Achievements

• Developed a new coffee blend that became the store's top-selling product within three months of introduction.
• Trained and supervised a team of four new baristas, improving overall team efficiency and service quality.
• Implemented a streamlined order processing system that reduced average customer wait time by 30%.

For more examples, check out our barista resume example and full guide.

#6. Server and Waiter Achievements

• Successfully upsold menu items, contributing to a 10% increase in average bill value over six months.
• Efficiently managed high-volume shifts, serving up to 50 tables per night with consistent positive feedback.
• Maintained a 98% customer satisfaction rating over a year, based on direct feedback and online reviews.

For more examples, check out our server resume example and a full guide to writing a waiter resume .

#7. Receptionist Achievements

• Coordinated over 200 appointments weekly, maintaining a 99% accuracy rate in scheduling and client communications.
• Managed a multi-line phone system, handling over 100 calls daily with exceptional service quality.
• Recognized for perfect attendance and punctuality for two consecutive years, ensuring consistent front desk coverage.

For more examples, check out our receptionist resume example and full guide.

#8. Food and Beverage Management Achievements

• Increased bar revenue by 20% by redesigning the cocktail menu and adding several new options.
• Reduced food waste by 40% by implementing an efficient inventory management system and staff training programs.
• Worked with an external marketing agency to run ads for the venue, resulting in a 25% increase in annual revenue.

For more examples, check out our bar manager resume example and full guide.

Administrative and HR Achievement Examples

#9. recruiter achievements.

• Filled 100% of open positions within the targeted timeline over 12 months, enhancing organizational efficiency.
• Reduced the average time-to-hire by 20 days through streamlining the recruitment process.
• Managed data integrity within the applicant tracking system, ensuring timely entry and visibility of recruitment activity within ATS/CRM technologies.

For more examples, check out our recruiter resume example and full guide.

#10. Human Resources Specialist Achievements

• Led a company-wide employee engagement program that resulted in a 30% increase in employee satisfaction scores.
• Negotiated with benefits providers to enhance employee packages, achieving a 10% cost reduction while improving benefits.
• Developed and facilitated a leadership training program, contributing to a 25% improvement in management effectiveness.

For more examples, check out our human resources resume example and full guide.

#11. Office Manager Achievements

• Reached out to and made deals with new office supply providers, cutting annual supply costs by 20%.
• Coordinated the setup of a remote working infrastructure, maintaining productivity during a transition to remote work.
• Implemented a new document management system that improved filing efficiency by 35%.

For more examples, check out our office manager resume example and full guide.

#12. Administrative Assistant Achievements

• Managed scheduling and logistics for a series of successful board meetings and company events.
• Streamlined travel arrangements and accommodations for executives, enhancing travel efficiency and comfort.
• Communicated with 20+ company partners and clients daily, and assisted in onboarding 14 employees during time at Company X.

For more examples, check out our administrative assistant resume example and full guide.

#13. Data Entry Achievements

• Increased data processing speed by 30% through the implementation of keyboard shortcuts and efficiency software.
• Identified and corrected a critical systematic error in the data entry, preventing potential data loss.
• Completed a large-scale data migration project two weeks ahead of the scheduled deadline.

For more examples, check out our data entry resume example and full guide.

Finance Achievement Examples

#14. accountant achievements.

• Managed an annual budget of $400,000 for seven years.
• Identified tax savings opportunities that resulted in a 15% reduction in overall tax liabilities for the year.
• Worked with a team of three accountants, creating financial reports for all company activities across all departments.

For more examples, check out our accountant resume example and full guide.

#15. Financial Analyst Achievements

• Developed a financial model that predicted market trends with 90% accuracy, contributing to a 15% increase in investment returns.
• Streamlined reporting processes, reducing the time spent on monthly financial reports by 30%.
• Conducted a comprehensive risk analysis that led to a portfolio adjustment, safeguarding against a market downturn.

For more examples, check out our financial analyst resume example and full guide.

#16. Bank Teller Achievements

• Recognized for outstanding customer service, receiving a 95% positive rating in customer feedback surveys.
• Implemented a new cash handling procedure that reduced end-of-day balancing errors by 40%.
• Helped onboard three new bank tellers, bringing them up to speed with the bank’s rules and policies.

For more examples, check out our bank teller resume example and full guide.

#17. Banker Achievements

• Managed a loan portfolio of $10 million, maintaining a default rate of less than 1%.
• Developed and maintained relationships with 50+ high-value clients, leading to a 25% increase in client assets managed.
• Successfully negotiated and closed 15 high-value commercial loans, contributing significantly to branch revenue.

For more examples, check out our banker resume example and full guide.

Business Achievement Examples

#18. branch manager achievements.

• Achieved the highest employee retention rate across the region through effective management and staff development programs.
• Participated in community affairs to increase branch visibility and create new and enhanced existing business opportunities, increasing annual revenue by 20%.
• Provided a superior level of customer relations and promoted the sales and service culture through coaching, guidance, and staff motivation.

#19. Data Analyst Achievements

• Conducted a data-driven market analysis that informed the development of two new successful product lines.
• Played a pivotal role in a data migration project, ensuring a smooth transition with no data loss.
• Developed a predictive model that reduced forecasting errors by 25%, significantly improving business planning.

For more examples, check out our data analyst resume example and full guide.

#20. Business Development Manager Achievements

• Established new key partnerships with Company X and Company Y, resulting in a 20% increase in annual revenue.
• Secured ten new client accounts within a year, exceeding the target by 25%.
• Started a partnership program, kick-starting work with four implementation partners in Europe.

For more examples, check out our business development manager resume example and full guide.

#21. Project Manager Achievements

• Led the digital transformation project, adopting software to help with marketing, accounting, and HR duties at Company X.
• Successfully completed six projects from start to finish, generating a total of $600,000 in revenue over the past five years.
• Functioned as a single point of contact for 15+ clients, answering all their requests and questions on time.

For more examples, check out our project manager resume example and full guide.

Marketing and Advertising Achievement Examples

#22. marketing executive achievements.

• Led the successful launch of a new product line, resulting in the acquisition of over 500 new customers in the first quarter.
• Developed a digital marketing strategy that resulted in a 40% increase in online engagement.
• Oversaw a team of 20 marketing professionals, fostering a collaborative environment that boosted team productivity.

For more examples, check out our marketing executive resume example and full guide.

#23. Marketing Manager Achievements

• Revamped Company X’s social media accounts, improving user engagement by over 60% on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
• Expanded the marketing team from 5 to 15 members, enhancing the department's capabilities and output.
• Led Facebook ad lead generation campaigns, driving 20+ leads for the sales team monthly, at a $2.7 CPC and $9 CPA.

For more examples, check out our marketing manager resume example and full guide.

#24. Media Buying Specialist Achievements

• Negotiated with media vendors to secure prime advertising slots within a monthly ad budget of $20,000.
• Maintained an ad spend ROI of 1.8 for Company X’s ad campaigns over the past three months.
• Reduced Company X’s Search Ads average CPC while maintaining the same conversion rate, saving $2k in monthly ad spend.

#25. SEO Specialist Achievements

• Fully managed Company X’s SEO and conducted comprehensive keyword research for over 500 terms, optimizing content for diverse audience segments.
• Increased Company X’s monthly organic traffic from 0 to 200,000 within two years.
• Led a team of four freelance writers, creating and publishing 10+ SEO content pieces every month with around 70% currently ranking on page 1 of Google.

IT and Software Development Achievement Examples

#26. it specialist achievements.

• Successfully managed the IT setup for a new office location, ensuring seamless network and system integration for 100+ users.
• Led the upgrade of an enterprise-level software system, improving system efficiency and user satisfaction.
• Consulted in the redesign of a company’s website, resulting in a 25% increase in traffic.

For more examples, check out our IT resume example and full guide.

#27. Software Engineer Achievements

• Led and managed a team of six in developing new financial management software and delivered the product two weeks ahead of schedule
• Developed a new application feature that increased user engagement by 30%.
• Created, maintained, and monitored the entire cloud infrastructure of Company X, while working on 20+ microservices for 5 clients.

For more examples, check out our software engineer resume example and full guide.

#28. Cyber Security Achievements

• Designed and enforced a new security protocol, reducing system vulnerabilities by 50%.
• Conducted regular security audits, identifying and mitigating risks effectively.
• Played a key role in responding to and resolving a major security breach, minimizing data loss and downtime.

#29. Web Developer Achievements

• Built a responsive e-commerce website that increased the client's sales conversion rate by 20%.
• Revamped a major website, improving load time by 60% and enhancing user experience.
• Integrated advanced features into a web platform, such as a custom CMS and interactive user interfaces.

For more examples, check out our web developer resume example and full guide.

#30. Computer Scientist Achievements

• Published a research paper on machine learning algorithms in a renowned tech journal.
• Developed an innovative algorithm that improved data processing speeds by 25%.
• Created an educational program that introduced computer science fundamentals to over 200 high school students.

For more examples, check out our computer scientist resume example and full guide.

#31. DevOps Engineer Achievements

• Streamlined the deployment process, reducing deployment time by 50%.
• Implemented a continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipeline, improving code quality and deployment frequency.
• Automated various infrastructure tasks, saving 20 hours of manual work per week.

For more examples, check out our DevOps engineer resume example and full guide.

#32. AI Engineer Achievements

• Designed and implemented an AI model that improved prediction accuracy by 35% for a financial forecasting tool.
• Contributed to the development of an AI-driven chatbot, enhancing customer service interactions and reducing response time.
• Conducted AI research that led to the development of two patented machine-learning technologies.

For more examples, check out our AI engineer resume example and full guide.

#33. Java Developer Achievements

• Developed a Java-based server application that handled 10,000+ concurrent users.
• Optimized existing Java code, improving system performance and scalability.
• Contributed to a Java open-source project, with several suggestions and improvements being integrated into the next release.

For more examples, check out our Java developer resume example and full guide.

Health and Medicine Achievement Examples

#34. nurse achievements.

• Managed care for a diverse patient population, consistently receiving high satisfaction ratings from patients.
• Implemented a health education program that improved patient outcomes and reduced hospital readmission rates.
• Reduced emergency room visits by 30% for a panel of 200 patients through effective management of chronic diseases and patient education.

For more examples, check out our nurse resume example and full guide.

#35. Medical Assistant Achievements

• Streamlined patient intake procedures, reducing average wait times by 15 minutes.
• Assisted in over 1,000 successful patient examinations and treatments, maintaining high standards of care.
• Conducted and analyzed over 500 laboratory tests, playing a critical role in patient diagnosis and treatment plans.

For more examples, check out our medical assistant resume example and full guide.

#36. Dentist Achievements

• Successfully performed over 200 complex dental procedures with a 98% success rate.
• Introduced a new dental health initiative that increased patient retention by 25%.
• Led a dental outreach program that provided free services to over 300 underserved individuals in the community.

For more examples, check out our dentist resume example and full guide.

#37. Pharmacist Achievements

• Managed pharmaceutical inventory for a high-volume pharmacy, maintaining optimal stock levels and reducing waste.
• Enhanced prescription accuracy by implementing a new verification system, resulting in a 40% reduction in dispensing errors.
• Developed a medication management plan that improved patient adherence and reduced medication errors.

