how to write a resume accomplishments

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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80+ Resume Accomplishments Examples to Show Your Value

To get more job interviews, you need measurable resume accomplishments. Learn how to create them and add them to your resume.

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The difference between getting an interview and not getting one often comes down to whether your resume includes measurable accomplishments .

In fact, one survey reported that 33% of hiring managers said that a lack of measurable accomplishments on a resume was a deal breaker.

Why are measurable accomplishments so crucial? Because they show the true impact of your efforts in your previous roles.

In this article, we’ll tell you what measurable resume accomplishments are, how to create your own, and how to add them to your resume. Plus, we’ll provide plenty of examples of measurable accomplishments from various fields.

What are resume accomplishments?

Resume accomplishments are accomplishments that are quantified . In other words, it’s when you use numbers to show how you made a positive difference at your job.

For example, if you increased sales, that’s an accomplishment . If you increased sales by 20%, that’s a measurable accomplishment . Here are some more examples:

• Reduced costs by 15%.
• Led a project that finished 30 days ahead of schedule.
• Increased organic traffic by 40%.
• Saved the company $200,000 annually.
• Managed and mentored a team of 30 employees over 5 years.

Measurable resume accomplishments are important because they show how successful you were in a way that’s easy for potential employers to understand.

Accomplishments are NOT responsibilities

Many job seekers make the mistake of only listing their responsibilities when writing their resumes .

Responsibilities are the duties you are expected to perform at your job. Responsibilities include things like managing a team, overseeing projects, or handling customer inquiries.

Resume accomplishments focus on the successful outcomes of those job duties. They include things like achieving a 20% increase in team productivity, successfully launching a project that generated $500,000 in revenue, or resolving 95% of customer issues on the first call.

In other words, responsibilities are what you do while accomplishments show how well you did it.

How many resume accomplishments do you need?

Ideally, your resume should include a measurable accomplishment for each skill that you list.

For example, if you list project management as a skill, you should use a number to show how well you used that skill, such as “Successfully managed a team to complete a $1 million project two months ahead of schedule.”

I recommend having a minimum of five measurable accomplishments on your resume.

To find out how many accomplishments you have on your resume, run it through Jobscan’s resume scanner . It will give you a full report on how to optimize your resume to get more job interviews.

Here’s part of a sample report:

Where do you put your resume accomplishments?

There are two places on your resume where you should try to include measurable accomplishments.

1. Your work experience section

The best place to include measurable accomplishments is your work experience section . Highlight your accomplishments with bullet points. They make it easy for recruiters to see your impact at a glance.

Below is an example of a resume work experience section. After the header is a brief paragraph describing the job’s responsibilities. Then bullet points highlight some measurable accomplishments.

2. Your resume summary

The second best place is your resume summary . This is a brief statement at the top of your resume that provides a snapshot of your qualifications. Think of it as your elevator pitch or personal highlight reel.

Here’s an example of a resume summary featuring measurable accomplishments:

If your resume doesn’t have a summary, I highly recommend adding one. “A professional summary is an amazing resource to optimize your resume with keywords, catch an employer’s attention, and provide career highlights,” says resume writer  Jazlyn Unbedacht .

How to write your resume accomplishments

When writing your resume accomplishments, there are three things to focus on: numbers, percentages, and dollar amounts. Let’s take a closer look at each:

1. Use numbers

A few numbers reveal more about your qualifications than a hundred words. Whether it’s years of experience, completed projects, or awards won, numbers provide clear evidence of your achievements.

• Years of experience : “Leveraged over 10 years of experience in project management to successfully lead a team of 20 in delivering high-impact projects on time and under budget.”
• Completed projects : “Managed and completed 15 major software development projects, enhancing operational efficiency and meeting all project deadlines.”
• Awards won : “Received the ‘Employee of the Year’ award 3 times for exceptional performance and innovative contributions to the company’s strategic initiatives.”

2. Use percentages

Percentages are a great way to put your achievements in context. They paint a clearer picture of your achievements than standalone numbers.

For example, saying “increased sales by 20%” is more impactful than saying “increased sales by $50,000.”

• Increased efficiency : “Improved operational efficiency by 30% through the implementation of streamlined processes and advanced project management software.”
• Boosted sales : “Increased annual sales by 25% by developing and executing a targeted marketing strategy that attracted new clients and retained existing ones.”
• Reduced costs : “Reduced departmental costs by 20% by renegotiating vendor contracts and optimizing resource allocation.”

3. Use dollar amounts

What’s the #1 priority for corporate America? Money. If you want to grab the attention of hiring managers, show that you were able to increase revenue or cut costs.

Be specific when writing your measurable accomplishments. For example, instead of saying “improved sales,” say “boosted sales by $150,000 through a targeted marketing campaign.”

• Revenue growth : “Increased annual revenue by $200,000 by developing and launching a successful new product line.”
• Cost savings : “Saved the company $50,000 annually by renegotiating supplier contracts and implementing cost-effective inventory management practices.”
• Budget management : “Managed a project budget of $1 million, completing the project $100,000 under budget through efficient resource allocation and expense tracking.”

Resume accomplishments examples

In this section, you’ll find examples of resume accomplishments broken down into general job categories. Feel free to adapt these to your own experience.

1. Customer service examples

• 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.
• Managed 500+ customer accounts without any complaints in 5 years and with 100% customer rating in online reviews.
• Increased customer base by 25% and improved customer response time by 11%, directly impacting sales in 2023.
• Drove Quality Assurance (QA) from an average of 65% to 90%.

More examples: Customer Service Skills and Resume Examples

2. Sales examples

• Exceeded retail sales goals by an average of 17% every quarter in 2024.
• Expaned the client base by 60% in just 3 months.
• Implemented an efficient sales funnel, directly increasing sales by 30% in 2024.
• Created a robust pipeline and improved closing rate by 11% in just 2 months.
• Awarded as the Top Salesman in Company X for 4 consecutive years.
• Led a team of 10 sales professionals who consistently brought big accounts, driving year-over-year company profits at a rate of 80%.

More examples: Sales Resume Examples, Skills, and Keywords

3. Marketing examples

• Created campaigns that facilitated improved market share and customer engagement in 2024.
• Grew email subscriber list from 300 to 2,000 in 8 months without expanding the monthly budget.
• Managed and deployed profitable Facebook ad campaigns with a monthly budget of $20,000.
• Created an SEO strategy that improved organic website traffic to the corporate blog by 58% year over year.
• Created 32 new blog posts, 5 eBooks, and 6 landing pages, making up 30% of the company’s online content.
• Exceeded customer acquisition target by 25% and increased new subscribers by 50% by launching niche marketing campaigns.

More examples: Marketing Resume Examples, Skills, and Keywords

4. Computer science examples

• Reduced data processing time by 50% by building a new cloud data infrastructure.
• Worked with the CEO to analyze 10+ technology systems and consolidate them into a new system that encompassed all programs needed to reach business needs.
• Developed and launched a new software application that increased user engagement by 35% and reduced system downtime by 20%.
• Led a team of 10 in the successful migration of a company’s database to a cloud platform, resulting in a 40% improvement in data retrieval speeds and a $50,000 annual cost savings.
• Set up and trained a staff of 15 on how to use the Microsoft Azure platform for cloud computing purposes.
• Reduced company spending from $6M to $800K and reduced mainframe software costs by proposing renegotiating strategies.

More examples: Computer Science and Engineering Resume Examples

5. Management examples

• Created a company culture initiative that raised employee satisfaction rates by 25% year over year.
• Hired and managed a team of 6 data scientists to successfully deploy a new data processing platform ahead of schedule.
• Implemented a bi-weekly meeting with 9 other department heads to discuss goals, updates, and challenges, increasing productivity across departments by 20% year over year.
• Reimagined business development strategy to include a 20% increase in Salesforce, resulting in $550M in increased profits year over year.
• Led the company through a complicated re-organization, resulting in a 75% increase in profits with minimal employee turnover.
• Grew working capital by 30% in 6 months, allowing the company to take advantage of better resources for continued growth.
• Implemented a company-wide work-from-home policy, resulting in an 87% increase in employee satisfaction, a 21% increase in productivity, and a 38% decrease in PTO usage.
• Received 2 promotions, from co-management to director-level, in less than 12 months.
• Chosen for the team lead on 15 design projects in 2024, 30% more projects led than any other team members.

6. Human resources examples

• Raised employee retention rates by 15% over a 5-year period by implementing a tiered interview system and organizing a minimum of 2 team outings per quarter.
• Counseled, educated, and advised over 3,500 university students in a span of just a year.
• Created simplified HR processes that boosted company productivity and morale by 10%.
• Prepared regular pulse surveys for employees that increased transparency and engagement by 11%.
• Recruited at least 30+ high-performing individuals who are now executives in big companies in the course of 3 years.
• Organized the company’s annual international summit, including flights, accommodations, and itineraries for more than 30 attendees.
• Scheduled and staffed coaching sessions for 70 weekly athletics classes.
• Organized quarterly volunteer projects with upwards of 50 volunteers per event.

