Many people find it difficult to talk about their own achievements. This can result in issues when applying for jobs. In this exclusive article from GoZambiaJobs.com we outline why you MUST shout about your achievements when applying for jobs.
What is an achievement?
An achievement generally consists of 3 components:
- Using a particular skill
- Carrying out a particular activity
- A measurable quantifiable result/benefit
Example
An accountant may write an achievement as follows:
- Applied advanced knowledge of financial planning to produce detailed annual budgets identifying cost savings of 30% per annum.
Alternatively, a footballer might state an achievement as:
- Utilised my speed to run past defenders in order to put crosses into the penalty area for the striker to score. Achieved the highest number of goal assists in the league (20) helping the team to score more goals than other team (100).
What are your key achievements?
It may be useful at this stage to take a few minutes to think about your key achievements. Try writing a list of all your key achievements, remembering to include non-work based achievements (education, volunteering etc.) as well as work based achievements.
Why are achievements important?
Achievements are vital to success of your application. When you apply for jobs you need to remember that employers want to know:
- What skills you have
- How you can use those skills
- What benefits you could bring to their organisation
If you just write down a list of activities without outlining the results/benefits then the employer may not realise the many benefits you can bring to their organisation. The failure to communicate the results/benefits or your actions is one of the biggest reasons why applications are unsuccessful.
Tips on how to write about your achievements
1. Be precise and dynamic
Instead of writing “I” choose a precise and dynamic verb that shows exactly what you did. For example:
- Launched/Implemented/Applied
- Reduced/Eliminated
- Increased/Expanded/Improved
- Boosted/Strengthened/Maximised
2. Quantify results
Always try to quantify key achievements (% change, Kwacha -/+, goals scored etc.) in addition to providing information on the activities you performed. Remember that you should try to include key achievements that are relevant to the role you are applying as this will improve your application score.
3. Shout about your skills
If you are too modest and/or lack confidence when talking about your own achievements try asking for help from others. What do they see as your key skills and achievements?
Conclusion
If you do not shout about your achievements in your CV or job application the employer will not see all the benefits you could bring to their organisation. Other applicants WILL be shouting about their key achievements so you MUST do the same in order to compete and maximise your chances of job application success.
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Very helpful. Learnt new ideas.
I have learnt new ideas. It was very helpful.
Very helpful and Useful. Thank you so much admin.