For more examples, check out our pharmacist resume example and full guide.

Creative Achievement Examples

#38. graphic designer achievements.

• Designed a marketing campaign that increased client engagement by 50%.
• Created over 100 graphic designs for various clients, maintaining a 95% client satisfaction rate.
• Revamped a major brand's visual identity, leading to a 30% increase in their social media following.

For more examples, check out our graphic designer resume example and full guide.

#39. Game Designer Achievements

• Developed a game that received a 4.5/5 rating on major gaming platforms.
• Led a design team to create a top-selling game, achieving over 500,000 downloads in the first month.
• Implemented a user feedback system for a game that resulted in a 20% increase in player retention.

For more examples, check out our game designer resume example and full guide.

#40. Animator Achievements

• Produced a 5-minute animation that gained over one million views on YouTube.
• Worked on a popular TV show, contributing to animation that was nominated for an industry award.
• Developed a series of animations that enhanced the user experience, leading to a 25% increase in app engagement.

For more examples, check out our animator resume example and full guide.

#41. Illustrator Achievements

• Illustrated a children's book that sold over 10,000 copies within the first six months.
• Created over 50 custom illustrations for various clients, resulting in a 100% project satisfaction rate.
• Designed a series of illustrations for a website, increasing user engagement by 40%.

For more examples, check out our illustrator resume example and full guide.

#42. Photographer Achievements

• Conducted over 30 photoshoots for major brands, with images featured in national advertising campaigns.
• Sold 200+ prints in a solo photography exhibition.
• Won a prestigious photography award for a series focusing on urban landscapes.

For more examples, check out our photographer resume example and full guide.

#43. Actor Achievements

• Starred in a critically acclaimed theatre production that ran for over 100 shows.
• Played a leading role in a film that grossed over $50 million worldwide.
• Received the best actor award in a renowned film festival.

For more examples, check out our actor resume example and full guide.

#44. Writer Achievements

• Authored a book that made the New York Times Best Seller list.
• Wrote a series of articles that increased website traffic by 35%.
• Scripted a short film that won an award at an international film festival.

For more examples, check out our writer resume and full guide.

#45. Editor Achievements

• Edited a novel that became a bestseller and was critically acclaimed.
• Led an editorial team that produced a magazine with a 20% increase in readership.
• Managed the editing process for a website, resulting in a 30% reduction in content errors and inconsistencies.

For more examples, check out our editor's resume example and full guide.

Education Achievement Examples

#46. professor achievements.

• Published a research paper in a top-tier academic journal, contributing significant findings in the field.
• Developed a new curriculum that was adopted by the department, enhancing course offerings and student learning outcomes.
• Supervised 10+ graduate students, with several winning national awards for their research work.

For more examples, check out our academic CV example and full guide.

#47. Teacher Achievements

• Increased student test scores in the class by 20% through innovative teaching methods.
• Led the development and launch of a new interdisciplinary program that enhanced student engagement.
• Organized a successful school-wide literacy event, boosting student participation in extracurricular reading activities.

For more examples, check out our teacher resume example and full guide.

#48. Tutor Achievements

• Assisted over 50 students in improving their grades, with 90% achieving a 'B' grade or higher in tutored subjects.
• Developed personalized learning plans that resulted in a 25% improvement in students' academic performance.
• Specialized in SAT/ACT preparation, helping students increase their scores by an average of 150 points.

#49. College Student Achievements

• Completed a successful internship with a major company, receiving a commendation for outstanding performance.
• Led a university project team to win a national competition in the field of engineering.
• Founded a campus club that grew to over 200 members, fostering community engagement and leadership skills.

For more examples, check out our college freshman resume example and full guide.

#50. High School Student Achievements

• Maintained a 3.7 GPA while actively participating in three extracurricular clubs.
• Organized a community service project that involved over 100 students and benefited local charities.
• Won first place in a statewide science fair, receiving recognition for an innovative project.

For more examples, check out our high school resume example and full guide.

Other Achievement Examples

#51. architect achievements.

• Designed a sustainable residential complex that won a green architecture award.
• Led the renovation of a historic building, receiving acclaim for preserving its original features while enhancing functionality.
• Developed a cost-effective design solution that saved a project 15% in construction costs.

For more examples, check out our architect resume example and full guide.

#52. Engineer Resume Achievements

• Innovated a new water filtration system, improving efficiency by 30% and receiving a patent.
• Increased performance of the engineering team during a critical Q4 by 15%, to successfully meet end-of-year KPIs.
• Took eight active building projects from research to development and completion in under two years.

For more examples, check out our engineer resume example and full guide.

#53. Interior Designer Achievements

• Transformed a high-profile commercial space, resulting in a 40% increase in foot traffic for the client.
• Won an industry award for an innovative residential interior design project.
• Collaborated with architects to optimize living spaces in a residential complex, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.

For more examples, check out our interior designer resume example and full guide.

#54. Construction Project Manager Achievements

• Successfully managed a large-scale construction project, completing it 10% under budget and on schedule.
• Implemented safety protocols that resulted in zero accidents throughout a two-year project.
• Coordinated the work of 50+ subcontractors, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to quality standards.

For more examples, check out our construction project manager resume example and full guide.

#55. Operations Manager Achievements

• Streamlined company processes, leading to a 20% increase in overall operational efficiency.
• Reduced operational costs by 15% through strategic planning and resource optimization.
• Implemented a new inventory management system, improving stock turnover by 25%.

For more examples, check out our operations manager resume example and full guide.

#56. Event Planner Achievements

• Organized a corporate conference for 500 attendees, receiving a 95% satisfaction rate in post-event surveys.
• Successfully coordinated a charity gala that raised $200,000, exceeding the fundraising goal by 25%.
• Managed a high-profile wedding event with a budget of $100,000, delivering a seamless experience that garnered industry recognition.

For more examples, check out our event planner resume example and full guide.

Key Takeaways

That’s all there is to adding achievements to your resume!

Now, let’s briefly recap what we talked about:

• Listing achievements instead of just responsibilities can boost your chances of getting hired.
• You can mention achievements in your resume summary and work experience section. If you don’t have a lot of work experience, you can also mention any achievements from your education, volunteering, or personal projects.
• When listing your achievements, make sure they include a timeframe, scale, and results.
• If you can’t think of any achievements, just scroll back up to get inspiration for any of the professions we gave examples for.

Want to get the most out of your career? Don’t forget to follow our career blog for some industry-leading career advice!

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Writing Resume Accomplishments (With Examples)

To write resume accomplishments, your bullet point achievements need to contain three things: an action verb, the task or project (what you did), and the metric or result (what the benefit was).

3 years ago   •   8 min read

“Why should we hire you?”

Even if they don’t ask it, all hiring managers are thinking it, even as early as the resume stage. Your resume should aim to answer that question, and the best way to do that is by focusing on your past accomplishments — at work, in education, or even in volunteer roles or personal projects.

Resume accomplishments vs responsibilities

There’s a big difference between accomplishments and responsibilities, and you always want to make sure you’re focusing on the former. How can you tell the difference? If your sounds like it could fit into a job description, it’s probably a responsibility rather than an accomplishment.

Listing responsibilities (don’t do this!)

“ Oversaw team's performance and provided leadership to all business functions in divisions.”

Why does it matter? Responsibilities tell employers a lot about your job, but very little about you. Consider the statement above. It explains what you did, but not how well you did it — and that’s the most important part. It also sounds like it could have been pulled straight from a job posting, which makes it far too generic to belong on your resume.

Listing accomplishments (do this instead!)

“Launched Miami office with lead Director and recruited and managed a new team of 10 employees. Grew office revenue by 200% in the first nine months (representing 20% of company revenue).”

In contrast, the statement above does several things right. It’s specific about what you achieved in the role, it focuses on the end benefit to the company, and it uses numbers and metrics to explicitly quantify that achievement.

Why focus your resume on accomplishments?

Hiring managers primarily want to know how you're likely to perform in the role, which is where past accomplishments come in. Focusing on resume accomplishments (vs responsibilities) is the best way of showing what you actually achieved in your previous positions. The fact that you’ve worked in sales for 10 years doesn’t tell a recruiter much, other than how long you’ve been in the workforce. The fact that you increased your customer base 30% through cold calls and pulled in 150% of expected revenue in the past three quarters gives them a much better idea of the skills and potential outcomes you’d be bringing to the table.

How to write resume accomplishments

How do you ensure your resume is focused on accomplishments, not responsibilities? Follow this step-by-step guide:

• Start with a strong action verb — this is the best way to ensure you're focusing on accomplishments, not responsibilities.
• Write exactly what you did, for example, " Created a performance recording template." Try to use the past tense where you can.
• Finish with the end result, for example, "Reduced the preparation time of standard client materials."
• Add numbers or metrics if you can. Quantifying your accomplishments means they're more likely to impress a recruiter.
• Stick to 3-6 accomplishments per role.
• Upload your resume to Score My Resume for a free resume review and personalized feedback.

The simple formula for resume accomplishments

Your bullet point achievements need to contain three things: an action verb, the task or project (what you did) , and the metric or result (what the benefit was). This is a pretty simple formula, but it can be applied to any accomplishment.

Always start with the action verb — this keeps the focus on your specific contribution and frames the achievement in a proactive light. Depending on the accomplishment, you can list either the task or the result first, but make sure each bullet point you write contains all three elements.

Following the action verb with the task or project is a good structure for most achievements, as it clearly illustrates what you did. Following that up with a metric or result provides context for the scale of the achievement.

Including the metric or result directly after the action verb allows you to focus on the end result of your achievement. Describing the task or project afterward explains exactly what you did to achieve it.

Related : When To Use Pronouns in Your Resume Accomplishments

Examples of strong resume accomplishments

Here are some examples of strong resume accomplishments that you can use on your resume.