More examples: HR Resume Examples, Skills, and Keywords

7. Teacher and education examples

• Assisted head teacher in overseeing and educating 18 students for 3 months.
• Developed a comprehensive student submission system for final exam projects in the University’s online portal, accessible by more than 3,000 students.
• Approved more than 50 pieces of new curriculum in the foreign languages department during the Spring semester of 2024.
• Documented children’s learning processes and regularly met with parents, increasing student performance by 32% and parent engagement by 20%.
• Awarded as an outstanding secondary teacher in Mathematics within the district for 3 consecutive years.

More examples: ​​ Education Resume Examples, Skills, and Keywords

8. Administrative work examples

• Reduced time spent on inventory by 20% by reorganizing the physical storage of supplies.
• Digitized the company’s internal microfilm library of more than 5,000 files.
• Managed multi-line phone system and effectively handled 200 tickets on a daily basis, contributing to a 60% increase in customer satisfaction.
• Established an efficient document database during my first 30 days in Company X, reducing slack time by 10% and improving overall efficiency.
• Created policies for the entire administrative team and streamlined processes that helped boost employee morale by 15%.
• Provided administrative support to the Director of Operations and 50+ team heads in the office while helping HR with employee orientation and training.
• Implemented a filing system for human resources, organizing more than 300 past and current employee documents.

More examples: Administrative Resume Examples, Skills, and Keywords

9. Accounting and finance examples

• Led a process redesign and decreased the company’s month-end close time by 53%.
• Increased the department’s productivity by 10% by establishing process improvement initiatives and implementing strict compliance with GAAP and SEC guidelines.
• Provided timely financial reporting that led to business improvement and a 25% drop in company costs in 2024.
• Offered financial advice on crypto assets and investments to 50+ executives.
• Contributed to over $65,000 in profits in 2024 through proposed system changes and investment strategies.
• Reduced the company’s operating expenses by 15% through the implementation of cost-saving initiatives and renegotiation of supplier contracts, saving $200,000 annually.
• Managed an investment portfolio that achieved a 12% annual return, outperforming the market average by 5% and increasing client assets by $1.5 million.

More examples: Accounting and Finance Resume Examples, Skills, and Keywords

10. Student examples

• Improved GPA from 3.2 to 3.8 within two semesters by implementing effective study strategies and time management skills.
• Led a team of five classmates in a marketing project that increased event attendance by 40%.
• Organized a charity fundraiser that raised $5,000 for local community programs, surpassing the initial goal by 25%.
• Conducted a research project that was selected for presentation at a national conference, competing against 100 other submissions.
• Increased membership in the student volunteer organization by 50% through targeted recruitment efforts and engaging events.

More examples: Resume Examples for Any Job

Tips for writing powerful resume accomplishments

Here are three additional tips that will help you highlight your achievements to prove you’re the perfect fit for the job.

1. Use the C.A.R formula

To help you frame your resume accomplishments, use the C.A.R. formula. C.A.R. stands for Challenge, Action, Result.

This is how the formula works: first start with a challenge you faced at work, then talk about the action you took to overcome that challenge, and conclude with the positive result of your hard work.

Here’s an example of how to use the C.A.R. formula to create a resume bullet point:

• Challenge: The company was struggling to attract new customers and increase online sales through its e-commerce platform.
• Action: Developed and executed a targeted digital marketing campaign, including SEO optimization, content marketing, and advertising on social media accounts.
• Result: Increased online sales by 35% within six months and attracted 50,000 new visitors to the website.

Resume Bullet Point:

• Addressed declining online sales by developing and executing a targeted digital marketing campaign, resulting in a 35% increase in sales and 50,000 new website visitors.

2. Use strong action verbs

Use strong action verbs to begin each bullet point. Action verbs convey  doing , and include words like  spearheaded , optimized , managed , designed , and  implemented .

Action verbs paint a vivid picture of your achievements in the mind of the hiring manager. In fact, one  study showed that using strong action verbs on your resume can increase your chances of getting an interview by 140%.

To show you the difference between strong and weak action verbs, look at these examples.

• Weak: Helped to improve customer satisfaction by implementing a new feedback system.
• Strong: Spearheaded a new feedback system, boosting customer satisfaction by 15%.
• Weak: Worked on a marketing campaign that increased product awareness.
• Strong: Implemented a strategic marketing campaign, increasing product awareness by 25%.
• Weak: Was in charge of reducing operational costs by streamlining processes.
• Strong: Optimized operational processes, reducing costs by 20%.

3. Tailor each resume

For job search success, it’s crucial to tailor each resume to the job you’re applying to. Don’t just send out the exact same resume with every application.

Why is tailoring each resume so important? Because most companies today rely on computer software to help sort and filter the hundreds of resume they receive.

This software is called an applicant tracking system (ATS). When you send in your resume, it doesn’t go to a hiring manager. It goes into an ATS database.

Hiring managers then search the database for suitable resumes by typing keywords into the database’s search bar. These keywords are usually job titles and skills (a keyword can be one word or a phrase).

To tailor your resume, carefully read the job posting and pick out the most important keywords. Then add those keywords, exactly as they appear in the job posting, to your resume.

Most job seekers don’t do this because it’s easier to send out the same resume with every application. But savvy job seekers use online tools to speed up the process.

For example, Jobscan’s resume scanner analyzes your resume against the job posting and then gives you a Match Score. This score tells you how closely your resume matches the job requirements. It also gives you a list of keywords you should add to your resume to increase your score.

Here’s an example of a Match Report (keywords that are missing from the resume are marked in red):

Jobscan’s resume scanner doesn’t just provide you with a list of keywords, it also tells you how to incorporate them into your resume bullet points .

All you have to do is click on a keyword and you’ll see multiple phrase suggestions you can choose from. You can turn these phrase suggestions into measurable accomplishments by adding numbers when appropriate.

Jobscan’s tool also helps you  generate cover letters , optimize your  LinkedIn profile , and  track your job applications .

Key Takeaways

Resume accomplishments are a powerful way to convince recruiters and hiring managers to move you to the next step in the hiring process and interview you.

• Resume accomplishments are more valuable to recruiters than job responsibilities and duties.
• If you feel stumped in writing your work accomplishment statements, use the CAR method. Start with a challenge, then share the action you did and the result. Don’t forget to use powerful action words.
• Since recruiters use ATS to sift through applications, make sure to incorporate relevant keywords from the job description into your resume accomplishment statements.
• Optimize your resume and increase your score with Jobscan’s resume scanner .
• If you’re building your resume from scratch, try Jobscan’s free resume builder . There are no hidden costs and it allows you to build an ATS-compatible resume in no time!

Using resume accomplishments in place of responsibilities makes the most out of resume space by showing the hiring manager that you are results-driven and have a history of going beyond the expected requirements. Unlike job responsibilities, resume accomplishments prove to recruiters and hiring managers that there are unique skills and areas of expertise that you bring to the table and that you have a tangible track record of success.

To turn job responsibilities into resume accomplishments, focus on the results and impact of your work. Quantify your achievements by adding numbers, percentages, or specific outcomes that demonstrate your contributions. For example, instead of saying “managed a team,” say “managed a team of 10, increasing productivity by 20% within six months.” This shift highlights the value you added to your role.

To identify your accomplishments, start by reflecting on your role and daily tasks. Consider the impact of your work by looking at outcomes where you exceeded goals, solved problems, or made improvements. Quantify these results with metrics like increases in sales, cost savings, or efficiency gains.

To write an accomplishment statement, follow the C.A.R. (Challenge, Action, Result) method. Start by describing a specific challenge or situation you faced. Then, detail the actions you took to address the challenge. Finally, highlight the results of your actions, including any measurable outcomes. For example, “Implemented a new inventory management system (Action), reducing stock shortages by 30% (Result) and improving overall efficiency (Challenge).

List your accomplishment statements in the work experience section and the resume summary. In the work experience section, detail specific achievements under each job entry. In the resume summary, highlight key accomplishments to immediately capture the hiring manager’s attention.

Prospective employers care about past achievements because they show what you can actually accomplish. It’s concrete proof of your skills and work ethic, giving them confidence that you’ll bring the same value and success to their team. Basically, your past wins help them see you as a great fit for the role.

You can include volunteer experiences and list the soft skills that you were able to use and some measurable outcomes during volunteering. You can also highlight your academic awards and extracurricular achievements. What if you’re a new graduate with limited work experience? Then you should focus on highlighting accomplishments from your volunteer work , internships, and academic projects if possible.

If you are changing careers , you may include measurable achievements that are relevant to the job that you are applying for. You can specify how your previous achievements will help you in your new career. Check out our guide on How to Explain Gaps in Employment on a Resume .

Including accomplishment statements on your resume is key to standing out to employers. These statements showcase your achievements and the real impact you’ve made in your previous roles. By highlighting specific successes, you make it easier for potential employers to see your value and what you can bring to their team.

