When It Comes to Your Resume Make an Impact with Metrics

The best way to sell yourself on your resume is to show your achievements. Adding metrics to those achievements creates even more of an impact. Unfortunately, many people struggle to demonstrate their measurable accomplishments. There are many reasons why this happens, for instance, not keeping track of your performance metrics or working for a company that does not regularly provide performance metrics.

The second reason isn't as common as most companies do have KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) but not all do.

Getting stumped on your resume because of performance metrics is preventable and all it requires is two simple techniques to avoid that hurdle.

1. When you are employed keep a personal log of your measurable accomplishments. Some common performance metrics that employees are evaluated on include revenue growth, cost savings, customer satisfaction improvements, productivity improvement, budget management, and so on. As you progress through your role keep a personal record of any metrics that measure your performance, starting with your company KPIs. You should do this regularly for instance monthly or quarterly. Another great source is your annual review if you receive one. Also, try to record how your work directly impacts your companies’ productivity and/or bottom line.

Here's an example of a measurable achievement on a resume:

Achieved over $24M in enterprise sales by developing strategic positioning, thorough client outreach, and the negotiation of long-term contracts.

or

Lead Human Resource generalist for $15M Target store; overseeing staffing, development, training,

scheduling and performance management of over 120 employees.

2. If metrics are not a regular part of your job ask your manager to discuss measurable performance metrics that you have contributed to or achieved.

Use your one on ones with your manager to delve a little deeper and discuss questions like the following:

• How do I help my company grow financially?

• How many people does my work help internally and externally?

• How productive are my operational processes?

• How do I help my company save money or prevent financial loss?

In addition to identifying metrics for your resume you also get a clear idea of the impact your make at your job. It's very common for employees to undervalue the contributions they make in their role.

When you are settled in your job you may not be thinking about your resume, but the truth is your career will transition. Take the time to invest in your future by being proactive in your present.

Zeinab Kahera M.Ed. is a native of Atlanta, GA and currently resides in Montreal, Quebec.

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