Resume accomplishments applicable to all kinds of roles

• Promoted within 12 months due to strong performance and organizational impact - ahead of schedule by 12 months
• Managed business relationships with 10 clients, including Volkswagen, Deutsche Bank and McDonalds and presented marketing strategies to senior management to drive ROI and re-engineer sales operations, generating $2MM+ in annual revenue
• Earned expedited promotion to Senior Analyst after one year as Analyst (earned by less than 1% of cohort)
• Founded ReferRoom to organize social events for 500 young professionals, and grew it to $20k/year revenue and $8k/year profit.
• Planned and co-ordinated 40+ training sessions for 300+ employees across 5 major offices; defined agenda and prepared minutes for C-suite executives

Leadership resume accomplishments

• Managed cross-functional team of 10 in 3 locations (London, Mumbai and New York), ranging from entry-level analysts to vice presidents, and collaborated with business development, data analysis, operations and marketing.
• Collaborated with developers and product management team to assess project outcomes and prioritize future app features.
• Coached 30 summer interns and launched a mentorship program for new joiners in the Berlin office.
• Refined outsourcing strategy, resulting in increased offshore headcount from 12 to 95 employees and saved $1.2MM
• Led over 12 software sales pilots generating $8MM+ total revenue in license and consulting service fees; clients included Goldman Sachs, Bank of America and Credit Suisse.
• Hired, coached and led sales team of five to make sales calls, make client visits and close deals; generated $10M in sales contracts

Resume accomplishments for sales and marketing

• Generated 50+ donors through cold call sales and systematic email outreach; qualified leads based on industry and location.
• Designed , executed , and optimized digital marketing campaign on Google AdWords; led to 20% increase in ROI.
• Strengthened relationships with 6 strategic partners (including Expedia, Skyscanner and Airbnb) through follow-up meetings with C-suite executives
• Led the firm's sales and business operations in South Africa, responsible for $45MM annual sales and capability building of 200+ sales personnel
• Scripted and tested phone sales process; increased customers by 30% in 6 months

Resume accomplishments focused in engineering

• Developed an Excel macro and standardized reporting templates, resulting in efficient data collection and a 35% reduction in turnaround time.
• Reduced development costs by 25 percent by creating a plan to merge related products into one, more streamlined product.
• Liaised with marketing to drive email and social media advertising efforts, using predictive modeling and clustering, resulting in a 35% increase in revenue
• Designed and implemented behavioral push notifications based on in-app usage; increased retention by 10%
• Overhauled the company's website by increasing graphics usage by 50% and mobile responsiveness by 100%; generated 70% more leads via email capture forms, reduced bounce rate by 20%
• Spearheaded redevelopment of internal tracking system in use by 125 employees, resulting in 20+ new features, reduction of 20% in save/load time and 15% operation time

Find out if your resume highlights your accomplishments

The most effective way to highlight your accomplishments is to make sure each bullet point contains an action verb, task, and metric. These elements help to show recruiters the job you did and how effectively you did it. If you’re not sure if your resume has enough uses of these elements, upload your resume to the tool below — it’ll let you know if your resume has enough uses of power verbs and quantifiable achievements.

How to turn responsibilities into accomplishments

Use numbers or metrics to emphasize your accomplishment.

The most surefire way to transform a responsibility into an accomplishment is by adding specific numbers or metrics . This way, you aren’t just saying what you did (created a performance recording template), you’re demonstrating how effectively you did it (reduced preparation time by 80%). Not only do metrics like this help you stand out from other candidates with similar experience, they provide an objective measure of your performance and allow hiring managers to more clearly imagine how you would perform in the new role. For more examples of how to include metrics in your accomplishments, check out our list of 50+ metrics you can use on your resume .

Be specific

One of the worst mistakes you can make on your resume is being vague or generic. Metrics can help with that, but you need to make sure you’re also being specific when you talk about your actions. An accomplishment like “implemented strategy that increased customer base by 1000+ customers” sounds impressive on the surface, but while the numbers are specific, what you actually did remains undefined. Don’t leave hiring managers wondering about how you did something (or whether you were even responsible for the result in the first place).

Describe your actions! For example, “designed and launched customer affiliate program, which led to 1000+ new customers in 6 months and 40% reduced cost-per-acquisition” is specific not just about the end result, but about how you achieved it and what skills you used to do so.

Frequently asked questions

What are examples of accomplishments for students.

If you’re a current student or recent graduate, you still use accomplishments from your studies. Generally, you don’t want to fill your resume up with coursework, but things like university or personal projects , extracurricular activities, internships , and student organizations can all work. It’s okay that these aren’t strictly in a professional context — the trick is to treat them the same way, by pulling out what you’ve accomplished and adding numbers or metrics where you can.

Internships demonstrate your skills and experience in a professional environment. List internships on your resume the same way you would paid experience — focus on the exact accomplishments you achieved, and not just your responsibilities.

Involvement in student organizations and other extracurricular activities can be used to highlight soft skills like leadership , organization, and initiative . Focus on your specific contributions and add metrics to illustrate their impact.

Can you include any responsibilities on your resume?

Yes — just not in your bullet points! If you want to add more context for a previous company or role, you can add a short blurb underneath your job title to give a brief high-level overview of your main responsibilities. Your bullet points for each role should always focus on your accomplishments, however.

Including a short blurb (within around 50 words) to explain 1-2 of your main responsibilities can provide context for a previous role and allow you to focus on accomplishments in your bullet points.

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Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.

65+ Resume Accomplishment Examples That Worked in 2024

• January 2, 2024
• In Resumes & Cover Letters

Are you struggling with writing your resume accomplishments? When listing your accomplishments, it’s crucial to do so in a way that demonstrates expertise and shows relevant experience for each of the competencies the company is looking for. In other words, you are going to give them the clues in the resume and help them see the evidence that you are the best fit for their position by emphasizing the accomplishments that match what they are looking for.

Table of contents

Resume accomplishments vs. Responsibilities 

Highlight relevant expertise in your resume accomplishments section, 1. focus on the core competencies, 2. use the par method, 3. start with action verbs, 4. quantify your accomplishments, 65+ resume accomplisment examples across various fields.

• Resume accomplishments examples customer service
• Finance/Accounting resume accomplishment examples
• Resume accomplishment examples for sales
• Accomplishment examples for computer science
• Resume Accomplishments for management
• Example of resume accomplishments for students
• Resume achievements examples for freshers

FAQ: Resume Accomplishments

Q1: where to put awards and accomplishments on a resume, q2: do i need a separate “key achievements” section on a resume.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when crafting your resume is to include a long list of nothing but job duties. Without any context, these tell the reader very little about your value as an employee. Your potential employer or hiring manager wants to know your contributions and accomplishments that drove the company forward. They want to see that you can show initiative and have a real positive impact on your job. their company.

Accomplishments provide concrete evidence of your skills and achievements, showing potential employers what you can bring to their organization. Remember to use action verbs and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. This helps to make your achievements more impactful and easily understandable to hiring managers.

Identify the core competencies or skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for. These could be skills like communication, negotiation, problem-solving, leadership, or any other skills mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience and achievements related to these competencies.

When describing your accomplishments, use the Problem, Action, Result (PAR) method . Start by explaining the problem or challenge you faced, then describe the specific actions you took to address the problem, and finally, highlight the positive results or outcomes of your actions. This structure helps to provide context and demonstrate the impact of your work.

PAR method example:

Problem:  Company’s profits stagnation at 7% year-to-year , poor customer retention

Action: Implemented a new customer loyalty program

Result: Developed and implemented a new customer loyalty program, which increased customer retention rates by 18% , and increased the company’s profits by 27-39%

Begin each accomplishment statement with a strong and specific action verb . This helps to make your statements more engaging and impactful. Avoid using generic phrases like “responsible for” or “in charge of.” Instead, use expressive action verbs that demonstrate your proactive approach and highlight your achievements.

Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments with specific metrics or numbers. This provides tangible evidence of your impact and helps the reader understand the scope and scale of your achievements. For example, you can mention the percentage increase in customer satisfaction, the amount of cost savings you achieved, or the timeframe in which you completed a project.

The most important questions to ask when compiling your accomplishments for a resume

• How can I improve my accomplishment statements?  Develop clear, value-driven statements that highlight the impact of your work. Use specific action verbs throughout your resume accomplishments. Also, keep in mind to take credit for your work.  Use strong verbs that show what you can achieve, not just that you can follow directions.
• Does each of my achievements begin with an action verb?  Remember: action verbs can breathe life into dull, overused statements. They highlight the action you took and hint at the impressive results it garnered. Apart from being the norm for resume writing, it also makes it easier for the reader to understand your achievements during a quick scan.
• Have I added enough credibility to my resume accomplishments?  The best way to establish credibility and add context to your achievements is to quantify them. Using statistics helps the employer gauge your value and makes your accomplishments more impactful.

Here are 65+ resume accomplishment examples across various fields and industries:

• Grew the organization’s product ( Gillette ) market share in the Latin American market by 27% in 3 years.
• Exceeded sales goals by an average of 12% each year since 2013.
• Grew the affiliate database from 118 to over 1122 in 6 months without increasing the monthly budget.
• Coordinated daily activities of 35 employees and prepared weekly updates and reports to track performance and productivity across 6 departments.
• Carried out over 8 real estate showings per week on metropolitan properties valued between $10 million and $25 million.
• Increased revenue Zara fashion in new European markets to $454.1 million in under 2 years.
• Created and deployed successful social media ad campaigns with a monthly budget of $3,500.
• Coordinated a weekly newsletter sent out to over 350 stakeholders and partners.
• Expanded the company’s client base by 47% in 3 months as a sales representative.
• Prepared and implemented a software training program for 45 associate-level employees.
• Provided timely financial reports that led to business improvement and a 25% drop in company costs in 2023.
• Offered financial advice on crypto assets and investments to 50+ executives.
• Contributed to over $65,000 in profits in 2023 through proposed system changes and investment strategies.
• Wrote 400+ relevant and helpful articles and increased organic website traffic by 21%1.
• Trained 10 content writers on content generation and high-impact writing, which improved Google rankings in 2023.
• Created press releases that landed in the Wall Street Journal, Business Week, and Financial Times.
• Led the design of a Data-Boosted Ad feature with enhanced targeted ad serving.
• Implemented new accounting software, reducing manual data entry by 50% and saving 10 hours per week.
• Managed a student organization budget of more than $7,500.
• Developed and executed marketing campaigns that resulted in a 13% increase in sales revenue.
• Led a cross-functional team to successfully launch a new product within the deadline.
• Resolved 1500 number of customer complaints, maintaining a high customer satisfaction rate.
• Achieved 18% increase in productivity by implementing new workflow procedures.
• Received recognition for outstanding performance and awarded Employee of the Month.
• Managed a team of 450 employees, coordinating their tasks and achieving project goals.
• Increased website traffic by 33% through search engine optimization strategies.
• Developed and implemented a customer retention program that reduced churn rate by 15%.
• Streamlined inventory management processes, resulting in a 12% reduction in stockouts.
• Achieved 12% growth in sales revenue through effective relationship building with key clients.
• Led a team that achieved 15% improvement in customer satisfaction ratings.

Customer Service Examples

• Reduced time spent on inventory by 15% by reorganizing warehouse design
• Maintained a 97% satisfaction rating over a 24-month period as a customer care representative
• Increased client retention by 59% by implementing an efficient grievance resolution process and customer feedback system
• Delivered an exceptional customer service experience, resolved issues, and shared benefits of additional services

Finance/Accounting Examples

• Improved relationships with international accounting teams, increasing response speeds to emails and messages by 33%
• Identified and implemented cost-saving measures, resulting in a 20% reduction in expenses
• Streamlined financial reporting processes, reducing the monthly closing time by 15%
• Led successful implementation of an automated invoice processing system, resulting in a 30% reduction in processing time

Sales Examples

• Increased the volume of distribution of branded supplements by 31% within a year on the pharmacy market
• Managed a team of five sales managers, consistently exceeding sales objectives by an average of 47% within the first 6 months.
• Suggested and implemented flexible payment options to increase customer retention by 12%

Computer Science Examples

• Developed and deployed a web application that improved user experience and increased website traffic by 40%.
• Implemented an algorithm that optimized data processing, reducing processing time by 50% and improving system efficiency.
• Collaborated with a team to design and develop a mobile app that received a 4-star rating on app stores and gained over 100,000 downloads.
• Led a software development project, successfully delivering the product within the specified timeline and budget, resulting in client satisfaction and repeat business.
• Contributed to the development of a machine learning model that improved accuracy by 20% and enhanced the performance of a recommendation system.

