Achievements: Your Job Application Secret Weapon

You try to craft your CV with precision, highlight your skills, and anxiously send it off… only to face the abyss of applicant tracking systems and hiring manager inboxes. What separates the CVs that get noticed from those that get discarded?

A key factor of your success will be in how well you articulate your relevant achievements.

Forget simply listing responsibilities and using the same words as everyone else. Showcase impactful achievements. These are not mere tasks you performed, but the actual results you achieved and contributions you made. While it can be hard to figure out how to articulate these,  it will be worth it.  These are the stories that make your application stand out and open the door to an interview opportunity.

But how do you craft these achievements?

1. Track Your Milestones 

Get in the habit of regularly noting and tracking your achievements. This will act as a confidence booster, reminding you of your capabilities and milestones and enables you to build a list treasure trove of content for future opportunities.

2. Mine for Impactful Gems

Think beyond the daily tasks you do. Did you led a project that boosted sales by 15%? Or streamline a process that saved the company time and money? Did you volunteer your expertise to solve a critical problem?  Did you receive recognition for delivering a high standard of service. These are the nuggets you want to note down as  you go.

2. The STAR Method: Your Storytelling Ally

To make this easier you can structure your achievements using the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Set the scene, explain the challenge, describe your actions, and then quantify the impact.  Numbers talk, so use percentages, statistics, saved dollars, number of customers gained, or even a customer survey information to make your achievements resonate. Keep a record of these STAR stories so when you need them you’ll have them to hand.

3. Tailor Your Achievements to the Role Being Applied For

Each application requires a tailored suite of achievements. Read the job description and advertisement carefully and ensure your achievements align to their specific needs and priorities. Show them you’re not just applying anywhere; you’ve done your homework and understand their world and what they need. Update your achievement record with tailored keywords and examples relevant to each job you target.

4. Use Action Verbs

Ditch the bland “responsible for” and “handled.” Instead, wield action verbs like  “spearheaded,” “optimised,” “developed,” “led.”  Each use of a unique verb portrays your accomplishments with initiative in action oriented language. Keep a list of these power verbs handy to inject instant action into your achievement descriptions.

5. Beyond the CV

Your achievements aren’t just CV dwellers. Weave them into your cover letter highlighting the most relevant ones. Be prepared to elaborate, answer questions, and discuss your achievements in the interview. Keep your CV and achievement record easily accessible and up-to-date, ready for interviews and other opportunities that come your way.

Kiwis tend to be a humble lot and this can be difficult.  Achievements aren’t bragging; they’re evidence. They showcase your value and tell the story not only of what you have done but also what you are capable of.  To the hiring manager the recent achievements are a predictor of the contribution you will make in your next role.

So, uncovering your achievements, keeping them readily available and sharpening your storytelling skills will lift the impact your application has. They’re not just for job applications; they’re evidence of your career journey and a roadmap for your future.

Before and After Examples:

See how you can lift your CV content from vague responsibility statements to impactful achievements and contributions.

Example 1: Marketing Manager

Before:  Managed social media channels for the company.

After:  Developed and implemented a targeted social media strategy that increased website traffic by 25% and lead generation by 30% within 6 months. Identified key audience segments, created engaging content, and optimised ad campaigns based on data analysis.

Example 2: Software Engineer

Before: Contributed to the development of the company’s core product.

After:  Drove the redesign of a critical system component, leading to a 50% reduction in processing time and improved user experience, boosting user satisfaction by 12%. Collaborated with other engineers, led A/B testing, and implemented performance optimisation techniques.

Example 3: Office Administrator Healthcare

Before:  Oversaw patient scheduling and billing processes.

After:  Implemented a new patient scheduling system that reduced appointment wait times by 20% and boosted patient satisfaction by 15%, measured through surveys and feedback analysis. Researched and selected the best software, trained staff on its use, and monitored performance to optimise workflow.

Example 4: Financial Analyst

Before:  Analysed financial data to identify trends and risks.

After:  Developed a financial model that identified cost-saving opportunities leading to a 10% reduction in operational expenses. Completed in-depth data analysis, scenario modeling, and presented recommendations to management, securing their approval for implementation.

If you need help with crafting impactful achievements in your next application book an appointment with a qualified career professional or certified CV writer who can work with you to ensure you are giving yourself your best chance of securing an interview for your ideal role.