You have probably read in many places that when writing a CV,
you should mention your achievements, either in a separate section on the first
page, or within your employment / experience section.
A good candidate with proven achievements on their CV will have the edge over equally good candidates when it comes to short-listing for interview. Having read this, you've probably also wondered what you should or shouldn't include.
An achievement is a result that you personally bring about while
fulfilling a particular role. A good candidate with proven achievements on their CV will have the edge over equally good candidates when it comes to short-listing for interview. Having read this, you've probably also wondered what you should or shouldn't include.
It is not the same as responsibilities that come under a job
description, as these remain fixed no matter who is employed in the post.
An achievement is unique to your experience and functions as
evidence of your abilities - it tells the employer that you can deliver.
When compiling your list of achievements, think about how you made a difference in a particular job. It's a good idea to start with results that can be measured in numbers. Financial figures carry particular weight: improving profit margins is the bottom line for commercial organizations, while all organizations (including the public sector) are concerned with reducing expenditure and increasing efficiency.
Identifying such achievements is simplest with jobs involving sales: for example, "exceeded sales target by Ksh. 10 million in year one." Savings can also be quantified: "developed new administrative systems that reduced expenditure by Ksh. 650,000". Likewise, "increased output by x units a year by optimizing production processes."
Not all achievements need be expressed in financial terms, however.
When compiling your list of achievements, think about how you made a difference in a particular job. It's a good idea to start with results that can be measured in numbers. Financial figures carry particular weight: improving profit margins is the bottom line for commercial organizations, while all organizations (including the public sector) are concerned with reducing expenditure and increasing efficiency.
Identifying such achievements is simplest with jobs involving sales: for example, "exceeded sales target by Ksh. 10 million in year one." Savings can also be quantified: "developed new administrative systems that reduced expenditure by Ksh. 650,000". Likewise, "increased output by x units a year by optimizing production processes."
Not all achievements need be expressed in financial terms, however.
If you have written a report that subsequently carried major
influence within your organization, include it in your list. If your employer
has commended you or singled you out for an award, that is certainly an
achievement.
An outstanding educational or training result is worthy of mention, providing it's in a subject area that's relevant to the jobs you're applying for. And if you were rapidly promoted in a short space of time, mention it, as this doesn't happen to everyone.
Have a look at your CV. Have you included any of your work related achievements?
An outstanding educational or training result is worthy of mention, providing it's in a subject area that's relevant to the jobs you're applying for. And if you were rapidly promoted in a short space of time, mention it, as this doesn't happen to everyone.
Have a look at your CV. Have you included any of your work related achievements?