Management Examples

• Led a team of 15 sales representatives, resulting in a 30% increase in monthly sales revenue
• Implemented a new performance management system that improved employee productivity by 20%
• Developed and executed a cost-saving initiative that reduced departmental expenses by 15%
• Successfully managed a project with a budget of $1 million, delivering it on time and within budget
• Implemented a customer relationship management (CRM) system, resulting in a 25% improvement in customer retention
• Led a team in achieving a 95% customer satisfaction rating through effective customer service strategies

Resume Accomplishment Examples for Students

• Elected president of the student body for the academic years 2012-2014
• Implemented an innovative yearbook campaign, increasing ad revenues by 33% YoY
• Designed and implemented a student social media strategy on Instagram , which increased enrolment by 21%

Resume Achievements Examples for Freshers

• Received academic awards or scholarships for outstanding performance, demonstrating academic merit and dedication.
• Completed a significant project with measurable outcomes, such as developing a software program, conducting research, or organizing an event.
• Managed part-time work as a cashier while studying, showcasing time management and multitasking abilitie

When it comes to your resume, less is more. Starting the accomplishments on your resume with an action verb followed by an impressive result can cement your position as a valuable team member. Yet, it should be easy to scan and quick to grab attention. Coincidentally, including impressive resume accomplishments is the best way to ensure that.

Keep in mind that prospective employers will want to see your work outcomes and focus on them throughout your resume.

• Work Experience Section The most common place to showcase your accomplishments is within the descriptions of your previous job roles. When listing your responsibilities and duties, be sure to include specific achievements and outcomes that demonstrate your skills and contributions. Use action verbs and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.
• Resume Summary Another effective place to include accomplishments is in your resume summary, which is a brief statement at the beginning of your resume that provides an overview of your qualifications. Use this section to highlight your most impressive achievements and showcase your value proposition to potential employers.
• Skills Section If you have specific accomplishments that are relevant to your skills, you can include them in your skills section. For example, if you have achieved certifications or awards related to your skills, you can mention them here to demonstrate your expertise.
• Awards Section If you have received any notable awards or recognition, you can create a dedicated section on your resume to highlight these accomplishments. This can help to further differentiate you from other candidates and showcase your exceptional performance.

It’s not necessary to create a separate section for your accomplishments. However, if you have a few very noteworthy accomplishments that you want to highlight, you can create an “Awards and Accomplishments” or “Key Achievements” section on your resume.

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77 Resume Accomplishment Examples

Potential employers see past success as an indication for future performance, that's why resume accomplishment statements are the most powerful part of your resume that can boost your chances of landing a job interview.

Accomplishment statements have a few principal components.

First and foremost, you should target your accomplishments at the specific position - one resume for one job position only. That means, customizing your bullet points every time by using keywords found in a job description and rearranging the most relevant information to appear in the top.

Secondly, statements need to stress your achievements and results instead of duties or responsibilities.

How to format your accomplishments into powerful statements? Start your resume accomplishments with action verbs, use numbers to prove results (numbers provide certainty), and finally enrich these statements by using keywords found in a job description.

If you would like to go deeper into the writing techniques, we have prepared the definitive guide of how to build a resume based on targeted accomplishments. You should check it out.

This article, however, is only about the examples. Use them as an inspiration for your own accomplishments statements which would lead you to a job you want.

• Sold high-tech products with an average price point of $18,000.
• Together with the sales team, planned and organized territory sales completing monthly goals of 100 meetings.
• Increased unit sales goals by 260% and generated over $90,000 in revenue in six months without prior training.
• Managed and maintained a portfolio of over 400 business clients.
• Developed new relationships with over 70 business clients, helping them to solve their business challenges.
• Worked independently and performed 80 - 100 daily cold calls, educating customers and building relationships.
• Produced and implemented retargeting sales campaigns based on Facebook Pixel and other data tracking technologies.
• Developed successful telemarketing programs that targeted potential business clients, reducing the time of product introduction.
• Based on sign-ups for marketing lists, created 20+ email templates that were implemented as a company standard, resulting in positive feedback from the sales teams and customers.

Customer Service

• Delivered an exceptional customer service experience, resolved issues and shared benefits of additional services. Recognized for being positive, intuitive, and client-centric.
• Promptly responded to around 70 general telephone and email inquiries per day regarding existing business accounts.
• Managed 100 clients' data quarterly and maintained individual customer service about up-to-date knowledge of account changes, operations, and financial options.
• Motivated co-workers by encouraging teamwork, rewarding positive behavior, and promoting optimism.
• Demonstrated organizational skills by cross-training and providing backup for other customer service representatives when needed.
• Greeted and assisted customers with various issues, introduced protection programs, and additional service packages.

Office Administrative Assistant

• Performed daily administrative functions such as answering calls and emails, scheduling meetings, writing multiple reports and other forms.
• Provided constant and reliable administrative support to 20 office team members.
• Assisted the HR manager by maintaining personnel files for job applicants as well as active and terminated employees.
• Maintained, coordinated and updated the client database, records and mailing lists.
• Maintained an inventory of office supplies.

Office Receptionist

• Transformed manual processes into a computerized, well-documented standard operating procedures system (SOP).
• Performed daily administrative functions such as answering calls and emails, greeting visitors, invoicing, and maintaining the inventory of office supplies.
• Managed and prepared multiple reports, spreadsheets, documents and other forms and handled all media and PR inquiries.
• Scheduled meetings and managed the calendar, took the meeting minutes and forwarded the minutes via email to all the partners.

Assistant Manager

• Directly assisted the e-commerce manager in performing internal marketing functions, including keyword and competitor analysis for sales purposes.
• Responsibly administrated the manager's MS Office documents, forms, emails, and calendar.
• Monitored, documented and prepared weekly expense and performance status reports.
• Prepared graphical presentations for sales meetings.
• Assisted three project managers in performing multiple internal marketing functions such as doing keyword and content analysis for a client's digital media advertisements.
• Directly administrated seven marketing and PR campaigns in my first year.

Executive Administrative Assistant

• Supervised the CEO's calendar, handled meetings and inquires. Ensured clear communication from the executive to project teams.
• Coordinated executive off-sites and other events for up to 800 employees.
• Coordinated catering for annual staff forum, negotiated terms and pricing agreements, saving at least $30K annually.
• Managed all documentation, designed and implemented various documents and business cards, monitored email, and replied on behalf of the CEO with regard to related issues.
• Successfully headhunted and recruited more than 300 professionals via LinkedIn and alumni databases, ensuring background checks, individual offerings as well as contacting uprising talents.
• Maintained a positive work environment by surprising employees with weekly actions, such as yoga or morning musicians.
• Managed training programs for all new employees, including orientation, disciplinary procedures, safety, etc.
• Created and implemented a self-improving employee's training system with well-documented standard operating procedures (SOP) that were later adopted company-wide.
• Doubled the number of new job applicants by organizing and implementing an employer branding program with the help of a positive Glassdoor image, daily LinkedIn updates, monthly media coverage, etc.
• Developed and improved a step-by-step recruiting system with friendly job application forms, practice tests, and questionnaires for filtering 100 new daily resumes to find the top talent.

HR Assistant

• Organized various occasional and regular events, volunteering actions, and continued training programs which increased retention to 60% within three years.
• Invited at least 10 motivational speakers and industry experts to present lectures and speeches to employees on new industry standards and teaching them how to build confidence and morale in the workplace.
• Developed an employer manual covering training, disciplinary procedures, FSA, STD, PTO, FMLA policies and other information.
• Directly assisted the HR manager in performing internal HR functions such as managing resumes and preparing various business documents.
• Organized content for our employer branding strategy via channels such as Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and other media networks.
• Searched for professionals using LinkedIn and alumni databases, ensuring background checks and experience.
• Monitored, documented and prepared weekly and monthly performance status reports.

Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

• Installed, maintained and repaired high-technology equipment for the semiconductor industry, Stepper NSR-SF155 and NSR-1505G2A.
• Prepared BOQ and implemented SPC for various process steps to monitor 100% production quality.
• Designed and implemented a working two-channel encoder for an FM modulator within a six-week deadline.

Graphic Designer

• Designed, implemented and maintained 70+ WordPress and HTML websites using Adobe Creative Suite.
• Created, designed and presented 26 projects from concept to solution for clients and businesses.
• Worked closely with marketing project managers to maintain and revise the creative direction for a group of on average five projects/websites.
• Actively researched, followed and forecasted design trends to bring new ideas. Implemented company-level educational content and book reading practices at a later stage that led to better workflow and higher quality design production.
• Created 10-12 ads and imageries weekly, including flyers, banners, posters, logos and business cards.
• Developed and updated five websites.
• Generated and completed four full advertising campaigns using Adobe Creative Suite.
• Delivered design solutions under extremely tight deadlines.

Project Manager

• Solved internal financial business challenges by reducing projects' costs by 25% while employing young, but talented, external freelancers without negatively affecting the overall quality of the project.
• Managed, lead and coordinated various teams of up to 70 people to perform marketing programs. This included collaboration both with internal and external teams.
• Created, organized and implemented the company’s employee training program with the help of up-to-date educational book reading practices, which improved the ideas of the professional team members and workflow.
• Monitored 42 end-to-end marketing and PR projects.

Communication & Advertising

• Generated, produced and maintained 42 end-to-end marketing and PR projects of which three became viral stunts. Completed all the projects within an approved budget, timescale, and expected quality.
• Created, produced and presented six brainstorm ideas/projects from concept to a solution for client's brief.

Business Analyst

• Analyzed and architected financial intelligence models to measure complex data, cash flows, NPV, and ROI.
• Successfully connected internal sales, marketing as well as design teams and departments with external partners via Trello and Slack integrations, leading to 20% more efficient workflow and effective data tracking and sharing of projects.
• Developed successful business models resulting in a revenue increase of 4.4% from 2015 to 2016.
• Analyzed and architected business intelligence models to measure ROI. Monitored and reviewed options, risks, and costs of company's $5 million budget.
• Worked with multiple data sets to apply qualitative and quantitative customer research techniques and business profitability analysis that lead to exceeding monthly goals by 7% on a continuous basis.

Fund Manager

• Generated, produced and maintained all aspects of the fundraising steps: mailings, tele-fundraising, coordinating with the database administrator, and communication with development teams.
• Managed, lead and coordinated 60 projects and their budget deadlines, achieving an average annual return of 5.8%.
• Solved internal financial business challenges by reducing project costs by 25%, while employing young, but talented, external freelancers without negatively affecting the overall work quality.

Finance & Accounting

• Saved up to 25% on shipping costs by generating accurate reports for determining the cost, quality, and location of the inventory, and maximizing production efficiency.
• Prepared monthly and quarterly investment forecasts of $4M stock exchange fund to evaluate precise margin call.
• Performed external audits on +200 JEG listed companies, analyzing their financial statements, tax returns, expenditures, and revenues.

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How to write accomplishments for your resume

Work experience section

Accounting & finance examples, medical industry, engineering examples, marketing resume accomplishments examples, government accomplishments for your resume, administrative resume achievements, accomplishments for your education resume, hospitality industry examples, it resume accomplishments, human resources achievements for your resume, sales resume achievements, transport and logistics resume accomplishments , real estate industry , social work, business & management, construction industry resume achievement examples, sport & fitness resume accomplishments, beauty & wellness.