Keeping track of your accomplishments is important because it helps you remember and articulate your successes when updating your resume or preparing for interviews. It also boosts your confidence by highlighting your achievements and provides concrete examples to demonstrate your skills and value to potential employers.

Robert Henderson, CPRW, is a career advice writer and a resume expert at Jobscan.

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• 47 Accomplishment Examples...

47 Accomplishment Examples for Your Resume: Expert Picks

13 min read · Updated on August 15, 2024

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 the second type of worker – and for good reason. That's why it's so important to know how to highlight 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 impressive 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 to put on a resume.

What is a resume accomplishment?

Resume accomplishments are statements that powerfully illustrate the results 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 these achievements are not simply things you did. Instead, they are quantifiable – measurable – accomplishments that demonstrate how you provided real value to your team and employer.

Of course, many people simply list their job duties in their resume. 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 illustrate that benefit.

Related reading : Responsibility vs. Accountability for Leaders: Key Differences

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 “quantifiable” or “measurable” accomplishments are. 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? The reason why is easy to understand; by including real numbers that demonstrate your 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 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 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 your resume makes a great first impression – one that lasts longer than the time it takes to read your resume summary. Carefully crafted accomplishments for your resume can help you make the right impression so that employers who read your resume walk away thinking you're the right person for the job.

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.

What are examples of accomplishments for your resume?

You should consider which accomplishments to include on your resume, as well as the best place to list them and the right format to use. 

There are two fantastic 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 the headline at the top of your 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%.

The inclusion of measurable achievements within that summary paragraph provides 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 text. 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!

Related reading : Seven Key Resume Sections and How to Organize Them

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 between four and six achievement statements 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 you draw attention to these accomplishments by listing them in bullet point form. That will enable hiring managers to focus on each achievement and make the information on your resume easy to follow.

Related reading : 11 Key Things to Put on Your Resume

How do you list skills and accomplishments on a 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.

Related reading : 17 Resume Tips to Get Seen and Hired Faster

Include context

Each accomplishment 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 details 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 you use those keywords exactly as you find them in the job posting to guarantee the applicant tracking system, or ATS, 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.

Related reading : How to Make an ATS-Friendly Resume - Tips for ATS 2024

Challenge, Action, Result

To further simplify this stage, you can use a step-by-step process 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

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 fit your work experience and resume needs!

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 a 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 the 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 increasing 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 on resume accomplishments: don't underestimate their impact!

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!

Related reading : Make the Perfect First Impression With Your Resume

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 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

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

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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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How to List Accomplishments on a Resume in 2024 (Including Awards & Key Achievements)

Showcasing your achievements is what can be the cherry on the cake to help you stand out from the crowd as a top performer and really attract employers.

Achievements, accomplishments, and awards can all serve as major highlights and points of interest on a resume and can help you to get a leg up on the competition.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about including achievements on a resume, from what kinds of accomplishments to include to where to place them. 

Why Should I Place Accomplishments on My Resume?

What kinds of achievements to include on a resume, examples of general professional achievements , examples of industry-specific achievements, examples of academic achievements .

• How to List Achievements on Your Resume

Accomplishments on a resume serve as an indicator to an employer that you have a particularly strong work ethic or skillset.

Including your achievements on a resume is key to showcasing your strengths and talents while also improving your likelihood of landing the job you are applying for.

There are two main ways to place accomplishments on your resume:

• In Job Descriptions. In your work experience section, the way you describe your previous jobs matters. Job descriptions are a great place to highlight your specific achievements in this position. 
• In a Dedicated Achievements Section . Creating a dedicated section for achievements allows you to expand upon your overall accomplishments and showcase awards or other honors given to you.

Including accomplishments in not one, but both of these sections on a resume can help to accentuate your skills in a way that will stand out to potential employers. 

Achievements vs. Awards

Though the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there are inherent differences between an achievement and an award. 

With an achievement, the accomplishment is generally something the candidate set out to do and succeeded in the completion of.

For example, optimizing a company work schedule or increasing a company’s sales.

While these kinds of achievement will usually result in some kind of reward or promotion, they ultimately are obtained through specific actions of the candidate themselves.

Comparatively, an award is a recognition of an individual’s work and is given to them by a third-party.

While a job applicant worked hard to obtain an award, the award is ultimately a symbol of somebody else’s satisfaction with the applicant’s work. 

Including both achievements and awards is a good way to show that you have a strong work ethic and innovative ideas that have been professionally recognized and acknowledged. 

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job

Achievements can be broken into a few basic categories, each with varying levels of importance. The categories are:

Achievements such as earning promotions or an increase in sales can be a bit more general in nature and are usually best placed within job descriptions. 

2) Industry-Specific

‍ Achievements that involve industry specific problems provide you with accomplishments that directly relate to the job you are applying for and will often be listed in a larger achievements section.

For example, an IT professional would want to list if they led a digital project. 

3) Academic

Academic achievements are generally a bit different than the other two and include accomplishments such as publications and academic awards.

The role of academic achievements will vary depending on the type of resume you are using and the job you are applying for but will generally be found either in the achievements or education section. 

We've listed a few examples below:

Every job applicant is different and each individual is going to have a different set of awards and achievements that may or may not be directly related to the job they are applying for. 

Even if an award or achievement is not directly related to the job, including these provides a good opportunity to showcase your work ethic and transferable skills.

Awards and achievements indicate your passion and commitment to your work – and when properly presented on a resume, your achievements can give you a substantial advantage over the competition. 

Here are a few examples of general achievements to include on a resume:

• Systems or procedures you designed and implemented 
• Increases in sales for a company
• Promotions to higher positions at a past job
• Problems you solved for the company, such as operational efficiency issues 

Tips for Writing General Achievements on a Resume

When including general achievements on a resume, you still want to include enough detail to give the employer or hiring manager looking over your resume a clear idea of what you specifically achieved.

For instance, here is an example of how a sales professional might showcase an achievement:

Incorrect: Increased overall sales for the company

Correct: Increased sales by 38 percent quarterly

The extra detail gives much more specific information that an employer can more directly relate to their own company’s needs. 

For example, take a look at how this Sales Manager resume example lists their sales growth (by 38%)

When applying to jobs within a specific industry, including relevant awards or achievements can be highly useful in helping your resume to stand out from other applicants’.

According to Indeed , the 6 most popular job sectors within the United States are:

• Information technology

Real Estate

Administration, marketing and advertisement, business and finance.

Below we have provided helpful examples for industry-specific achievements for each of these sectors:

Healthcare encompasses many jobs, including nurses and medical assistants .

Examples of healthcare related achievements can include:

• Provided patient service and care that resulted in increase in positive ratings for the medical facility.
• Implemented better organizational systems that resulted in a 15 percent deduction of wasted medical supplies.

Education is a large umbrella for many jobs, including k-12 teachers and research assistants.

Here are a couple examples of achievements in the field of education:

• Improved yearly test scores for third graders by 85 percent.
• Contributed to a paper published in an official academic journal.

Information Technology (IT)

IT is a growing sector, continually increasing in importance as more businesses become more digitally oriented.

Jobs within this sector can include positions such as web developers and software engineers .

Examples of achievements for IT professionals include:

• Implemented a cloud migration that resulted in a 40 percent reduction of IT operational costs.
• Created a new user interface for the company’s software that received 90 percent customer approval. 

Retail continues to be a major sector and includes job such as sales associate and customer service representative .

Here are two examples of achievements for a retail professional:

• Upsold products at an 85 percent success rate, leading to an increase in overall company sales
• Increased customer retention rate by 15 percent.

From real estate agents to property managers , the real estate sector is flush with potential employment opportunities.

Examples of achievements for a real estate professional include:

• Sold properties at an average of 15 percent higher than the asking price.
• Maintained a 95 percent satisfaction rate with tenants as a property manager.

See the real estate example below where the candidate lists " Increased sales by 15% by coordinating with clients..."

The government sector covers many different kinds of positions that oftentimes overlap with other sectors.

Government positions can include jobs such as treasurer and city council member.

Here are a few examples of achievements of government professionals:

• Implemented new protocols that reduced a city’s energy waste by 20 percent.
• Provided community resources that lowered crime rates and the use of law enforcement by 40 percent. 

Almost every business is in need of administrative professionals .

Jobs within this sector include positions such as administrative assistant and office manager .

Here are some examples of achievements within this sector:

• Managed travel arrangements and budgetary needs for entire corporate board of executives.
• Reduced operational costs by 20 percent by switching to a different office supplies vendor. 

The marketing and advertisement sectors see a significant amount of overlap and encompass positions such as marketing managers and copywriters .

Examples of achievements within these sectors include:

• Increased readership of a company blog from 2,000 to 30,000 over a 6 month period.
• Generated leads at two times the average rate compared to competitors. 

Within the sectors of business and finance are many important jobs, such as asset managers or business consultants .

