How to Utilize Numbers to Create an Accomplishment-Based Resume

When writing a resume, one of your biggest challenges is figuring out how to get the message across that you’re a results-maker. One of the best ways to get this done is by using numbers. Quantifying what you’ve accomplished helps the hiring manager envision what you can get done at a new company. Want to know how to get it done? Here are some tips to consider.

Look at the Amount of What You’ve Accomplished

A great way to get started in using numbers is looking at amounts associated with what you’ve accomplished. This means you will bypass simply jotting down your responsibilities and take a deeper look into what you really pulled off at previous employers.

For each job you’ve worked, you can list how many items you’ve sold, how many people you’ve managed, how many projects you initiated, how many times you were voted team lead, etc. The numbers give perspective to your accomplishments, which is what you need when applying for a job.

Jot Down Money Earned

If you’ve earned money for a company, it’s a good idea to list as many dollar amounts as possible. For instance, if you were a member of your sales team and in the months of January, April and May 2010, you won salesperson of the month because you surpassed $10,000 in sales, you need to write those numbers down. Doing so not gives a clear picture of what you’re capable of earning.

Note Timeframes for Accomplishing Goals

While busy quantifying your results, it’s good to include timeframes for accomplishing your goals. So in the previous example, in addition to noting how much money you earned, you could mention that you actually hit the $10,000 in 16 work days rather than standard 20-22 days in a work month.

As a candidate, it is imperative that you that you utilize the most high-impact and relevant information in your resume to win over the person who is reading it. The more meaningful, and impactful numbers you add to your resume, the greater your odds will be of getting called in for an interview.

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Jessica Hernandez, expert resume writer, is a nationally-recognized resume authority and former HR Manager who has achieved over a 99% success rate securing interviews with prestigious organizations through exclusive, personal branding strategies.  The President/CEO of Great Resumes Fast, she and her team partner with professional- and executive-level candidates.