This is the last blog in a series addressing accomplishments and the importance of highlighting them in your job search documents and interviews. Part 1 discussed ways to collect, track and document accomplishments. Part 2 covered several ways to write up your accomplishments. 
The following questions may help you identify additional accomplishments.
Work Accomplishments:
  • What is unique about how you do your job?
  • What does your current boss praise you for?
  • Do you have quotas or goals in your current position? Are you able to meet or exceed them?
  • Were you hired to meet a particular challenge for the company?
  • Were you rewarded with any additional responsibility?
  • Have you done anything to improve customer relationships with the company?
  • Have you done anything to improve communications, either internally or externally?
  • What teams have you been part of?
  • What are you most proud of?
  • What would your co-workers say about you?
  • What do you enjoy the most?
  • How did you take initiative in your position?
  • What special projects have you worked on?
  • How did you set yourself apart?
  • How did you go above and beyond what was required?
  • What have you done to increase your responsibilities in your current job?
  • Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of?
  • Were you promoted in recognition of your work performance?
  • Did you increase sales or profits?
  • Did you recruit new customers for the business?
  • Did you save the company money?
  • Did you institute any new processes or procedures?
Educational Accomplishments:
  • What workshops have you attended?
  • Have you attended any conferences?
  • What seminars have you attended?
  • Have you taken any courses?
  • Have you achieved any new certifications?
  • Do you have any new skills? (These might be things like computer software, social media, blogging, etc.)
“Soft Skill” Accomplishments:
  • How have you demonstrated planning skills?
  • What have you done to demonstrate conflict management abilities?
  • How have you demonstrated time management skills?
  • What have you accomplished in terms of digital proficiency?
  • How have you demonstrated team coordination abilities?
  • How have you shown leadership skills?
  • Do you have achievements in terms of your language specialization (foreign languages)?
Recognition Accomplishments:
  • Did you receive any honors this year? (awards, recognition)
  • Did you earn any certifications or licenses?
  • Which of your contributions received the most recognition?
  • Have you received any notes, emails, or kudos from customers? From your boss?
Communication Accomplishments:
  • Have you done any public speaking or made any presentations? (Who did you speak to? On what topic? How many people were in attendance?) 
  • Have you written any articles, white papers, or other documents?
Leadership Accomplishments:
  • Have you taken on any leadership roles — either within your job or in your volunteer work?
  • Have you led any significant projects?

A key part of accomplishments beyond using the information to help you obtain a promotion, raise, or use in job search materials, is to use them for future goals. Taking a big picture approach to your career will help make sure you on the right path to the career of your dreams.