An analysis of selected achievements is a useful tool in clarifying skills, interests and values. Past achievements often indicate talents, abilities and potential and can point the way to future achievements. Completing this exercise, therefore, can contribute in your making the right career choices. It will also help you in preparation for an interview because you will have refreshed your mind on accomplishments you've done.
Achievements for this exercise are things you did particularly well and are proud of regardless of the opinion of others. These will be instances where your motivation was high and where you enjoyed what you were doing.
You may use achievements at work or away from work. You may find it useful to create a list longer than the exercise's set of 10, but the final list must be no more than 10 and listed in priority of importance to you. There isn't a need for a detailed description, simply title each achievement, the main thing done and the results.
Examples:
Reorganized the department: Inherited a department of 16 (downsized from 24). Reorganized and trained people so we got it all done, usually in a 40-hour week. And they all liked me.
Started new charities: As lead in my local volunteer organization, got 67 new people involved in three new charitable activities.
My 10 Achievements
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Adapted from "Managing Your Search Project" (Lee Hecht Harrison, 2006)
Campus Human Resources, Employment Services
Phone: (310) 794-0890 | Fax: (310) 794-0895
