How to Create an Achievement based CV?

Differentiating yourself from other candidates is crucial in today’s competitive job market. While most job seekers focus solely on listing their responsibilities and daily tasks, this approach does little to make a resume stand out. Hiring managers already understand the general responsibilities associated with a given role, as they are the ones who create job descriptions. Instead, the key to setting yourself apart is emphasizing your achievements and accomplishments.

By showcasing your achievements, your resume shifts from being a summary of duties to a powerful document that highlights your unique value.

In This Guide, You Will Learn:

How to effectively list achievements on your resume to improve your chances of landing a job
Where to position your achievements for maximum impact
Examples of achievement-based statements tailored to various job roles

Achievements & Accomplishments on Your Resume

Consider these two resume entries:

Effective: Exceeded department KPIs by 20% for five consecutive months.

Ineffective: Increased the number of sales.

The first example clearly quantifies success, demonstrating consistent performance above expectations. The second example is vague and does not provide measurable results. The difference is significant—specific achievements make a stronger impression on hiring managers.

Where to List Your Achievements

Your professional accomplishments should be incorporated throughout your resume, including:

Work Experience Section – The most common and impactful placement.
Resume Headline – A concise summary at the top of your resume that introduces your most notable achievements.
Resume Summary – An overview that highlights key contributions to previous roles.

Writing an Achievement-Focused Resume Headline

Compare these two resume summary examples:

Basic: “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.”

Improved: “Experienced project manager with 5+ years of experience. Led cross-functional teams of 15+ professionals and successfully managed the development of multiple software projects, including Project A and Project B.”

The revised version adds tangible accomplishments that differentiate the candidate.

How to List Achievements Effectively

To ensure clarity and impact, follow these guidelines:

1. Include a Timeframe

Providing a timeframe adds context to your accomplishments. Example: Increased customer satisfaction rate within three months of employment at Company X.

2. Quantify the Scale

Describe the extent of your responsibilities. Example: Managed a team of five software engineers to develop client solutions.

3. Highlight Results

Demonstrate the outcome of your contributions. Example: Achieved a 1.8x ROI on a total ad spend of AED 22,000.

What If You Lack Specific Data?

If you do not have access to precise metrics, consider reaching out to a previous employer for relevant performance data. Many employers will be willing to share such information.

Job-Specific Achievement Examples

Sales & Business Development

Cold-called 20+ potential clients daily, achieving a 10–20% closing rate.
Exceeded sales KPIs by 30% for three consecutive months.
Managed three software projects from inception to completion, leading cross-functional teams.
Secured strategic partnerships with Companies X and Y, driving a 20% increase in annual revenue.

Accounting & Finance

Managed an annual budget of $400,000 for seven years.
Led a team of three accountants to develop financial reports for eight departments.
Ensured company budget compliance for three consecutive years.

Marketing & Advertising

Led SEO strategy, producing 10+ articles and securing 40+ backlinks monthly.
Revamped website copy, increasing conversion rates by 20%.
Managed Facebook ad campaigns, generating 20+ leads per month with a $2.7 CPC and $9 CPA.

Information Technology (IT)

Enhanced error documentation systems, improving efficiency and reducing annual labor costs by $2,000.
Managed a six-person team to develop new financial management software.
Established data analysis and security guidelines that boosted efficiency by 30% within six months.

Engineering

Increased engineering team performance by 15% during a critical quarter to meet KPIs.
Led the completion of eight building projects within two years.

Office Administration

Negotiated supplier contracts, reducing annual office supply costs by 20%.
Hired, trained, and managed a team of 15+ maintenance staff.
Facilitated onboarding for 14 new employees at Company X.
Scheduled meetings, travel, and appointments for senior management on a daily basis.

Final Advice

To maintain a strong resume, track your accomplishments regularly and update your document accordingly. Keeping a record of your professional achievements will make future job applications more compelling and efficient.

By incorporating these strategies, your resume will stand out, clearly demonstrating the impact you bring to potential employers.