While a resume should be a factual account of the highs of your career, there is a lot more to describing your accomplishments than outlining what you did. The hiring manager should be able to imagine you doing similar things when they hire you, so transpose your accomplishments into the new setting where possible. 

Do the thinking leg work for them - make it obvious exactly why you will be able to do a fantastic job.

This guide on how to write accomplishments for resume will:

• Look at the different types of accomplishments to list.
• Explore how to construct an impressive accomplishment.
• Look at where to list the achievement in the resume.
• Share some work accomplishment examples by industry sector.

Let’s start with the key question: what should I write for accomplishments?

List of accomplishments for a resume

There are different scenarios that may be considered an accomplishment for a resume.

All involve a concerted action on the part of the candidate to bring a benefit (financial or otherwise) for their employer. When you are choosing accomplishments for resume, it is important to consider the sorts of tasks that you will be asked to perform with your future employer and how they might impact the KPIs attached to your role. How do you answer what is your biggest accomplishment? 

Here is a list of accomplishments for a resume that you can use as an inspiration or direct basis for your own:

• Increased sales or profit margins
• Financial cost savings / improved bottom line
• Improved productivity in terms of time spent
• Solutions that you found to unsolved problems
• Innovations or ideas that have led to a step-change
• Processes improved and procedures developed
• Awards that you have won (with a reason why)
• Promotion to a different role in the company
• Impact on the development of those around you
• Offer outstanding service to customers or clients

In all of these situations, the accomplishment outlines the difference that you have made.

So, how do you go about creating a concise and powerful window onto your awesomeness? 

You’ve scheduled an interview for your dream job. So exciting! You really want to nail it and you know certain questions are coming: “What are your strengths?” followed by “What are your weaknesses?” but this is your dream job and you want to get these answers right.

How to list accomplishments in your resume

How do you explain accomplishments? There are two key aspects of crafting an impressive one-line accomplishment:

• Piecing together the three-part structure
• Ensuring that the accomplishment is quantifiable

A resume accomplishment structure typically consists of three parts:

• Action verb to demonstrate my skill
• Specific task that I completed.
• Quantifiable outcome for my company.

One of the hallmarks of a great cover letter is a sprinkling of relevant and ideally fairly original action verbs . 

Starting an accomplishment statement with a verb that outlines the skill that you have used is a great way to focus the attention of the reader. What are your greatest strengths ?

The task part of the accomplishment focuses on what you did.

Try to be as specific as possible to give the detail of exactly what led to the eventual result. If it is a team effort, be sure to highlight what your part entailed as otherwise it is easily misconstrued at interview.

An accomplishment would feel empty without an accompanying (successful and impressive) outcome. 

You might have created some new process, but unless you state how the process changed things for the better, the reader can equally assume that the impact may have been less than impressive. It is also critical that you are able to quantify the outcome.

What should I write for accomplishments? How do I measure them? There are three key ways to quantify the outcome of an accomplishment: timeframe, scale and range.

The timescale of the accomplishment allows the hiring manager to understand over which period the accomplishment took place. 

A 3% cost saving over a year is impressive, but over a six-year period it is definitely less so. If you don’t mention the timescale, the hiring manager will have to make assumptions, so if the timescale is praise-worthy, don’t forget it.

The scale of the accomplishment offers a sense of perspective.

You might have won $1.2m of business last year, but that achievement is so much more impressive if you mention that this was 70% of total sales (in a sales team of three). When you consider that employers differ significantly in terms of turnover and size, you have to give a sense of scale to highlight the achievement. What makes you proud of yourself?

Offering a range of results lets you quantify a larger number of actions.

For example, you may have negotiated over a hundred agreements during your employment, so offering an average cost saving or range of percentages for cost savings might be a useful indication of success. I saved the company between 4-10% on the cost price will give a broader idea of the volume of work that has been done.

So, you now know how to answer what your biggest accomplishment is, but where do you put this information in your resume?

Where to list accomplishments in a resume

There are two places that a hiring manager would expect a candidate to enthuse about their accomplishments: in the work experience section and in the resume summary.

Most resumes will contain a work experience section with 5-7 lines of text for each role, depending on the length of career. You can either include the accomplishment in the body of the text or if there are a number of them for one role, it may make sense to list them as a bullet-pointed list. In this list, highlight your major achievements, using quantifiable metrics wherever possible to illustrate your impact.

The summary at the top of the resume is where your job search elevator pitch needs to be particularly concise, so the brief and powerful format of an accomplishment sentence can cause a hiring manager to sit up and take notice. If the achievement is impressive enough, this can be a perfect way to begin your resume, right at the top of the document.

This section is essentially a snapshot of your professional life, and it should succinctly demonstrate your unique value proposition. A well-crafted summary featuring a key accomplishment not only showcases your skills but also reflects your ability to deliver results.

Should you put awards on your resume? Some resumes in certain industries may contain a separate section for awards . If awards are particularly important for your industry, then this may make sense. Otherwise it is probably best to include as a standout highlight in the summary (if particularly impressive) or as part of the work experience section next to the relevant role.

But what is an example of an accomplishment?

Achievements in resume by industry (examples)

Here are some examples of accomplishments for resume you can borrow or be inspired by for various industries and professions:

Financial analyst resume accomplishments example: Created a purchasing commodity price dashboard that led to 22% cost savings.

Accountant resume achievement example: Handled tax reporting for more than 50 clients, saving them money via returns and other methods, as well as streamlining the process to be quick and efficient.

Financial advisor resume accomplishments example:  Advised over 100 clients over 3 years on ways to maximize savings and choose the best investment strategies, increasing their passive income up to 80%.

Clinic coordinator resume achievement sample: Implemented a prescription tracking system and mobile app with 80% take up.

Child psychologist resume accomplishments example: Handled over 20 complex child psychology cases and patients per quarter, lending comprehensive support to the children, as well as advising their families on the best developmental and mental healthcare methods.

Nurse achievements for resume : Performed physical exams, health assessments and basic medical procedures for more than 150 patients per month in one of the largest hospitals in the county (with a level 4 Trauma Center), supporting the medical staff in the ICU.

Research engineer accomplishment sample: Designed inflation system for an intragastric balloon - market leader within 18 months.

Health and safety engineer achievement example for a resume: Led the QA team on inspections and routine checks for health and safety standards on 12 factory-level industrial sites. Developed advanced safety procedures for a biofuel plant with over 300 workers.

Electrical engineer : Handled routine and emergency maintenance as a member of the engineering and repairs team at the largest automotive factory in the state (200 workers and over 500 pieces of complex electrical equipment).

How do I summarize my accomplishments? Your accomplishments should be included in your resume in every section, so don't feel that you have to confine them to the employment history. Go with the big guns in your summary, infuse them through the skills section and make sure that your training and education hint at how you made them happen. It is important to be concise, where possible, which is hard when you feel such pride.

Digital marketing manager : Increased occupancy by 45% with a summer dining campaign across five social platforms for one of the top 5 fast food chains in the country.

Creative director : Coordinated the art and production departments of an award-winning creative agency, launched 25 successful video ad campaigns with high ROI, as well as 4 country-wide fashion billboard campaigns with an emphasis on innovative graphic design.

Social media manager : Handled community relations, event-related content and day-to-day engagement posts for a massive FMCS brand over 4 social media platforms with a following of 30,000+ people.

Federal resume achievement examples:

• Implemented an organizational communication matrix to decrease planning time by 22%
• Coordinate a department of 55 employees, implementing at least 4 successful community-based projects per quarter
• Organized the supply and procurement system for the largest correctional facility in the state

Administrative assistant example : Organised travel for 60 press trips and 40 journalists, tripling press coverage over two years. 

Office manager example :  Handled office supplies, company events and organized the work of the administrative department for the company HQ with over 450 employees.

Receptionist resume accomplishments sample: Received and processed guests, organized the reception log and documentation as well as the shift schedule in the regional office of a Fortune 500 company.

How to think about describing an accomplishment  

Identify : Start by thinking about your work, educational, or personal history to identify a significant achievement. 

Align : Try to choose an accomplishment that aligns well with the job requirements. For example, if you're applying for a leadership role, select an accomplishment that demonstrates your ability to lead and motivate.

STAR Method : Structure your answer using the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Describe the situation you were in, the task you were assigned, the actions you took, and the results of these actions.

Quantify : Where possible, quantify the achievement. Did you save your company money? Increase efficiency? Boost sales? Numbers can drive your point home and show that you deliver results.

School administrator example : Created literacy strategy for dyslexic students to deliver to 190 district teaching colleagues.

Teacher accomplishments example : Taught a Spanish language class with 25+ students during the pandemic, developing new remote teaching methods for effective learning and student engagement via Zoom calls.

Tutor resume achievement sample: Tutored future engineering, biology and chemistry college students for their SATs, consistently helping my pupils achieve scores of 1300-1400.

Restaurant manager accomplishment for a resume: Reorganised the serving process and retrained staff to increase diner footfall by 22%.

Server accomplishment for a resume: Served food and helped with cleanup (as well as sanitation and COVID-19 safety measures) in an establishment with over 30 tables.

Bartender resume achievement sample: Rose from barback duties in one of the top craft bars in Chicago to the position of head bartender, developing a cocktail menu with 15 unique drinks as well as 25 classic cocktails. Helped the head chef with a food pairing menu and trained new bar staff for 2 years.

Web developer : Designed and developed the architecture of a virtual store to improve LFL sales by 18%.

Data analyst : Led the Big Data team for one of the Top 10 outsourcing firms in the country, coordinating data acquisition and processing

Software developer : Took part in 12 product launches in an IoT development company as a mid and then - a senior developer, using Java, Python and C languages on various projects. Explored the applications of blockchain technology for the R&D department.

How do you describe your accomplishments when you don't like talking about yourself? During a job search this may prove to be an issue - especially if you are not your own biggest fan. This is more common than you may think. When you come to write your resume accomplishments, look at yourself from the kindest possible perspective. You have to be your own salesperson, so this is the only place to start. Maybe look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself a your career story. Understand how many amazing things you have done and how you will be able to add value to a future employer. Talking about yourself will then become a little easier.

Human resources assistant achievement example: Introduced a mobile comms strategy that resulted in 23% less time being spent in meetings.

Human resources manager resume accomplishment: Led the adoption effort for a company-wide CRM and employee happiness management system for 400 employees that included task management, sick leave and vacations. Recruiter achievement for a resume: Was part of the recruitment team for a large software development company, successfully negotiated 30 junior developers and 25 senior developers into the interview stages, with a hiring rate of over 65%.

Sales associate accomplishment for a resume: Exceeded annual sales quota by an average of 45% over the last six years.

Account manager resume achievement sample: Handled contracts for 5 multi-million dollar clients of an electronics manufacturing company, successfully meeting quarterly goals and deadlines.

Sales manager example : Reorganized the sales department of a luxury real estate firm, increasing the sales figures and results of all sales reps and sales campaigns by an average of 35% over 2 years.

Logistics manager : Speaking at 15 conferences - relationships with distributors led to market share gain of 27%.