Here are a couple examples of how to list achievements for these sectors:

• Assisted in optimizing risk assessments, resulting in a reduction of errors by 25 percent
• Reached out to and onboarded three top-level corporate banking clients.

Tips for Writing Industry-Specific Achievements on a Resume

When providing industry-specific accomplishments on a resume, it is important to consider how the achievement can relate back to the needs of the employer. 

For instance, a job applicant applying to a company looking for a marketing professional to help them extend their online reach.

Here is an example of how that job applicant might frame their accomplishments:

Incorrect: Provided a year-long marketing strategy for the company.

Correct: Implemented a 12-month marketing strategy that improved the company’s online sale conversion rate by 45 percent. 

The inclusion of academic achievements on a resume will largely depend on the position you are applying for and the type of resume format you are using.

For most standard or entry-level jobs, the academic section should be kept fairly brief with only the most relevant accomplishments being included. 

Examples of academic achievements can include:

1) Publications

Any essays, papers, books, or other works that are published and credit you as an author or co-author can aide in showing your expertise.

Including published works that relate to the sector you are applying to can be especially helpful in showing your scope of knowledge on the industry. 

2) Presentations

‍ Presentations have a similar benefit to publications, but with the added advantage of showing your skills in planning and carrying out a full project presentation.

Being invited to give a presentation additionally reveals your status and credibility amongst your peers as well. 

3) Academic Awards

‍ Academic awards, such as being honored on a Dean’s List or receiving an award for a new scientific discovery, are crucial for resume formats focused on academia such as a CV. 

More often than not, large and extensive sections on academic achievements will be primarily seen used on a specific type of resume known as the CV, or curriculum vitae. 

In a CV, the entire focus of the resume in placed upon academic experiences and achievements, and as such, providing larger amounts of information and detail than you would on a standard resume is typically recommended. 

Tips for Writing Academic Achievements on a Resume 

If you are not creating a CV, including academic achievements can still be useful, especially if your resume is lacking in other work-related accomplishments. 

Here is an example of how someone applying to an IT position might frame a related academic achievement on their resume:

Incorrect: Created a new software for an app.

Correct: Created the software and digital infrastructure for an award-winning mobile app. 

Take a look at this Full Stack developer example below to see how to demonstrate achievements.

Key Takeaways for Listing Achievements on Your Resume

Listing your achievements on your resume, as we have covered, is a great way to catch a potential employer’s eye and show your strengths reflected through your accomplishments.

Here are 3 key takeaways for how to list achievements on your resume to help guarantee you land the job of your dreams:

1) Provide Detailed and Quantifiable Facts

Don’t just list every little achievement without any context. Always provide enough detail and quantifiable information to show an employer exactly what you achieved.

The detail given should also contextualize and frame the accomplishment in such a way that the employer can easily determine how your skills may benefit their business. 

2) Make Your Achievements Attention-Grabbing

Take the time to sit down and write out all of your achievements, identifying the most quantifiable and relevant ones.

Once you have narrowed down the best achievements to include, phrase them in a way that will hook the reader and add more overall value to your resume.

3) Use Multiple Sections to Emphasize Accomplishments

Achievements do not have to be – and should not be – reserved only for a dedicated achievement section

Include your achievements as details within job descriptions to give employers a more thorough idea of your accomplishments in previous positions.

This will help to make your work experience section more memorable as well. 

Closing Thoughts

Listing your achievements on a resume is important, especially considering a resume should showcase your best assets and greatest skills or talents.

Taking the time to find the ways to relate your accomplishments and awards back to what an employer is looking for in an ideal candidate is key to hooking their attention and landing an interview.

Check out our example resumes to get more industry-specific examples and gain inspiration for your ideal resume. 

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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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75+ Resume Accomplishment Examples to Improve Your Resume & Application

3 key takeaways

• Resume accomplishments are achievements in your past work experience, education, or other relevant areas that demonstrate your skills, abilities, and value.
• 75+ accomplishment examples across jobs, experience levels, and industries to use as a guide for crafting your own.
• The Resume Builder can help you write resume accomplishments that align with a specific job—quickly.

Your resume is the key to getting noticed by potential employers and securing the job you want. Including some impressive achievements and accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and value can make all the difference.

But with so many candidates vying for the same job, how do you make your accomplishments stand out? Well, by highlighting your most impactful achievements to make a lasting impression on potential employers.

Below, you'll discover what resume accomplishments are and why they're important for showcasing your skills and value. You'll also learn the difference between resume accomplishments and job duties, best practices for writing unique resume accomplishments, and, see examples of resume accomplishments across jobs, experience levels, and industries.

Struggling to land interviews with your resume accomplishments? Sign up for Teal today !

What are resume accomplishments?

Resume accomplishments are specific achievement examples in your past work experience, education, or other relevant areas that demonstrate your  resume skills , abilities, and value as a candidate.

Accomplishments can include any notable contributions or achievements you've made in your previous roles, listing accomplishments such as saving the company money, increasing sales, reducing costs, implementing new systems, earning awards or recognition, completing a project ahead of schedule, or exceeding performance metrics.

Accomplishments are typically presented in a bullet-point format on a resume and should be quantifiable and measurable wherever possible to provide concrete evidence of your abilities and impact.

The difference between resume accomplishments and job duties

While job duties describe the responsibilities you were assigned, accomplishments highlight the impact and results of your work. Here’s how to differentiate between the two:

Job Duties: These are the tasks and responsibilities you were expected to perform as part of your job. They outline what you did on a daily basis.

For example:

• Managed a team of sales associates
• Conducted market research
• Developed marketing strategies

Resume Accomplishments: Accomplishments, on the other hand, showcase your contributions and the results of your efforts. They demonstrate how well you performed your job duties and the value you brought to your role.

• Increased team sales by 20% through effective leadership and strategic planning
• Identified new market opportunities that led to a 15% increase in revenue
• Launched a marketing campaign that resulted in a 25% boost in customer engagement

Why do you need accomplishments on your resume?

Resume accomplishments define your capabilities and achievements in tangible terms, underlining your value as a candidate for potential employers. Highlighting them on your resume is essential because it demonstrates how you get results and create value in your roles. This approach not only makes your resume more compelling but also sets you apart from other candidates.

You need resume accomplishments to:

Showcase abilities and strengths

Including accomplishments on your resume is a way to demonstrate your abilities and strengths to potential employers. 

By highlighting your accomplishments, you provide concrete evidence of your past achievements, which can help convince employers that you have the necessary skills to succeed.

Demonstrate value

Listing job duties gives a prospective employer a glimpse into your past roles, but resume accomplishments demonstrate your value. 

They give potential employers tangible proof of how you've contributed to your previous companies. 

Whether it's surpassing a sales target, implementing a new system to improve productivity, or leading a team project to success, your accomplishments showcase the value you can bring to their company.

Highlight impact

Hiring managers look for action verbs tied to achievements. Action verbs highlight momentum and demonstrate proactive engagement.

Words like "developed," "led," "improved," "increased," and "managed" are some of the most common. 

Quantifying your resume  with numbers, metrics, and data alongside action verbs backs up an accomplishment statement by demonstrating your level of impact.

Increase hiring opportunities

With hundreds of resumes to sift through, hiring managers are looking for candidates who have skills and experience aligning with the position they need to fill. 

By highlighting your accomplishments, you're providing evidence of your skills and indicating your potential value to the company. This boosts your chances of landing an interview and, ultimately, getting hired.

Stand out in the candidate pool

With so many candidates vying for the same roles, standing out is critical. 

Resume accomplishments help differentiate you from other candidates. They act as your unique selling points, demonstrating why you're the best candidate for the job. 

Your resume is also more memorable than those listing duties and job responsibilities .

Build confidence

This confidence can be helpful during job interviews because you'll be more able to succinctly showcase your qualifications and respond articulately to questions—leaving a strong and lasting impression on the interviewers.

How many resume accomplishments do you need?

Ideally, between three and five relevant accomplishments for every position is the overall guideline for the number of accomplishments in your work experience. In your professional summary, include two to three of your most notable achievements. These numbers strikes a balance between showcasing your achievements and keeping your resume concise and readable.

By focusing on your most impactful accomplishments, you can demonstrate your value to potential employers without overwhelming them with information.

Where should achievements go on a resume?

Professional summary.

One or two of your top achievements (that align with the role you're applying for) can (and should!) be part of your professional resume summary. Your professional summary is a chance to talk about your career in aggregate and highlight particularly notable results that are directly related to the jobs you're applying for.

Pro tip: Use the AI technology integrated within the Resume Builder  to generate professional summaries that highlight key achievements, work accomplishments, and past successes directly within the Teal platform.

Work experience

For an experienced professional, achievements should be integrated into your Work Experience section as bullet points under each of your previous roles.

These accomplishment statements offer more context for the hiring manager by showing them how your skills and outcomes were relevant to your work. (Any academic achievements should be noted under your Education section.)

