Why Personal Achievements Matter: A Guide to Including Them in Your Resume

Why Personal Achievements Matter: A Guide to Including Them in Your Resume

The job market has become more competitive than ever before, and job seekers need to stand out from the crowd. While skills and experience are crucial in a candidate’s resume, personal achievements can also play a significant role in making a resume stand out.

Many job seekers believe that their skill set and experience should be the main focus when drafting a resume. However, including personal achievements can not only make a resume look more attractive but also provide meaningful insights into the candidate’s character and work ethic.

What is a Personal Achievement?

First and foremost, it is essential to understand what constitutes a personal achievement. A personal achievement refers to a significant accomplishment that an individual has achieved outside of their job responsibilities or academic pursuits. It could be a personal goal, a volunteer initiative, or a motivational experience.

For instance, if you have completed a marathon, won an award, or volunteered with a charity organization, these can all be considered as personal achievements. Personal achievements should highlight your strengths, personality traits, and qualities that could be an asset in a professional setting.

Why Include Personal Achievements in Your Resume?

First and foremost, personal achievements can help make your resume stand out from the crowd. They showcase the unique qualities, strengths, and experiences that set you apart from other applicants.

Personal achievements can also demonstrate your character and work ethic. For instance, if you completed a challenging marathon or climbed a mountain, it shows that you have discipline, perseverance, and a willingness to push through difficult tasks. These traits can be invaluable in a work setting, and employers often value them highly.

Moreover, personal achievements can provide additional insight into your interests and passions. It can give employers a clearer picture of who you are as a person and whether you would be a good cultural fit for the organization.

How to Include Personal Achievements in Your Resume

Including personal achievements in your resume is an effective way to showcase your unique skills and talents. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when doing so:

1. Choose Relevant Achievements: Make sure the personal achievements you choose to include in your resume are relevant to the job you are applying for. For instance, if you are applying for a role that requires strong teamwork skills, including an achievement that highlights your ability to work in a team is a good idea.

2. Be Specific: When including personal achievements in your resume, be as specific as possible. Provide details on what you achieved and what it took to achieve it. For example, instead of saying, “Completed a marathon,” say, “Completed a marathon in under four hours while raising $10,000 for cancer research.”

3. Quantify Your Achievements: Quantifying your achievements can make them more impressive. For example, instead of saying, “Raised money for charity,” say, “Raised $10,000 for charity through a fundraising initiative.”

4. Keep it Concise: While personal achievements can make your resume stand out, it’s important to keep it concise. Choose your achievements carefully and avoid overloading your resume with too many personal achievements.

Conclusion

Personal achievements can be an effective way to make your resume stand out from the competition. When included correctly, personal achievements can provide meaningful insights into your character, work ethic, and unique strengths. Keep the tips mentioned above in mind when including personal achievements in your resume, and you’re sure to catch the attention of potential employers.