How to Write Achievements in Your Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide

Your resume narrates your career journey. Highlighting moments where you made a real impact, exceeded goals, or brought innovative solutions to the table. These achievements are the stars of your resume, proving your skills and expertise in action.

In today’s competitive world achievements act as a differentiating factor between you and the other candidate. Now the question arises,  how to write achievements in your resume so that they truly shine? In this blog, let’s see the methods to create a standout resume that truly highlights your wins.

How to Write Achievements in Your Resume?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you highlight your achievements:

1. Identify Your Achievements

Focus on specific achievements that showcase your skills and impact. For instance, highlight how you solved complex problems, led successful projects, increased efficiency, or received recognition for your work.

By using clear, concise language, you’ll present your achievements in a professional yet relatable manner.

2. Quantify Results

Putting numbers in your achievements makes them stand out, For instance, saying you “increased sales” is good, but saying you “boosted sales by 36%” is much more impactful.

3. Focus on Impact

Think about how your work made a real difference. Did it make things smoother, save time, or make customers happier? Highlighting this impact shows why your achievement matters and makes it more impressive.

4. Use Action-Oriented Language

Highlight your achievements using strong action words like “achieved,” “managed,” or “improved.” Keep it clear and straightforward, avoiding using overly complex language. This way you can showcase your achievements effectively.

5. Be Honest and Specific

Keep your achievements real and straight to the point. For example, if you are a fresher highlight projects you’ve nailed during internships or any significant academic achievements.

And if you’ve got experience, then focus on quantifiable wins, like ‘increased sales by 30%’ or ‘streamlined a process resulting in 20% time savings.’

6. Prioritize Relevance

Less is more, make sure you add those achievements that are related to the job you want. Listing achievements that highlight your skills relevant to the job ensures they resonate strongly with the employer and showcase your suitability and expertise effectively.

7. Proofread and Edit

Look for any mistakes, spelling, grammar, or even tiny typos. A well-edited resume always leaves a strong impression on employers and increases your chances of getting shortlisted.

8. Update Regularly

Keep your achievements up-to-date by regularly adding new accomplishments when you achieve something like a course or a certificate.

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Sample Achievement Templates for Freshers and Experienced Professionals

Go through these sample templates to get an overview of how to write achievements in a resume.

For freshers

To step into the professional world, highlighting impactful achievements becomes important for showcasing potential. Here are some samples of how to write achievements in a resume for freshers:

Template 1 – IT Sector

Here’s how to write your achievements for an IT sector job

Achievements – Graduated top of the class, while actively participating in relevant extracurricular activities related to programming and software development – Secured 3rd place in a tech-focused hackathon by developing an innovative solution to optimize urban transportation, displaying problem-solving skills and creativity. – Completed a certification in AWS Cloud Practitioner, acquiring in-depth knowledge and practical skills in cloud computing. – Collaborated with the college’s tech society to host a workshop on Python programming.

Template 2 – Marketing/Sales Sector

Below are a few examples of achievements for a marketing/sales sector job.

Achievements – Developed and executed a social media campaign for the college’s annual entrepreneur’s workshop to increase engagement/leads. – Coordinated and managed a college fest with a team, achieving funds that showcased my organizational skills. – Received the best college ambassador certificate from XYZ Company.

Template 3 – Teaching Sector

Check out the sample achievements for a teaching sector job.

Achievements – Received special recognition from the Teach for India organization. – Organized and coordinated the annual science fair, showcasing innovative student projects and experiments, highlighting coordination and organizational skills. – Provided tutoring in physics to high school students, resulting in an increase in their exam scores over the semester.

Template 4 – Graphic Designing Sector

 Achievement samples you can use in your resume for a job in the graphic designing sector. 

Achievements – Won a poster designing competition held by XYZ company and got a 3-month internship opportunity.  – Designed eye-catching posters for campus events, increased attendance, and received positive feedback. – Actively participated in a design club, contributing creative ideas and designs for various projects and initiatives.

Template 5 – Content Writing Sector

Here are some examples, to help you write achievements for a job in the content writing sector.

Achievements – Won the annual college debate at XYZ University. – Served as the Editor of the literary magazine, increased website traffic, and visibility of the magazine by applying basic SEO principles. – Founding member of the mental wellness club which spread awareness about mental health and provided counseling to students.