Showcase your achievements in the Work Experience section like this:

How to write resume accomplishments

Writing good resume accomplishments can be straightforward if you follow the CAR method : Challenge, Action, Result.

This method helps you clearly articulate the impact you've made in your previous roles. By breaking down your achievements into these three components, you can create more compelling statements that highlight your ability to drive results.

Start by identifying the challenge or context in which you worked. This sets the stage for your accomplishment and provides necessary background information. It answers the questions: What was the situation? What problem needed solving?

Next, describe the specific action you took to address the challenge. Be clear and concise, highlighting your direct contributions. This section should focus on what you did, how you did it, and any strategies or tools you used.

Finally, detail the result or outcome of your actions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to give potential employers a clear picture of your impact. This answers the question: What was the result of your action?

Writing compelling resume achievements isn't always straightforward. But with the right approach, you can create an impactful narrative that impresses potential employers. 

Best practices for writing resume accomplishments

Be specific and quantify.

Details matter, and numbers don't lie. Quantifying your achievements can lend credibility and substance to your resume. 

Think about notable outcomes with a number attached e.g. increasing revenue by a certain dollar amount or percentage, improving project turnaround times from one time frame to another, or academic achievements like a GPA or test score.

Then, to be specific, instead of saying "improved sales," you could write "increased sales by 25% in Q1 2023." This gives recruiters and prospective employers a clear picture of the scale of your achievements, making your accomplishments more impressive and believable.

Use action verbs

Starting your accomplishments with  action verbs  can add a punch to your statements. Instead of writing "was responsible for project management," try "spearheaded a team to complete a project." Action verbs give your resume a dynamic and proactive feel, helping to create a powerful image in the minds of potential employers.

Emphasize impact

Your potential employer wants to know the difference you can make. So, when listing your achievements, highlight the impact of your work.

Did you bring in a major client? Streamline or quicken a process? Reduce company costs? Emphasizing the effects and outcomes of your actions can help prospective employers understand your value. It's also crucial to pair your achievements with the right words.

As you analyze your achievements, evaluate your wording and consider alternative resume synonyms to maximize impact.

Tailor the accomplishments to the job description

Each job has unique requirements, and tailoring your resume to match these can significantly boost your chances of getting noticed. Here’s how to ensure your accomplishments are aligned with the job you're applying for:

1. Leverage the JD

Start by closely examining the job description for the position you’re targeting. What stands out? What terms or phrases are repeated most?

2. Incorporate relevant keywords

Add the skills and terms you identified in the job description into your accomplishments.

3. Highlight relevant experience

Focus on the most relevant achievements that directly relate to the job requirements.

4. Quantify your achievements

Use metrics to provide concrete evidence of your impact. Quantifying your results (e.g., "increased sales by 20%") makes your accomplishments more compelling and relevant.

Pro Tip:  Want to see how your current resume stacks up to the specific job? Compare them.

Resume accomplishment examples

No matter where you are in your career, the accomplishment examples below are organized by experience level, roles, and industries to help inspire you as you write your own.

Resume achievements by experience level

Accomplishments examples - students and new graduates.

When you're making a  resume with no experience , how do you show that you've made an impact?

Even without a formal work history, students and recent graduates can still pull some helpful examples from other life experiences and turn these into positive reflections of their character.

You can also pinpoint moments that show important skills like teamwork, leadership skills, and time management (along with their impact) during:

• Volunteering opportunities
• Personal accomplishments
• Internships
• Extracurriculars

On a resume for an entry-level position, example achievements using extracurricular and volunteer activities may include:

• Active member of Student Senate and appointed Treasurer for 2021-22
• Maintained a 4.0 GPA and spot on Dean's List throughout entire undergraduate program
• Completed an extra credit paper and presented research findings on ecological engineering in the United States, earning a final grade of 97%
• Promoted from server to team leader during first six months of employment at a local restaurant
• Spearheaded a fundraising campaign that raised $5,000 for a local charity as the President of the Student Government Association
• Coordinated a volunteer event that served 200 individuals experiencing homelessness, resulting in an 80% increase in attendance compared to the previous year
• Conducted a research project in collaboration with a professor, resulting in a publication in a peer-reviewed journal

Accomplishments examples - experienced professional

When you have several years of job history behind you, you should have at least a handful of key professional accomplishments that you can add to your resume, or career portfolio .

These key accomplishments will look different depending on the industry you work in and the seniority you've had, so let's look at a few examples.

For a marketing executive or account manager role, you should have several data-driven achievements to note, regardless of the type of marketing you've done before. Work accomplishment examples could be:

• Increased online leads 278% via these social media accounts and marketing channels and improved customer engagement rates 67% over a 12-month period
• Improved cost-per-click of digital ads, resulting in annual marketing savings of over $50,000

More accomplishment examples for experienced professionals:

• Developed and implemented a new sales strategy that increased revenue by 25% in the first year
• Improved client retention rate by 15% by implementing a new customer service program and training staff to provide exceptional customer service

Accomplishments examples - leadership

A good leader has the ability to inspire, motivate, and guide their team towards achieving common goals. Proving you have these abilities through accomplishments on a resume is an effective way to stand out as a qualified candidate.

List accomplishments demonstrating leadership to prove to potential employers you can lead and inspire, make strategic decisions, solve problems, and drive results.

Examples of resume accomplishments for leadership:

• Successfully managed a team of 20 employees, resulting in a 30% increase in productivity and a 20% reduction in employee turnover
• Led a cross-functional team to successfully deliver a complex project ahead of schedule and under budget, resulting in cost savings of $500,000
• Implemented new process improvements that reduced production time by 30% and resulted in cost savings of $200,000 per year
• Mentored and coached a team of five employees, resulting in three promotions and two successful career transitions within the company
• Successfully developed and implemented a new company culture initiative, resulting in a 20% increase in employee satisfaction and a 10% reduction in turnover
• Led a crisis management team to successfully navigate a major company crisis, resulting in a 90% retention rate among employees and customers

Resume accomplishments examples for changing careers

Showing your strengths and accomplishments on a resume is particularly important for  career pivoters  because it can help to highlight the transferable skills and experiences that you have gained from previous roles.

By highlighting your strengths and accomplishments, you can show how your unique set of skills and experiences can be valuable in your new career path.

Examples of resume accomplishments when making a career pivot:

Accomplishments examples when pivoting from education to tech:

• Developed and executed an edtech program that resulted in a 20% increase in student test scores and a 15% increase in graduation rates.
• Implemented customer feedback mechanisms and developed new customer support processes that resulted in a 25% increase in customer satisfaction ratings  (use customer instead of parent/student/administrator, etc.)
• Developed and implemented new data analysis processes that resulted in a 25% increase in data accuracy and a 15% reduction in data processing time

Accomplishments examples when pivoting from marketing to customer success:

• Developed and executed customer engagement initiatives that resulted in a 30% increase in customer engagement and a 10% increase in upsell opportunities
• Led the development and execution of successful customer campaigns that resulted in increased customer loyalty and retention
• Implemented customer retention initiatives that resulted in a 15% increase in customer retention rates
• Reduced production costs:   Implemented new manufacturing processes that reduced production costs by 20% while maintaining product quality
• Increased efficiency:   Optimized supply chain management processes, resulting in a 15% reduction in lead times and a 10% increase in productivity
• Developed new products:   Led the development of new products, resulting in a 10% increase in revenue and a 5% increase in market share.

Accomplishment examples when pivoting from finance:

• Increased profitability:   Developed and executed a financial strategy that resulted in a 10% increase in revenue and a 5% increase in profit margins
• Developed financial models:  Created and implemented new financial models that improved forecasting accuracy and reduced financial risk
• Improved financial reporting:   Led a team that improved financial reporting processes, resulting in a 25% reduction in reporting errors and a 20% increase in reporting efficiency

Resume achievement examples by role

The kind of accomplishments you highlight can also depend heavily on the role you're applying for or have previously held. Different roles require different skill sets, and the achievements you choose to showcase should align with these needs. Let's break down what standout accomplishments could look like for different roles.