Logistics coordinator : Developed and implemented an inventory management system for 12 warehouses, over 3000 sq. feet of space each.

Delivery driver : Handled deliveries of fast-spoiling goods during rush hour in downtown Chicago, with over 40 delivers a day.

How do I list my accomplishments so that they flow naturally rather than a series of machine-gun like points? Well, given the factual and limited nature of a resume, bullet points are actually an incredibly effective method of conveying information. Your summary section and cover letter will allow you to tell a little more of a story, but short and sharp accomplishments will hit hard if they are relevant and quantifiable.

Architect resume accomplishment: Haines & Barton building design won “best small office” in the 2018 NY IntDes awards.

Realtor resume achievement sample:  Closed more than 120 real estate deals over 2 years, from small homes to luxury mansions.

Interior decorator accomplishment example: Designed large-scale office spaces for IT and biotech companies, with areas of over 1000 square feet and high demands for office ergonomics, comfort and aesthetics. 

Youth services specialist : Ran addiction workshop for 90 local teenagers, increasing needle amnesty participation.

Nanny : Handled childcare, household chores and minor educational tasks for 15 families over 8 years. 

Drug and alcohol counselor : Counseled 150 people during a period of 2 years on matters of drug addiction, recovery and mental healthcare issues.

Business analyst achievement example : Process optimization resulted in +15% OTIF dispatch, and $500k saved in annual stock loss.

Procurement manager resume accomplishment: Increased procurement budget savings by 34% over a period of 2 years by implementing a new sourcing and tendering strategy.

Business development manager sample accomplishment for a resume: Led the establishment of 6 branch offices in the LATAM and Asia-Pacific regions, acquiring 12 new large clients in these markets over 3 years.

What is the best type of accomplishment? For me, turning around a bad situation is more impressive than marginally improving something that was going fine. Showing courage to do something that has never been done before is one of the best ways to make a step change. Sure, it might not always go to plan, but if you don't try you will never know and you can always learn that little bit more from the inevitable odd failure.

Construction manager : Implemented new safety training for all contractors reducing workplace incident rate by 12%.

Structural engineer : Provided structural evaluations and design services for 320  homes in the Seattle area.

Construction worker : Managed safety compliance for 4 job sites during multimillion-dollar dormitory renovation project.

Football coach : Trained over 20 college football teams over the years, leading to 4 championship wins and more than 30 scholarships for my students.

Fitness instructor : Worked at a high-end fitness club, performed in-depth fitness assessments for 250 clients over 3 years before creating individual fitness plans.

Nutritionist accomplishment sample for a resume: Developed health and dietary plans for 200 sports club customers per quarter, implemented corporate meal plans for b2b clients.

Hair stylist resume accomplishment: Provided styling services and hairdressing services for 35 brides and over 100 prom clients during the spring and summer season of 2018.

Salon receptionist resume achievement example: Worked the reception area (handling appointments) of a high-traffic hair salon, with up to 700 visitors per month.

Spa manager : Coordinated the work of 30+ employees ranging from aestheticians to massage therapists (as well as administrative and cleaning staff) in a high-end wellness and spa clinic.

Key Takeaways

Most people will write and rewrite their resume a few times and much of their effort will be spent quantifying and refining the appropriate accomplishments that will demonstrate that they are worthy of getting the job. To sum up, these are the steps they should be taking:

• Structure your accomplishments with three parts – action verb, task and outcome
• Quantify the achievements by using: timeframe, scale and range
• Select which ones to include in the summary and work experience sections
• Make sure that they are standout examples of excellence in your industry sector

Have a look at some examples of accomplishments in our resume examples section. We are sure that you will be able to find some inspiration to take your resume to the next level.

At home, abroad, working, interning?  Wherever you are this summer, contact OCS or make an appointment for a virtual advising session. We are available all summer! 

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Writing Impactful Resume Bullets

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Resume Accomplishment Statements

Accomplishment statements are the bullets/sentences under the experience section of your resume that describe and quantify your achievements, results, and successes from prior internship, student organization, volunteer, military, or education experiences. When writing these statements, don’t just list your role, responsibilities, and tasks; employers want to also know how you can contribute to their team or organization. Provide specific examples of the impact you made and the value you added during those experiences.

The following guidelines will help you start the process of writing strong accomplishment statements that highlight your qualifications and demonstrate your skills. Before you start writing accomplishment statements, consider the following:

❓ Have I ever : Improved something? Achieved more with fewer resources or money? Reduced costs? Improved productivity? Saved time? Increased recruitment numbers? Designed, developed, or implemented a new process, program or product? Brought diverse constituents together to accomplish something? Improved morale? Solved a pressing problem? Managed or led a team? Presented complex information clearly? Successfully multitasked? Dedicated long hours of work to accomplish something within a short timeframe? Balanced extracurricular/outside commitments with coursework? Took initiative without anyone asking? Received awards or positive performance reviews?

❓ Also consider: What are you most proud of? What would others you have worked with say about your contribution? How have organizations benefited from your work? What special projects have you worked on and what was the outcome? What is the tangible evidence of your accomplishments?

Guidelines for Creating Impactful Resume Accomplishment Statements

1. utilize the action + project + result format.

• Project : Group related tasks together into more meaningful projects or activities
• Action : Choose an action verb that describes what YOU did and what YOUR contribution was (NOT your TEAM!) to the project/activity. Highlight what SKILLS you made use of or gained through this experience
• Result : Pitch the result and impact of your work. QUANTIFY the result and impact in terms of % improvement or % increase. If your work resulted (or will result) in a publication or patent, mention that

✏️ Write it out : [A] Choose an action verb + [P] Name a project you completed or problem you solved + [R] Describe the results you achieved, quantifying when possible

2. Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y] by doing [Z] Format

✏️ Write it out : [X] Lead with the impact you delivered + [Y] Numerically measure what you accomplished + [Z] Detail specifically what you did

Converting to Result Bullets: Before and After

• Worked with a student leadership committee to increase member participation
• Contributed to system for streamlined application submissions and tracking
• Selected for scholarship
• Led a 5-person leadership team to increase student participation by 100% from 50 to 100 members by creating a stronger social media presence
• Collaborated with the IT team to develop an online application submission and tracking system, reducing cost by 10%
• Selected as one of 230 participants nationwide, based on top class rank coupled with community engagement work
• Use Powerful Action Verbs : While each bullet starts with an action verb, certain action verbs sound more impactful than others. e.g. led, created, developed
• Quantify your Impact : Before revision, bullets are focused mostly on describing activities, not outcomes. It is important to numerically measure what you accomplished through your actions
• Contextualize Your Accomplishment : Provide a baseline for comparison to make it easier for recruiters to understand your accomplishment

Converting to Skill Bullets: Before and After

• Explored the evolutionary origins of various cognitive processes by studying capuchin monkeys
• Looked at branding and marketing strategies of Company X in comparison to competitors
• Worked with fellow interns to put on a conference
• Delivered key insights on the evolutionary origins of cognitive processes by researching and analyzing over 100 years of literature on capuchin monkeys
• Compiled an overview of the competitive landscape for Company X by conducting expert interviews and online research
• Facilitated collaboration among 5-person intern team to put on a conference; divided tasks based on expertise, developed a feasible timeline, and kept team on task and within budget
• Pitch Your Skills : Highlight transferable skills you gained from your past experience that your future employer will value (e.g. research, analytic skills, teamwork, communication skills, leadership)
• Be Specific : The inclusion of relevant details shows the reader that the candidate is capable of making an impact in the organization

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Resume Revamp: How to Turn Your Duties Into Accomplishments

You often hear that your resume should list your accomplishments, not your job duties .

And it’s true—accomplishment statements are the best way to showcase the amazing things you’ve done at your past jobs, plus show prospective employers what you can do for them. Your list of weekly assignments? Not so much.

So why do the majority of resumes out there still look like job descriptions? Well, because turning job duties into accomplishments is a tough concept to grasp. But once you get it—I promise, you’ll have smooth sailing in your resume-writing future.

So grab your resume, and sit down with our step-by-step guide to ditching the duties and making those bullet points sing your praises.

1. Know the Difference

Plain and simple, a duty describes what you did and an accomplishment describes how well you did it. For example, “planned events” would be considered a job duty, whereas “raised $100,000 by selling out tickets to a 200-person charity event” is an accomplishment.

Why is this so important? You want to tell the person reading your resume something she doesn’t already know. For the most part, hiring managers will understand what duties are associated with your job titles. It’s common knowledge that, for example, an Executive Assistant will answer phones, manage files, and provide customer service. So, putting those statements as bullets on your resume only uses up valuable space. On the other hand, by including accomplishments, you paint a picture of your abilities—one that will sell yourself.

So now that you understand the difference, how do you make the change?

2. Make a List

Get started by compiling a list of all the things that set you apart. For each of the positions on your resume, ask yourself the following:

• What did I do that was above and beyond my normal job duties?
• How did I stand out among other employees?
• Was I ever recognized by a supervisor for a job well done? When and why?
• Did I win any awards or accolades?
• What new processes did I implement to improve things?
• What problems did I solve?
• Did I ever consistently meet or exceed goals or quotas?
• Did I save the company money?
• What made me really great at my job?

3. Paint the Picture With Numbers

Then, take your list, and add in as many facts, figures, and numbers as you can. How many people were impacted by your work? By what percentage did you exceed your goals? Instead of saying you effectively managed a budget, list how much money you managed, and how much money you saved.

By quantifying your accomplishments, you not only make them easier to understand, you really allow the hiring manager to picture the level of work or responsibility you needed to achieve this accomplishment.

Read More: How to Write Resume Bullets That’ll Make the Hiring Manager Pay Attention

4. Add the Benefit

Then, take each statement one step further and add in what the benefit was to your boss or your company. By doing this, you clearly communicate not only what you’re capable of, but also the direct benefit the employer will receive by hiring you. And let’s face it, everyone wants to know what’s in it for them!

So, say you have “created 20 client reports each month” on your list. Instead, write something like “created and prepared 20 weekly and monthly status reports to ensure clients consistently received timely and complete information.”

Reading that, a hiring manager will automatically see that, if she hires you, you’ll be able to develop ways to provide great service to their clients. When you include the benefit, you more effectively sell the tangible things you can bring to the company.

A resume full of accomplishments is the best way to show off what you can do and set you up for your next success: landing a great new job.

How to Write a Resume for Today’s Job Market

To get more job interviews, you must create a resume that is optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS). Learn how in this step-by-step guide.

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Learning how to write a resume is a crucial skill for job seekers—it’s how you market yourself to potential employers.

A well-crafted resume summarizes your professional experience, skills, and achievements. It should grab the hiring manager’s attention and show them them why:

• You’re the perfect match for the job.
• The skills you have will make the company money.
• You’re qualified to solve the company’s problems.
• You’ll be worth your salary.
• Your accomplishments can be measured and verified.

But in today’s job market, it’s not enough to write an effective resume. You must also tailor each one to the job you’re applying for. Why? Because most companies today use applicant tracking systems, or ATS, to sort and filter the large volume of resumes they receive.

If you’re resume doesn’t contain the specific keywords hiring managers are searching for, it won’t be found—even if you’re qualified for the job!

