About the author

Darren Cronian, the author of this guide, has spent nine years securing remote jobs and building a successful freelancing business. His goal is to help people find remote work. Read more >
Last Updated: 12 May 2024

Recruiters often spend no more than a few minutes per candidate browsing through resumes. This short span is your window to make an impression.

Quantifying your achievements can make a substantial difference, potentially increasing your chances of landing a remote job. By quantifying your achievements, you provide a clear, direct snapshot of your capabilities and impact by converting your accomplishments into numbers and concrete results.

This approach not only catches the eye of your potential employer but also offers an objective measure of your successes.

If you’re wondering “how to quantify accomplishments on a resume” we will guide you through practical and straightforward strategies to transform your resume into a powerful tool that stands out in a sea of text.

How to Quantify Accomplishments on a Resume
How to Quantify Accomplishments on a Resume

Most remote job seekers make the mistake of focusing on highlighting tasks within each previous role rather than using achievements.

Depending on the industry and type of company, take time to research and review its goals. Then, highlight achievements based on those goals.

Learn the Art of Measuring Success
The Power of Numbers

Quantifying your achievements means translating your work experiences into numbers, percentages, and measurable impacts.

1. Identify Quantifiable Metrics

Begin by revisiting your job duties and accomplishments. Look for aspects of your work that are measurable. Did you increase sales, reduce costs, or improve customer satisfaction? Find out by how much.

For instance, rather than saying “led a successful marketing campaign,” specify “led a marketing campaign that increased sales by 20% within one quarter.” Here’s another example: ‘Implemented a new customer service strategy that reduced customer complaints by 30% in six months.’

2. Use a Range of Quantifiers

While percentages and monetary values are straightforward, don’t overlook timeframes and frequency. Saying “reduced the average project completion time from 4 weeks to 2 weeks” or “increased weekly deliveries by 30%” provides a more robust view of your achievements.

3. Contextualize Your Numbers

Sometimes, numbers look impressive, but adding context can amplify their impact. If you contributed to revenue growth, explain that this growth was a record high or significantly above the industry average for the company.

4. Include Benchmarks and Comparisons

Comparing your performance against industry standards, previous periods, or targets can highlight your efficiency and effectiveness. “Surpassed annual sales targets by 15%” or “grew customer base faster than any other department year-over-year” can be very persuasive.

5. Remember Non-Quantifiable Achievements

Some achievements may not easily lend themselves to quantification. In these cases, quantify the scale or scope of your responsibility, such as “managed a team of 15” or “oversaw a budget of $500,000.”

It’s essential to strike a balance between quantifiable and non-quantifiable achievements. While numbers provide concrete evidence of your capabilities, non-quantifiable achievements, like managing a team or overseeing a budget, demonstrate your leadership and strategic skills.

By integrating these methods into your resume, you will not only answer the question of “how to quantify achievements on a resume” but also create a narrative of your career with evidence of your successes.

Beyond Numbers: Telling a Story That Resonates

While this guide has focused on quantifying achievements on your resume, it’s essential to remember that numbers are part of a larger narrative.

Resumes don’t just present data; they weave this data into a story that outlines your career, highlights your skill set, and illustrates how you solve problems.

This narrative approach ensures that your quantified results resonate with potential employers, showcasing your competence and strategic impact. Rest assured, this is a proven method that works.

Incorporating quantifiable achievements effectively transforms your resume from a list of job descriptions to a compelling account of your professional growth and value. This strategy helps hiring managers see your potential and makes your resume memorable.

How to Quantify Accomplishments on a Resume

As you rework your resume, consider the broader implications of your quantifiable achievements. How do these numbers reflect your personal and professional growth? More importantly, how can they protect your future potential to prospective employers?

Reflect on this actionable question: What achievement am I most proud of, and how can I quantify this success to showcase my potential to future employers?

This reflection will help you fine-tune your resume and prepare you to discuss your achievements in interviews, making you a more compelling candidate to a potential employer for a remote job.

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