Accomplishments examples - human resources

• Successfully managed and maintained personnel files for a team of 100+ employees, resulting in an organized and efficient HR process
• Decreased training length by 2 days through implementation of a new onboarding process
• Resolved employee relation issues and supported managers and supervisors in the fair application of company policies and procedures, resulting in a positive work environment and increased employee satisfaction rates by 25% over the year
• Increased employee retention rate by 16% through development of performance appraisal program and conducting coaching and feedback sessions

Accomplishments examples - administrative 

• Coordinated with prospective employees and scheduled interviews in a timely manner, leading to 15+ new full-time hires
• Managed calendars of the executive team and coordinated weekly team-wide meetings for over 50 people
• Managed schedules with subcontractors, clients, and vendors across 6 job sites, generating $9M in revenue
• Worked as a liaison and point of communication between 12 executives and 40+ staff members
• Scheduled and coordinated meetings for 15 senior leadership team members, resulting in a 30% reduction in meeting time requirements
• Developed a new client communication process, leading to time savings of 45 hours per month across the account management team
• Onboarded accounting department interns and provided ongoing training on company processes, procedures, and best practices

Achievement examples - engineers

• Worked closely with the product team to re-configure the processing of invoices, saving customers over 45,000 manual hours of work per month
• Improved member's connection to healthcare by 22% by fine-tuning the search engine
• Through A/B testing of different components and combinations, improved customer conversion rate by 12%, representing $250,000+ in incremental annual revenue
• Helped sales team close 6 major deals generating more than $180K in revenue by presenting easy-to-understand software solutions

Achievement examples -  business analyst

• Reduced operations cost by 12% by driving continued growth of the business with a focus on standardization, repeatable processes, and scalable assets
• Increased customer satisfaction by 29% by implementing new technologies and business processes
• Saved company a minimum of $8M annually by supporting a broad range of business process improvement initiatives with reporting and analysis using a variety of software tools
• Increased revenue by $16M through analysis of data surrounding customer behaviors, vendor relationships, stakeholder goals, and workflows

Accomplishments examples by industry

Showcasing accomplishments on a resume can vary significantly across industries. Here are some examples of diverse skills and impact:

Achievement examples - marketing

• Increased website traffic by 40% through a comprehensive SEO strategy
• Launched a social media campaign that led to a 30% increase in followers within six months
• Coordinated a product launch event that attracted over 500 attendees and generated 50 new leads
• Oversaw a content marketing strategy that boosted blog views by 60% in a quarter

Achievement examples - accounting and finance

• Streamlined the invoicing process, reducing errors by 25%
• Saved the company $500,000 by identifying and rectifying a recurring accounting error
• Implemented a new budgeting approach that increased annual savings by 20%
• Reduced month-end closing time by three days through improved workflow management

Achievement examples - project management

• Successfully managed deep sewer and water pipeline projects valued at up to $100M, resulting in a profit margin of 20%
• Managed and scheduled subcontractors effectively, resulting in a project completion rate of 95%
• Coordinated with foremen to anticipate and order materials and schedule employee and equipment resources, resulting in a 15% increase in productivity
• Conducted weekly meetings for project-specific scheduling, budgeting, and planning with supervisors, resulting in a project completion rate of 98%

Achievement examples - sales

• Made an average of 8-10 dealership visits per day, resulting in a 20% increase in new sales prospects
• Collaborated with company leadership to set strategic goals and drive initiatives, resulting in a 15% increase in revenue
• Traveled locally and across the country to present partnership opportunities, resulting in a 30% conversion rate for new partnerships
• Assisted and trained dealers on documentation required for expedited funding, resulting in a 25% increase in loan approval rate

Achievement examples - customer service and customer support

• Achieved a 98% customer satisfaction score consistently over a year
• Resolved 90% of customer complaints within the first call, improving first-call resolution rates
• Reduced average call handling time by 15% without compromising on service quality
• Introduced a customer feedback system that led to a 20% improvement in service delivery

Achievement examples - management

Manager or supervisor positions will require you to show high levels of responsibility and leadership. You should include relevant accomplishments like:

• Oversaw a 35-person software development team with 40+ projects per quarter and total budgets exceeding $4.5 million
• Developed and implemented new hiring plan to help department fill open positions 17% faster than the previous year
• Managed a dispersed marketing team of 10 (7 direct reports) across 3 offices and 2 time zones, consistently exceeding monthly KPIs by 20% or more

What achievements should I not include in my resume?

Now that you know what you need, below are three achievements you shouldn't include in your resume.

Irrelevant accomplishments

The achievements on your resume should be the top 10% of your experiences that are 100% relevant to the role you're applying to.

Confidential information

You may want to avoid potentially confidential details, like sales figures or annual revenue.

Academic accomplishments

Once you've been in the working world for two years or more, most of your academic awards and  achievements can likely come off your resume and be replaced by job-specific accomplishments. 

Inaccurate metrics

Employers may ask your references to confirm some of the achievements you've highlighted, so never embellish or over-exaggerate results to make your resume look better.

Highlight accomplishments on your resume with Teal

It's all too common to downplay your remarkable achievements while immersed in your daily professional life. But for your prospective employer, these very accomplishments showcase your potential and the promise you bring to their team.

Don't shy away from celebrating your wins: Let your achievements take center stage and speak volumes about your capabilities.

To give your accomplishments the spotlight they deserve, build your resume with Teal. With the ability to export your resume directly as a PDF, you can effortlessly place your professional story into the hands of hiring managers, taking you one step closer to landing that dream job interview. 

Ready to let your achievements shine? Try Teal for free today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good accomplishment to put on a resume.

A good accomplishment to put on a resume is one that quantifies your impact in previous roles. For example, "Increased sales by 25% in Q1 2023 through targeted marketing strategies" showcases your ability to drive results and adds measurable value to your profile.

What are 3 accomplishment statements?

Three accomplishment statements are:

• "Developed a new sales strategy that increased revenue by 20% within the first six months."
• "Led a team project that resulted in a 15% reduction in production costs, saving the company $100,000 annually."
• "Implemented a customer feedback system that improved service ratings by 30%."

What are some examples of accomplishments at work?

Examples of accomplishments at work include increasing sales by a significant percentage, reducing operational costs by a specific amount, or leading successful projects and what that looked like. For instance, "Streamlined production processes, cutting costs by 20% and boosting efficiency by 2x" or "Successfully managed a team of 5+ to deliver a project ahead of schedule by 2 weeks and under budget by $10,000."

How can I quantify my customer service achievements on my resume?

To quantify your customer service achievements, include specific numbers and percentages that reflect your impact. For example, "Increased customer satisfaction ratings by 20% through the implementation of a new feedback system," or "Managed a team of 10 customer service representatives, reducing average call handling time by 15%."

What are some key achievements in customer service I can highlight if I'm new to the field?

If you're new to customer service, focus on transferable skills and any relevant volunteer or internship experience. You could highlight achievements such as "Successfully resolved 95% of customer inquiries within the first interaction as a volunteer at XYZ Charity," or "Completed a customer service internship with a 100% attendance record, demonstrating strong commitment and reliability."

Kayte Grady

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Resume Critique Checklist: How to Critique Your Resume

Should You Include Pronouns on a Resume?

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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.

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Resume Guidelines and Samples

Resume Samples

Purpose of resume (overview), resume header, education section of resume, experience section of resume, skills section of resume, resume checklist.

Download resume guidelines as a pdf List of resume action verb How to write effective resume bullets

How to have your resume reviewed

• 4 Resume Samples  (PDF format)  
• Sasha Cazenove
• Seona Bates
• Sierra Tower
• Sophie McAfee

Your resume is generally a one-page document that clearly presents your current and past experiences and accomplishments so that your reader can understand the unique value that you bring to the table. As you begin to draft your resume, consider the following. Your resume is:

• Your first opportunity to make an impression. Step back from the details to consider what story you want to communicate.
• Foremost, about the content and demonstrating your experiences. Begin by writing your resume in Google docs or Word, and avoid using templates that focus on form over content.
• A living document that you will tailor to specific positions and will evolve throughout your career.
• Not a laundry list of every experience; it is a carefully curated list of relevant experiences. 
• Easy to read. Consider font type and size, formatting, and a balance of text and white space.
• Shared with potential employers as a pdf document.

The header provides your full name and contact information (email address & telephone number). This section should not include personal information (e.g., sex, date of birth, marital status). Items that may be included in your header:

• Wellesley and/or home address: If you choose both, be sure to label each address accordingly. 
• Personal website, links to professional social media (Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn) 

If you are a current student or recent alumna, the education section should be just below the heading, with the most recent education listed first. Generally, you should not include your high school on your resume; however, first-year college students may include relevant high school experiences. Necessary information includes:

• Your institution and its location (City/Town and State) 
• Your degree (Bachelor of Arts), any major(s) and/or minor(s) 
• Expected graduation date. 
• Optional: Study abroad programs and institutions where you cross-registered for classes. 

In this section, provide details about your various experiences, highlighting accomplishments, learning outcomes, and transferable skills. “Experience” is broadly defined and can include full- or part-time work, summer jobs, internships, research, academic projects, campus leadership, volunteer opportunities, etc. Describe your experiences using strong, specific verbs, and emphasize the results and impact of your work. You can create separate and distinct Experience sections to highlight those positions or skills (e.g., Research, Leadership, Extracurricular, or Volunteer). 

• List experiences in reverse chronological order (most recent first). 
• Include name and location of the organization where this experience took place and the title of your role. 
• Include start and end date for your experience. If it is ongoing, list your end date as “Present.” 
• Describe your experience in accomplishment statements, using short phrases starting with a strong verb. Be specific and quantify your experiences whenever you can. 
• Create 2-5 accomplishment statements for each experience. 