In this guide, you’ll learn how to write a resume that stands out in today’s job market. We’ll show you how to present yourself as the ideal candidate, highlight the skills that will benefit potential employers, and ensure your resume is compatible with ATS.

How to write a resume that gets interviews

Here’s a quick overview of the basic steps for writing a professional resume. Follow these steps to make your resume clear, concise, and appealing.

Gather all relevant data about your work experience, skills, achievements, and education.

Select a format that’s right for you, whether it’s chronological, functional, or hybrid., clearly list your name, phone number, email, and key social media profiles., create a compelling headline that includes the job title you’re applying for., write a brief statement that summarizes your key achievements and value you offer., list the skills you have that align closely with the job requirements., detail your past job roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments., include your educational degrees, certifications, and relevant training., showcase any relevant honors, awards, and volunteer work., tailor your resume by focusing on the experiences and skills that are most relevant to the job..

Before you start working on your resume, remember that your resume is not your biography. You’re not telling the story of your life. Instead, your resume should be a targeted document meant to showcase the skills and experiences that match the job you want .

This means that if something is not relevant to your targeted job, leave it out . With this in mind, let’s start building your resume!

1. Gather your essential information before you start

Before diving into the actual resume writing, it’s crucial to collect all the necessary information you’ll need. This preparatory step ensures that the resume writing process is smooth and that you don’t miss any important details.

• Significant achievements : List standout accomplishments from previous roles that demonstrate your contributions and successes.
• Skills : Compile a list of your soft, hard, and technical skills that align with those required by the job you’re targeting.
• Employment history : Provide detailed information about past employers, including their names, your dates of employment, locations, job titles, and a clear description of your duties.
• Education : Document your academic qualifications like college degrees, certifications, or licenses that prove your expertise in relevant fields.
• Volunteer work : Include any voluntary engagements where you developed skills pertinent to the job you are seeking.
• Awards and honors : Mention any notable recognitions you’ve received that underscore your exceptional talents and commitment.

When you gather your information, include everything you can think of. You can cut information that’s not relevant to a specific job later.

2. Choose a resume format that’s right for you

A  resume format  is the way you organize, or lay out, your information. There is no one-size fits all resume format. Instead, there are three different types of formats to choose from – chronological, functional, and hybrid. Which format you choose depends on your particular situation.

The chronological resume format

This is the most traditional resume format, especially for job seekers with lots of relevant experience.

The chronological resume format lists your work history in reverse chronological order , with your most recent jobs listed first. Your skills and education should come after your work history in this format.

• Have a strong work history showing steady career growth without significant employment gaps.
• Are staying in the same field and want to highlight your experience and advancements within that field.
• Want to highlight career progression and professional achievements over time.

The functional resume format

This resume format focuses on your skills rather than your work history. It helps you downplay your lack of experience in a particular field.

In this format, your skills and education should be emphasized over your work history.

• Are changing careers and want to emphasize transferable skills over past job titles.
• Have gaps in employment and want to focus on skills rather than work experience.
• Are new to the workforce and want to highlight skills, coursework, and internships.

NOTE : Generally speaking, we don’t recommend the functional resume format . Recruiters want to see some kind of work history. Instead of the functional format, try the next resume format—the hybrid.

The hybrid resume format

A hybrid resume is a combination of the chronological resume and the functional resume. It showcases both your work history and your skills.

In this format, your skills comes before your work history. But your work history is still the heart of your resume, just like in the chronological format.

• Have lots of skills that are relevant to the job you are targeting.
• Are climbing the career ladder within the same field.
• Are changing roles within the same industry and want to highlight your relevant skills.

We like the hybrid resume  because it offers the best of both worlds, combining the strengths of the chronological and the functional resume formats.

3. Put your contact information at the top of your resume

This section might appear simple, but it’s important. If hiring managers can’t contact you, you won’t get an interview.

• Phone number
• Location (City, State, Zip Code)
• Email Address
• LinkedIn profile URL

It’s surprising how often job seekers forget a crucial piece of contact information. Double-check to make sure it’s as easy as possible for recruiters to contact you for a job interview.

Here’s an example:

Contact information do’s and don’ts

• Include your full name, including your middle initial.
• Include a link to your professional website or online portfolio.
• Create a strong LinkedIn profile and be sure to include the URL on your resume.
• Don’t write your full address; only your city, state, and zip code.
• Don’t include a work phone number; only your personal number.
• Don’t add a photo of yourself . This can lead to bias or discrimination.

4. Create a compelling resume headline

Your resume headline comes right after your contact information. At the very least, your headline should clearly identify the title of the job you’re applying for.

Is putting the job title in the headline necessary? Yes! “Think of your resume as a maze,” says resume expert Laura DeCarlo . “It has to have a visible entrance or no one would ever get started.” Without a headline, “the prospective employer won’t know for which position you are applying.”

Your headline can also include years of experience and key qualifications. Here’s an example:

Resume headline do’s and don’ts

• Tailor your headline to each job you apply for.
• Keep your headline under ten words to make sure it packs a punch.
• Position yourself as an expert in your field.
• Don’t use clichés such as “hard worker” or “team player.” Be specific.
• Don’t be too salesy. Focus on giving a snapshot of your skills and experience.
• Don’t make your headline too long. Cut to the chase.

5. Write your resume summary

A resume summary is a brief paragraph that provides an overview of your qualifications for the role you’re applying for. Most expert resume writers today highly recommend using a summary.

“One of the most common mistakes I see in resumes is the absence of a targeted introductory paragraph at the beginning of the resume,” says career coach Suzanne Berger . “Keep in mind that recruiters or hiring managers only spend 10 to 20 seconds reviewing your resume, so it is important to make an impact from the start.”

As you can see from the following example, your summary goes right under your resume headline:

Your resume summary should include a concise overview of your key qualifications, professional achievements, and skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

Here’s a formula you can use to write your summary, followed by an example:

[Your Professional Title] with [Years of Experience] years of experience. Proven track record in [Top Achievement 1] and [Top Achievement 2] . Skilled in [Skill 1] , [Skill 2] , and [Skill 3] . Known for [Unique Value or Strength] .

Marketing Manager with 8 years of experience . Proven track record in increasing online engagement by 40% and boosting lead generation by 30% . Skilled in content creation, data analysis, and strategic planning . Known for exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage and inspire teams to exceed corporate objectives .

Resume summary do’s and don’ts

• Use numbers to show that you are able to produce tangible outcomes.
• Incorporate keywords from the job description whenever possible.
• Write your resume summary last because you’ll then have a fuller picture of your experiences and skills.
• Don’t just list your job duties; instead focus on your accomplishments.
• Don’t use personal pronouns (I, me, or my).
• Don’t make your summary too long; keep it to no more than 3-4 sentences.

6. Create your skills section

When we talk about keywords, we are mostly talking about skills .

There are two main types of skills— hard and soft . Hard skills are specific abilities you learn through education or training, like using certain software or speaking a foreign language. Soft skills are more about how you work and interact with others, such as teamwork, communication , and flexibility.

You should place your skills section under your resume summary. List your skill set using bullet points, either in columns or in a bullet-point format. Try to include 10 to 20 key skills in this section.

IMPORTANT! The way the same skill is worded in a job description can vary from company to company. This is why it’s crucial to tailor each resume to the job you’re applying to.

For example, here are three different ways of listing essentially the same skill:

• Customer Service
• Client Relations
• Customer Support

If the job description lists “customer support” and you have “customer service” on your resume, the hiring manager might not find your resume when searching through the ATS database — even though you do have that skill.

To make sure you’re using the right keyword skills, run your resume through Jobscan’s resume scanner . It compares your resume to the job description and tells you which skills to use.

You’ll also receive a resume score which tells you how closely your resume matches the job description. The higher your score the more likely you are to get an interview. Here’s an example of the report you’ll receive from the resume scanner:

The skills in red are missing from the resume. Add them to increase the resume score. You can read more about Jobscan’s resume scanner and how to try it for free here .

7. Create a compelling work history section

Now it’s time to get to the heart of your resume – the  work experience  section. This is the section employers will spend the most time looking at when they consider your resume.

Why is this section so critical? Because it’s where you provide the proof to support what you said about yourself in your resume headline, summary, and skills section.

Each job should include the following information and be listed in reverse-chronological order (latest job first).

• Company name and location – Include the full name of the company you worked for followed by the city and state of its location.
• Job title – Be as specific as possible to ensure that employers know exactly what your role was within the company.
• Start and end dates – Include the month and year for each position. If you only list the year, it may appear as though you are omitting information.
• Achievements and responsibilities – These can be listed using bullet points. Include hard numbers and metrics wherever possible.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when writing a resume is only listing their job responsibilities. These are tasks that you’re expected to perform as part of your job.

Listing your job responsibilities gives a potential employer an idea of what you did day-to-day. But it doesn’t reveal  how well you did it.

This is why it’s important to highlight your specific accomplishments. For example, if you increased sales, reduced costs, or implemented new processes or technologies, be sure to mention these accomplishments.

Here’s an example of a work experience section with measurable achievements :

To write strong bullet points for your work experience section, use Jobscan’s AI-powered bullet point generator. It creates bullet points based on the skills in the job description, highlighting your relevant qualifications. Try it for free here .

Work experience do’s and don’ts

• Use numbers to quantify your achievements whenever possible.
• Use action verbs to describe how you did something.
• Use the mm/yyyy format for resume dates .
• Don’t list more than 10 years of work experience unless it’s highly relevant.
• Don’t use the passive phrase “responsible for.” Instead, use active voice.
• Don’t list every single task you worked on; include only the most relevant.

8. Create your education and certification section

Your education section should appear after your work experience. If you’re applying to a job that requires extensive education (like medicine, law, or academia), you’ll need to be more detailed. But most job seekers can get away with providing only the following information on their resume:

• Name of the degree/certification: Write the full name of the degree or certification. Use commonly accepted abbreviations (e.g., B.A. in English, MBA, PMP).
• Institution name: Include the name of the university or institution that awarded the degree or certification.
• Location (optional): List the city and state if the location is relevant to the job or if the institution is well-known.
• Graduation date: Mention the month and year of graduation. For certifications, you can also include an expiration date if applicable.

Here’s an example of an education section on a resume:

Education section do’s and don’ts

• Bold your degree so that it stands out.
• List your education in reverse-chronological order.
• Include any relevant coursework, skills training, licenses, and certifications .
• Don’t mention your high school if you have a college degree.
• Don’t disclose your GPA unless you graduated recently and had a very impressive academic career (3.5 GPA plus).
• Don’t list an advanced degree if the job doesn’t require it.

9. Showcase honors, awards, and volunteer work

The key to this section is to only include honors and awards that are relevant to the job you’re applying to.

This can get a little tricky because if you do have honors or awards that are highly relevant, consider including them in your summary section. Otherwise, hiring managers might miss them if you only list them at the bottom of your resume.

If you have any  volunteer experience , it’s generally a good idea to add it to your resume.

According to a LinkedIn survey , 20% of employers say they have hired a candidate because of their volunteer experience. The survey also showed that job seekers who volunteer are 27% more likely to be hired than non-volunteers!

• The name of the organization.
• The dates of your service.
• A brief description of your duties and responsibilities.

