50 Accomplishment-Generating Ideas to Set Your Resume Apart from the Competition

Including relevant key achievements in your resume is what will set you apart from the competition. Actions speak louder than words, and explaining what you achieved in previous roles will demonstrate to the recruiter just what you are capable of. Clients often struggle with this part of resume writing, though. 

​Here’s a list of 50 questions to ask yourself if you’re struggling to identify your own key achievements.  You can then use this Google-approved XYZ Formula to succinctly craft these into a compelling narrative for your resume.

Remember, be specific!  Use quantitative data wherever possible (i.e. numbers, percentages, figures, outcomes).

1. What was your biggest achievement at work this year?
2. Did you achieve or exceed your KPIs this year?  What were they? Be specific!
3. How have you demonstrated adherence to your company’s vision or values? Be specific!
4. Have you taken on any leadership roles recently? How many people did you lead? What did this involve?
5. What have you done recently to improve customer relationships?
6. Have you done anything to improve communications at work?
7. What are you most proud of in the work you do?
8. If you weren’t at work today, what didn’t get done?
9. What have you done recently to demonstrate your conflict management capabilities?
10.  What did you do today to go above and beyond?
11.  How have you recently contributed to a team or a group project?
12. Did you receive any awards, or positive recognition this year? What for?
13.  How have you increased sales or profits? By how much?
14.  Have you ever discovered an error in your review of something? What was the outcome?
15.  What have you done to help bring new customers to the company?
16.  How have you taken initiative in your current role?
17.  Have you done any public speaking or made any presentations (either in-person or remotely)? On what topic?
18.  Did you institute any new processes or procedures at your company?
19.  Have you trained or coached your co-workers on any topics?
20.  What trainings or educational programs have you attended recently?
21.  What has your boss praised you for recently?
22.  Which of your contributions has received the most recognition — from customers, your bosses, or both?
23.  Have you been given any additional responsibility lately?
24.  How did you set yourself apart at work recently?
25.  How do you ensure your work responsibilities get completed?
26.  What articles or other significant documents have you written — or contributed to — recently?
27.  What special project have you worked on recently?
28.  How have you demonstrated your leadership skills recently?
29.  What is your biggest professional achievement in the past month?
30.  How have you rejuvenated something that has gone stale?
31.  Have you received any notes, emails, or kudos from customers? From your boss?
32.  What is the most important thing you did in your job in the past year?
33.  Looking back at the past year, what project did you enjoy working on the most?
34.  When have you transformed a bad situation into a good one?
35.  What project have you accomplished recently that helped you or your co-workers save time with something?
36.  What are you most proud of in your current job?
37.  Describe a recent challenge or problem you had to solve.
38.  Have you led a specific project through difficult circumstances?
39.  Have you orchestrated any significant changes in your current role or in your department?
40.  Give an example of how you have generated new business for your employer.
41.  Have you been recognised as the first person to do something in your role with the company?
42.  Which of your ideas or innovations has the company adopted successfully?
43.  What have you come up with in your current position that has made your work easier?
44.  Look at your most recent performance evaluation or review. What were the highlights?
45.  What would your co-workers say about you?
46.  Describe a time when you met a difficult deadline. What did you do?
47.  What is unique about how you do your job?
48.  How have you engaged your co-workers? Have you enlisted their help to work on a project with you?
49.  Describe how you grew company revenues or sales.
50.  How have you demonstrated adherence to WH&S or other legislation this year?

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