For Experienced Professionals 

For experienced professionals, your accomplishments carry significant weight in showcasing expertise. Creating impactful achievements can elevate your resume. Here are some sample templates on how to add achievements in a resume:

Template 1 – Healthcare Sector

Here’s how to write your achievements for a job in the healthcare sector. 

Achievements – Implemented a new protocol at XYZ Hospitals, Chennai, resulting in a 25% decrease in patient recovery time, enhancing overall patient satisfaction. – Published a research paper on diabetes management in the Indian Journal of Clinical Medicine, contributing vital insights to the prevalent health concerns in India. – Spearheaded a healthcare team at XYZ Hospital, Bengaluru, achieving a 20% reduction in waiting times through streamlined processes and improved resource allocation. – Received the Healthcare Excellence Award by the Indian Medical Association for exceptional contributions to improving primary healthcare services in rural Karnataka. – Effectively managed the COVID-19 response at a government hospital in Mumbai, ensuring prompt and organized patient care delivery during the peak of the pandemic.

Template 2 – Fintech Sector

Below are a few examples of achievements for a fintech sector job.

Achievements – Spearheaded the development and launch of a secure mobile payment app at XYZ, resulting in a 40% increase in user base within 6 months. – Executed a financial literacy program in rural areas for XYZ Bank, leading to a 25% increase in banking adoption and awareness among marginalized communities in Bihar. – Ensured complete compliance with RBI regulations at XYZ, resulting in seamless operations and successful audits. – Optimized loan approval processes at XYZ, reducing approval time by 30% and increasing the disbursement rate by 20%. – Implemented an AI-based fraud detection system at XYZ, resulting in a 50% decrease in fraudulent transactions and enhanced security for users.

Template 3 – EdTech Sector

Check out the sample achievements for an ed-tech sector job.

Achievements – Developed a user-friendly interface for XYZ, resulting in a 50% increase in student engagement and retention. – Launched a nationwide skill development program in collaboration with XYZ, resulting in 5000 placements in high-demand industries across India. – Created adaptive learning tools at XYZ, personalizing education and improving learning outcomes by 30% for students across various demographics. – Integrated gamified learning modules at XYZ, resulting in a 40% improvement in student participation and knowledge retention. – Implemented AI-driven personalized learning algorithms at XYZ, leading to a 25% increase in student proficiency and grades.

Template 4 – AgriTech Sector

Achievement samples you can use in your resume for a job in the AgriTech Sector.

AgriTech SectorAchievements – Introduced IoT-enabled sensors at XYZ Solutions, optimizing irrigation and crop management, resulting in a 20% increase in crop yield in Punjab. – Launched a digital marketplace for farmers at XYZ, connecting them directly to buyers, resulting in a 30% increase in revenue for smallholder farmers in Maharashtra. – Developed a satellite-based crop monitoring system at XYZ Innovations, aiding in early pest detection, and reducing crop losses by 15% in Telangana. – Implemented soil health analysis services at XYZ Solutions, leading to a 25% increase in soil fertility and sustainable farming practices in Haryana. – Introduced micro-financing schemes at XYZ Ltd., facilitating access to credit, resulting in a 40% increase in agricultural investments in Rajasthan.

Template 5 – Biotechnology Sector

Here are some examples, to help you write achievements for a job in the biotechnology sector.

Achievements – Spearheaded a team at XYZ Inc. that developed a breakthrough drug for malaria, enhancing treatment options for patients nationwide. – Led the research team for the development of a vaccine against dengue at VaxGen, contributing to immunization efforts in India. – Engineered a cutting-edge medical device for cancer diagnosis at XYZ Solutions, improving patient care and diagnosis accuracy in hospitals across India. – Conducted pioneering genomic research at XYZ Research Institute, uncovering genetic predispositions for diabetes prevalent in the Indian population. – Initiated healthcare access programs at XYZ Pharma, improving access to essential medicines for underserved communities in rural areas.

For more resume format samples and tips, check out this blog on best resume formats.

Conclusion

In this blog, we’ve explored how to write achievements in a resume to add potential impact. By articulating these accomplishments clearly, you create a compelling narrative for future success. Mastering this resume art can unlock doors to exciting career opportunities and pave the way for a fulfilling professional journey. 

If you want to learn more about resume building then check out this blog on resumes for any job profile. 

So, what’s your biggest achievement that you’re excited to showcase in your next job application? Drop your thoughts in the comments.