Here’s an example of what this section of your resume can look like:

10. How can you tailor your resume to a specific job position?

Tailoring your resume to each specific job is not just recommended; it’s imperative . This is because most companies today use ATS computer software to manage and filter the enormous amount of resumes they receive.

When you submit your resume, it goes into an ATS database . Hiring managers search the ATS database for suitable resumes by typing keywords, or skills, into the ATS search bar. If your resume contains these keywords it will be found. If it doesn’t contain the right keywords, your resume will remain in the ATS database, unseen.

To tailor your resume, you must first read the job description. This is where you’ll find the keywords to add to your resume. Make sure you add those keywords exactly as they are written in the job description .

Unfortunately, tailoring each resume to the job description takes time and effort. The best way to speed up this process is to use an online tool like Jobscan’s resume scanner .

Just paste in your resume and the job description and click scan. You’ll receive a match report telling you how closely your resume matches the job ad. The report also tells you exactly which keywords to add to your resume to optimize it for the ATS. Try the scanner for free below:

Effective resume formatting tips

Properly formatting your resume makes it easy for hiring managers to find what they’re looking for. At the same time, good formatting helps the ATS understand your resume.

Remember, if the ATS can’t read your resume you won’t get the job!

Choose a professional, easy-to-read font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in size 10 to 12 for text and 14 to 16 for headings.

Clearly distinguish section headings with a larger font size, bold text, or underlining to guide the reader’s eye effectively through your resume., set your margins to at least 0.7 inches all around, ensuring that your resume looks balanced and does not appear overcrowded., avoid complex graphics, tables, headers, and footers, which can confuse ats software., break up blocks of text. a paragraph should never be longer than 5 lines., use standard headings like “work experience,” “education,” and “skills.” these are immediately recognizable to both hiring managers and ats., use the same style of bullets, text alignment, and line spacing throughout your document., align your text to the left. right-aligned or justified text can create irregular spacing between words, making your resume harder to read., save your resume file as a pdf to preserve your formatting across different platforms., proofread carefully one grammatical error can ruin your chances of getting a job., how to write a resume for students with no experience.

Creating a good resume without any work experience might seem tough, but you can still make a strong impression on employers by highlighting your skills and activities. Here’s how:

• Focus on your education : Put your education section at the top. Include details like your degree, major, relevant coursework, academic honors, and GPA if it’s above average.
• Include extracurricular activities : List any activities outside of class, like clubs, sports, or student government. Mention any leadership roles or responsibilities you’ve had.
• Add volunteer work and internships : Don’t forget to include volunteer positions, internships, or community service. These experiences show your willingness to work and learn.
• Highlight projects and academic achievements : Talk about any major projects or research you’ve done, especially if they relate to the job you want. Describe what you did and what you achieved.
• Skills section : Make a list of your skills, including technical skills (like computer software) and soft skills (like teamwork and communication).
• Professional summary : Start with a short summary that explains your career goals and your best qualities. Make it clear why you’d be a great fit for the job.

Here’s a sample of a resume for students with no experience:

How to match your cover letter to your resume

Matching your cover letter with your resume helps create a polished and cohesive application. Here’s how:

• Consistent formatting : Use the same font, header, and layout from your resume for your cover letter. This helps create a professional and unified appearance.
• Use similar language : Pick out key skills and phrases from your resume and include them in your cover letter. This reinforces your qualifications and aligns your application with the job requirements.
• Expand on key points : Choose one or two major achievements listed on your resume and elaborate on them in your cover letter. Explain how these experiences have equipped you for the job.
• Keep the tone the same : If your resume is formal, your cover letter should be too. If it’s more casual, your cover letter can be less formal as well.
• Address the job’s needs : Demonstrate how your experiences make you a good fit for the job. Show that you understand what the job involves and explain why you’re the right candidate.
• End with a call to action : Conclude by expressing your enthusiasm for the role and suggesting they look at your resume for more details. Ask them to contact you for an interview.

When you’re done writing your cover letter, run it through Jobscan’s  cover letter checker . This tool will tell you how to improve your cover letter. 

Hate writing cover letters? Use Jobscan’s  cover letter builder . This tool uses AI technology to generate an ATS-friendly cover letter with just one click.

10 standout resume examples to inspire you

These samples showcase a variety of styles and formats suited for different industries and career stages, giving you ideas on how to write a resume.

1. Sales manager resume example

2. Accountant resume example

3. Recruiter resume example

4. Bookkeeper resume sample

5. Digital marketing resume example

6. Teacher resume example

7. Customer service resume example

8. Office assistant resume example

9. Operations manager resume example

10. Technical writer resume example

Key takeaways

• Optimize for ATS : Today’s resumes must be tailored to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) by including specific keywords related to the job you’re applying for. This ensures your resume is seen by hiring managers.
• Tailored Resumes : Each resume should be customized to the job description, emphasizing relevant experiences and skills. This enhances your chances of standing out in a competitive job market.
• Resume Formats : Choose between chronological, functional, or hybrid formats based on your career history and the job requirements. Chronological is suitable for those with a strong, relevant job history; functional is best for career changers or those with gaps in employment; hybrid combines the strengths of both.
• Essential Elements : A resume should include a clear headline, a compelling summary, a detailed work history, relevant skills, and educational credentials. Each section should be crafted to showcase your qualifications and fit for the role.
• Skills and Keywords : Highlight both hard and soft skills that are directly relevant to the job. Using precise keywords from the job description in your resume ensures compatibility with ATS and increases the likelihood of your resume being selected.
• Quantifiable Achievements : Where possible, use metrics to quantify your accomplishments. This provides concrete evidence of your capabilities and impact in previous roles.
• Additional Sections : Including volunteer work, awards, and certifications can differentiate your resume. Ensure these are relevant to the job to keep the resume focused and impactful.
• Resume Building Tools : Utilize tools like resume builders and scanners (e.g., Jobscan) to construct a resume that matches job descriptions and optimizes for ATS, saving time and improving effectiveness.
• Format and Proofread : Proper formatting and thorough proofreading are essential to maintain professionalism. Ensure the resume is easy to read and free from errors, which can detract from your credibility.

Beginners can use the chronological format if they have some work experience, even if it’s part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work. However, if a beginner has little to no work experience, a functional format might be better. Include essential resume sections like contact information, a summary, education, and any relevant work experience or skills. Tailor your resume to the job by incorporating keywords from the job description. If you lack work experience, emphasize volunteer work, internships, and extracurricular activities that demonstrate your skills and commitment. Always proofread for errors before submitting your resume.

To make your resume stand out to recruiters, start by tailoring it specifically for each job application, incorporating keywords from the job description to align closely with the requirements. Highlight your achievements by quantifying them with specific numbers and outcomes, such as “increased sales by 20%” or “reduced processing time by 30%,” to demonstrate measurable success. Begin with a compelling professional summary that succinctly outlines your key qualifications and what you bring to the role, clearly establishing why you are the ideal candidate. Ensure your resume has a clean and professional layout, with logical sections and easy-to-read fonts, to facilitate quick review and make a strong first impression.

1) Gather information 2) Choose a format 3) Write contact information 4) Craft a headline and summary 5) Detail your experience and education 6) Highlight skills 7) Add additional sections 8) Tailor for the job 9) Proofread and edit 10) Finalize and save

To create a resume with no work experience , start with a functional format that emphasizes your skills and education. Begin with a strong summary statement that highlights your career goals and key skills. Place your education section prominently, including any relevant coursework or projects. List both hard and soft skills applicable to the job, and include any internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your abilities and work ethic. Mention any significant projects or achievements, especially those relevant to your desired job. Also, include any professional affiliations that show your interest in the industry. Ensure the resume is well-organized and clearly formatted to highlight your qualifications effectively.

Use Jobscan’s resume builder , which is specifically designed to help you craft an AI resume that is both appealing to hiring managers and optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). This tool provides templates and real-time content suggestions, helping you tailor your resume effectively for each job application. You can also use ChatGPT to write a resume for free . Just be sure to edit and personalize the results you get.

1) Log into your Google account, go to Google Docs, and either start a new document or use the template gallery. Jobscan also offers free Google Docs resume templates . 2) Select a resume template that fits the job you’re applying for from the template gallery. 3) Replace the template’s placeholder text with your personal information, including contact details, educational background, work experience, and skills. 4) Tailor the content to the job by adding relevant keywords from the job description and adjusting the format—like fonts and spacing—for clarity and appeal. 5) Double-check your resume for any errors and consider having someone else review it too. 6) Once satisfied, download your resume as a PDF or DOCX file , or share it directly via email or a shareable link.

1) Start the program and select “New” from the file menu to access templates. 2) Type “resume” in the template search bar to see available resume designs. 3) Choose a template that suits your needs, then replace the placeholder text with your personal details, including work experience, education, and skills. 4) Adjust the content to match the job description, using relevant keywords and highlighting your qualifications. 5) Modify font size, style, and colors to ensure the resume is clean and professional. 6) Check for any errors, and consider having someone else review it. 7) Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and make sharing easy. 8) Print for physical submissions or save digitally for online applications.

In 2024, resumes should be designed for clarity and ATS compatibility . Start with a professional layout that includes plenty of white space and a logical structure. The top should have your contact information—just your name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL , omitting a full address for privacy. Follow this with a concise professional summary, then list your work experience, skills, and education. The format should ensure easy readability for both human recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems, emphasizing a clean design without complex graphics or tables that could confuse the ATS software.

Choosing the right resume format depends on your career background: Chronological: Lists your work history in reverse chronological order, ideal for those with a solid work history. Functional: Focuses on skills rather than work history, suitable for career changers or those with gaps in employment. Combination: Mixes elements of both chronological and functional formats, highlighting skills followed by work history in reverse order. Good for those with significant skills and experiences.

The number of jobs you should include on your resume depends on your experience level and relevance to the role. Typically, if you’re early in your career with less than 10 years of experience, aim for 2-3 recent and relevant positions. For mid-career professionals, around 3-4 positions spanning the last 10-15 years is common. Experienced professionals may include the most pertinent roles from their extensive history, focusing on the past 10-15 years. Ensure each listed job directly relates to the position you’re applying for, prioritizing relevancy over quantity to present a focused and impactful resume.

A resume should typically be one to two pages long, with rare exceptions for highly experienced individuals or those in certain industries. Aim to keep it concise and focused on highlighting your most relevant qualifications and experiences for the position you’re applying for.

AI and machine learning have revolutionized resume screening by automating the process. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) use these technologies to quickly analyze resumes, searching for relevant keywords and qualifications. This saves recruiters time and ensures a more efficient screening process, helping them identify top candidates more effectively.

When writing a resume summary with no experience, focus on your education, relevant skills, and career goals. Highlight any coursework, projects, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate skills applicable to the job. Emphasize your enthusiasm, work ethic, and eagerness to learn. Keep it concise and impactful, showcasing how your background aligns with the position and company’s needs.

Crafting a simple resume involves starting with your contact information, followed by a brief summary statement. List your work experience, education, and relevant skills, ensuring consistency in formatting. Consider including optional sections like volunteer experience or honors/awards. Proofread carefully and tailor your resume to each job application.

Robert Henderson, CPRW, is a career advice writer and a resume expert at Jobscan.

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