This section provides an immediate view of the kinds of tasks you are ready to undertake. While you will want to be selective and only list relevant skills, these might range from technical skills, like expertise using a digital tool, to experience-based skills, like project management or database design. This section can also include certifications, languages, etc. In general, it’s best to avoid general skills like people skills, time management or critical thinking. As this section grows, you may divide it into several distinct skills sections, like Software Expertise, Language Skills, Teaching Skills, Design Skills, etc.

Is your resume... 

☐ Easy to read? 

☐ Simple, clean font (e.g. Times, Arial, Garamond) 

☐ 10 to 12 pt. font 

☐ 0.5 to 1 in. margins 

☐ Error free (grammar & spelling)? 

☐ Devoid of personal pronouns (I, me, my, we)? 

☐ Concise? 

☐ Reverse chronological? 

☐ Tailored to the type(s) of opportunities you are seeking?

Does your resume… 

☐ Effectively communicate your relevant skills and experience? 

☐ Effectively communicate your personal brand? 

☐ Use consistent formatting for dates, job accomplishments, etc.? 

☐ Display your strongest or most relevant qualifications near the top of the page or section? 

☐ Highlight all your related/transferable experience? 

☐ Utilize action verbs and results-oriented language to describe your experience?

☐  Display on the screen without formatting errors as a pdf attachment?

Related resources

How to Apply the 10-Second Resume Rule [Tips for 2024]

No matter how much time you spend perfecting your resume, the truth is that it only takes a few seconds to make an impression.

And by a few, we mean less than ten seconds.

It’s a brutal reality, but it’s true - even the most qualified candidates can get overlooked if they don’t follow the ten-second resume rule.

But don't panic!

Ten seconds doesn’t seem like a lot of time but if you learn the ins and outs of the ten-second resume rule, you can make it work for you.

In this article, we’re going to cover:

• What Is the Ten-Second Resume Rule?
• 5 Tips to Apply the Ten-Second Resume Rule
• 4 Crucial Resume Mistakes to Avoid

Ready to make every second count? Let's dive in!

What Is the 10-Second Resume Rule?

The ten-second rule is a concept you might have heard of during your job hunt .

The idea is that your resume needs to make an impression on a hiring manager in less than ten seconds if you want to get the job.

This is because hiring managers spend an average of six seconds skimming through your resume before deciding if it’s worth reading in detail.

You might be wondering how they could make a decision like that so quickly.

The thing is, most hiring managers these days are swarmed with hundreds of resumes per job opening. So, instead of going through piles of candidates in detail, they skim through every application and only read the resumes that grab their attention.

And your job is to do just that.

This is where the ten-second resume rule comes in - you need to make sure your resume stands out and shows the hiring manager what they want to see right away .

5 Tips to Apply the 10-Second Resume Rule

Now that you know what the ten-second resume rule is, let’s talk about how you can actually apply it to your resume.

We’ve divided the process into several tips you should keep in mind when creating your resume .

Let’s get started!

#1. Stick to One Page

When it comes to how long your resume should be , less is more.

Your resume only needs to give the hiring manager a concise snapshot of your professional life, not your whole life story. So, try to keep everything on a single page.

Hiring managers don't have time to flip through several pages to see if you have what it takes at a glance. 

In fact, if your resume is two pages or more, they’re likely to skip it altogether.

Making your resume one page also helps you prioritize your most relevant information and makes it easier for the hiring manager to easily find what they need.

The key here is not to overwhelm your resume with too many optional resume sections . Focus on the most important sections like your skills, work experience, and education. Include optional sections only if you have leftover space after listing all the essential information.

Also, try to use bullet points instead of paragraphs to describe your responsibilities and achievements. This makes your resume easier to skim and it helps you save space.

#2. Put the Sections in Order

The order of your resume sections can make or break that strong impression you’re going for.

First of all, your resume needs to be neat and easy to navigate. If you throw random information all over the document without a clear structure, the hiring manager isn’t going to bother looking for too long.

Put your contact information at the top of your resume, so that it’s the first thing the hiring manager sees. This way, if they decide to contact you after reading your resume, they can do so immediately.

Also, add a resume summary at the top of the resume. This brief paragraph that summarizes your top skills and experiences will be what the hiring manager sees before diving into the rest of your resume.

Next, add your work experience section. Make sure you list your jobs in reverse chronological order , starting with your most recent position.

After that, you can add your skills section. Depending on the layout you’re using for your resume, this can be anywhere near your work experience. Just make sure it’s in the middle of the page, not pushed to the bottom.

Unless you’re a recent graduate , your education isn’t as crucial as the previous sections, so we recommend placing it toward the end of the page.

Finally, if you have space, you can add optional sections like certifications, volunteer work , or relevant projects. These should always come last.

Adding links to your contact information is a great way to catch a hiring manager’s attention. Try adding a link to your LinkedIn profile or portfolio website!

#3. Tailor It to The Job Ad

Your resume is not a one-size-fits-all document.

If you want it to leave an impression on the hiring manager, it needs to really match the job you’re applying for.

Start by carefully reading the job description. Keep an eye out for any keywords and specific qualifications the employer is looking for. Then, make sure your resume highlights these exact qualities.

Every section of your resume should be tailored to the job you’re aiming for. For example, your skill section should focus on the most important skills for the job, not just any skills you have.

Your work experience should also be tailored to the job. Do this by focusing on your most recent and most relevant experiences. For most job seekers, this means highlighting your most notable achievements from the last 10-15 years.

If you have a ton of work experience, you can either briefly summarize some of those jobs or leave them out entirely if they're not directly related to the position you're applying for.

#4. Write a Strong Headline

One of the most crucial elements of the ten-second resume rule is having an eye-catching resume headline .

Your headline is a brief paragraph that sits at the top of your resume and gives the hiring manager an idea of what they can expect from you.

Usually, this is the first thing the hiring manager reads, right after your name, so your resume headline is your best bet at impressing them.

Depending on how experienced you are, your resume headline can be one of two things:

• Resume summary . This is ideal if you have relevant work experience. It's a two to three-sentence overview of your career that should include your job title, years of experience, a key achievement, and your most relevant skills for the job.
• Resume objective . This is recommended for recent graduates or career changers. It focuses on your professional goals, academic background, and relevant skills.

Your resume summary or objective immediately tells the hiring manager if you're a good fit and encourages them to read more about you.

To drive the point home, let’s look at an example of a resume summary for a copywriter:

#5. Use a Professional Template

If you want to nail the ten-second resume rule, your resume needs to look good at first glance.

A reader-friendly resume will catch the hiring manager's eye a lot faster than a plain black-and-white text document and will make them want to learn more about you, too.

However creating a visually appealing resume from scratch can be time-consuming.

First, you need to work on your resume’s layout . You might spend hours adjusting margins, tweaking font sizes, and trying to fit everything onto one page while keeping things neat.

Then, you have to consider how to customize your document. What colors and graphics should you use? You don’t want to overwhelm the hiring manager and overshadow your resume’s contents.

Thankfully, there’s a way that you can skip all that hassle and create a compelling resume.

Just try our free resume builder !

Novorésumé offers dozens of custom resume templates you can choose from and easily customize to make your application stand out.

The resume builder is intuitive and once you choose a pre-formatted template, all you need to do is fill in your information. You’ll be in and out in minutes!

Not sure yet? Take a look at how one of our resume templates compares to a regular text editor resume:

4 Mistakes to Avoid

The truth is that the ten-second rule goes both ways.

In the same way, your resume could grab a hiring manager’s attention in less than ten seconds, it could also jeopardize your chance of getting an interview if you’re not careful.

With that in mind, let’s look at four of the most common resume mistakes that could lead to your application getting tossed into the ‘No’ pile:

• Too much information. Overwhelming your resume with excessive details can make it difficult for hiring managers to identify your key qualifications at a glance. Stick to relevant, concise information that directly relates to the job you're applying for.
• Poor formatting . A cluttered, disorganized resume is likely to be discarded quickly. Make sure your resume has a clean layout with clear sections, consistent fonts, and appropriate use of white space to make it easily readable.
• Weak action verbs. Using passive or vague language can make your achievements seem less impressive. Replace phrases like "helped with" or "was responsible for" with strong action verbs like "implemented," "led," or "optimized" to make your accomplishments stand out.
• Grammatical errors. Neglecting to proofread your resume is one of the biggest mistakes you can make and it can quickly turn a hiring manager against you. In fact, nearly 80% of hiring managers will reject a resume because of typos or grammar mistakes.

Key Takeaways

And there you have it!

You're now ready to create a resume that makes those crucial ten seconds count.

Before you go, let’s just recap the most important points we've covered:

• Keep your resume brief and focus only on the most relevant information. Ideally, you don’t want your resume to exceed one page.
• Make sure you put your resume sections in the right order. Start with your contact information, followed by a resume headline, work experience, skills, education, and any optional information you have room for.
• Tailor your resume to the specific job. Rewrite your resume’s content to match the specific requirements of each position you're applying for and add keywords from the ad.
• Whether it's a resume summary or objective, a compelling resume headline should quickly showcase your value to potential employers and convince them to read more.
• Consider using a professional resume builder to save time. You can craft your resume in minutes and give it a polished look by choosing a well-designed resume template instead of starting from scratch.

