We all know about the SMART mnemonic (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound) to describe goals, and to manage ourselves and our teams to success. The SMART framework is also useful when identifying and crafting our career accomplishments.
Well written accomplishment statements go beyond simply describing the things for which were have been responsible. They demonstrate positive organizational impact.
Consider the following pairs of statements:
Duty: Responsible for print and electronic direct mail for domestic markets.
Accomplishment: Increased revenue by 25% and achieved marketing expense ratio by 150+ by planning and managing the execution of nationwide print and electronic direct mail programs.
Duty: Accountable for for large-scale change management during build-out of new factory.
Accomplishment: Directed build-out and deployment of $10 million factory with facility up and running within 8 months. Led project to on-time, on-budget completion.
Duty: Planned and managed events for current and new members.
Accomplishment: Co-created over 15 new events as part of a 5-person team in order to capture members outside typical demographic. Provided members 60% more new activities and doubled event attendance in 1st year.
The detailed accomplishment statements above serve as proof of your skills sets. They don't 'say it'; they 'display it'.
Fitting nicely into the SMART framework, they are specific (details add color to the fabric of your resume), measurable (numbers!!), attainable (won't be viewed by employers as outside your pay grade), relevant (interesting to your target employers), and time-bound (mentioned as appropriate).
Your SMART accomplishments can be leveraged on resumes, in job and informational interviews, and in performance reviews and other caree-related discussions.