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How to Write a Cybersecurity Resume: Tips + Career Progression Ebook

Crafting a strong cybersecurity resume can be challenging, especially in a dynamic and competitive field like this one. Your resume must reflect your technical skills, achievements, and passion for cybersecurity .

This guide will walk you through some key tips and strategies to help your resume stand out, get noticed, and convince potential employers that you're the right fit for the job.

General tips for your resume

When it comes to writing your resume, think of it as your personal marketing tool. You want to make a strong impression and clearly communicate your value to potential employers.

Start with a clean, professional layout that makes it easy for hiring managers to read. Use consistent formatting, such as bullet points and headings, to organize your information logically. Keep your resume concise—ideally, one page for entry-level positions and no more than two pages for experienced candidates.

Here are some other tips:

• Tailor your resume for each job application: Use keywords from the job description and adjust your experience and skills section to highlight the most relevant aspects of your background. This will help hiring managers see how you’re a fit for the role.
• Quantify your achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to describe your achievements. For example, if you’ve implemented a system that improved network efficiency by 20% or resolved 50+ technical issues weekly, these specifics help potential employers see the value you bring.

Cybersecurity resume tips

Your resume should demonstrate your ability to protect and secure information systems and your knowledge of the latest security protocols. Here’s how to craft a resume specifically for a cybersecurity role:

Focus on security-specific skills and tools

Cybersecurity requires a specific set of skills. Highlight your expertise in areas like threat detection, vulnerability assessment, and incident response. List the tools and software you’re proficient in, such as SIEM systems, firewalls, and encryption technologies.

Mention your experience in protecting systems and data

Detail any experience you have in securing networks, data, and systems. Whether you’ve conducted security audits, managed security operations, or responded to incidents, this experience is crucial for a cybersecurity resume. Provide examples of how you’ve successfully protected or recovered systems from threats.

Show your understanding of regulatory compliance

Cybersecurity often involves ensuring that systems comply with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS. If you have experience with these or other regulatory standards , be sure to include this on your resume, as it demonstrates your ability to navigate the legal aspects of cybersecurity.

Highlight certifications relevant to cybersecurity

Certifications are particularly important in cybersecurity. They demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the field, validate your skills, and indicate that you stay current with industry standards. We'll cover more about this later.

Demonstrate your problem-solving abilities

Cybersecurity is all about solving problems before they become critical issues. Provide examples of how you’ve identified and mitigated risks, improved security protocols, or responded to threats. This shows your ability to think critically and act quickly in high-pressure situations.

Cybersecurity resume tips for various career stages

Creating a strong cybersecurity resume requires different strategies depending on your career stage. In this section, we will provide straightforward tips for three groups: entry-level candidates with limited experience, professionals looking to switch from other IT roles into cybersecurity, and experienced individuals aiming for senior positions.

Entry-level cybersecurity resume tips

Breaking into cybersecurity at the entry-level requires a strong foundation, even if you lack professional experience. Here are some tips to help your resume stand out:

Highlight relevant coursework, projects, and internships

If you’re just starting out, your education is a key asset. List relevant coursework that aligns with cybersecurity, such as network security, ethical hacking, or information assurance. Additionally, showcase any projects or internships where you applied cybersecurity concepts in real-world scenarios.

Emphasize transferable skills from other jobs or activities

Even if your previous roles weren’t in cybersecurity, many skills still apply. Problem-solving, analytical thinking, and familiarity with IT systems are all valuable in cybersecurity. Highlight these skills and explain how they can be applied to a cybersecurity role.

Consider a functional or combination resume format

If you lack direct experience, a functional or combination resume format might serve you better. These formats focus more on your skills and qualifications rather than a chronological work history, allowing you to present your capabilities more effectively.

Entry Level IT Jobs: Roles to Start Your Career

Career change resume tips.

Here’s how to present your experience if you're transitioning to cybersecurity from another IT role

E xplain your motivation for transitioning from another IT department to cybersecurity

Clearly state why you’re moving into cybersecurity. Whether it’s a passion for protecting data or an interest in the growing field, your motivation can help employers see your commitment to the new path.

Highlight transferable skills from your previous experience

Skills like network management, software development, or IT support are often directly relevant to cybersecurity roles. Focus on these transferable skills and demonstrate how they can be leveraged in a cybersecurity context.

Consider obtaining relevant certifications to demonstrate your commitment

Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) show that you’re serious about your career shift. Mention these on your resume to underscore your dedication and readiness for a cybersecurity role.

Career Development in IT: 5 Pros Weigh in

Senior cybersecurity resume tips.

For those with years of experience, your resume should reflect your expertise and leadership in the field. Here’s how to make sure it does:

Highlight your leadership experience and technical expertise

Leadership and deep technical knowledge are critical at the senior level. Highlight your experience managing teams, leading projects, and mastering complex cybersecurity technologies or protocols.

Quantify your achievements and impact on the organization

Where possible, use numbers to show your impact. Did you reduce security breaches by a certain percentage? Maybe you increased the efficiency of incident response times? Quantifying your achievements helps potential employers see the tangible benefits you’ve brought to previous roles.

Mention high-profile projects or initiatives

Senior roles often involve overseeing significant cybersecurity initiatives. Whether you led the implementation of a new security architecture or managed a response to a major threat, ensure these high-profile projects are prominent on your resume.

What Does a Cybersecurity Analyst do? Role, Certifications and Salary

Cybersecurity certifications.

Certifications play a crucial role in establishing your credibility and expertise in the cybersecurity field. They demonstrate your knowledge and show employers your commitment to staying current with industry standards. Here's an overview of some key cybersecurity certifications:

CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is an entry-level certification that covers essential security concepts. It’s ideal for those new to the field, as it provides a foundation in network security, threat management, and risk mitigation. Security+ is widely recognized and often considered a starting point for a cybersecurity career.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

CEH certification focuses on offensive security, teaching professionals how to think and act like hackers to identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. This certification is valuable for roles like penetration tester and security analyst.

Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

With the increasing adoption of cloud services, CCSP certification is a must for professionals focused on cloud security. This certification covers cloud architecture, operations, and compliance, ensuring that certified professionals can effectively secure cloud environments.

The Best IT Certifications to Boost Your Career: Top 13 Picks

Structuring the resume: keywords, headings, and formatting.

A well-structured resume is easier for hiring managers and automated systems (like ATS) to scan, increasing your chances of landing an interview. Here’s how to format your cybersecurity resume for maximum impact:

• Use the right keywords: Employers often use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes before they reach a human. To pass through this filter, include relevant keywords from the job description. Words like "cybersecurity," "network security," "threat detection," and specific tools or certifications should be included strategically throughout your resume.
• Effective headings: Your resume should be organized with clear, concise headings that guide the reader. Common headings include "Professional Experience," "Technical Skills," "Certifications," and "Education." Headings categorize your experience and skills, making it easier for employers to find the information.

An effective cover letter for cybersecurity roles

A well-crafted cover letter complements your resume and gives you a chance to highlight your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role. Here's how to write an effective cover letter for a cybersecurity position:

• Tailor your cover letter to the job: Each cover letter should be customized for the specific job you’re applying to. Mention the company’s name and the position title, and explain why you’re interested in working there. Connect your skills and experiences to the job description, showing how you can meet the company’s needs.
• Highlight key skills and achievements: Use your cover letter to elaborate on the most important aspects of your resume. Focus on key skills and achievements that make you a strong candidate for the role. For example, if you have experience responding to major security incidents, explain how that experience makes you well-suited for the job.
• Show enthusiasm for cybersecurity: Employers want to hire candidates who are passionate about their work. Express your enthusiasm for cybersecurity and your commitment to keeping up with industry trends and technologies. This demonstrates that you’re not just looking for a job but are genuinely interested in contributing to the field.

Keep it concise and professional: Your cover letter should be concise, typically no longer than one page. Use clear, professional language, and avoid jargon or overly complex sentences. End with a strong closing statement, reiterating your interest in the role and your willingness to discuss your application further.

Final takeaways

Your cybersecurity resume is more than just a list of past jobs and skills—it's your first opportunity to make an impression on a potential employer.

Here are some key takeaways:

• Structure your resume effectively : Use clear headings, relevant keywords, and a format that highlights your strengths.
• Show continuous learning : Demonstrate that you’re committed to staying current in the field.
• Craft a strong cover letter : Tailor it to the job, highlight key achievements, and show your passion for cybersecurity.
• Include certifications : They validate your expertise and show employers your dedication to the field.

Remember, your resume is often your first impression, so it should reflect your professionalism and attention to detail. Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask for feedback from peers or mentors; a fresh set of eyes can catch errors or suggest improvements that you might have overlooked.

Follow these steps, and you'll be well on your way to landing that cybersecurity role you're aiming for.

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