Do you struggle to identify your professional accomplishments, big or small? You’re not alone.
The inability for people to realize or underestimate their own strengths is not uncommon. Whether you’re just starting out, have been in the same role for a while, or are moving forward in your career, recognizing your own accomplishments can be a challenge.
In some ways, it’s a lot like imposter syndrome — “a behavioural health phenomenon described as self-doubt of intellect, skills or accomplishments among high-achieving individuals.” Although it may not be limited to high achievers. It can affect anyone in any vocation or area of study.
The good news is that this can be overcome because every single one of us has accomplishments in our personal and professional lives, even if we don’t realize it. Accomplishments can range from small everyday tasks to major projects that have had a significant impact on your company. The key is to know how to identify and articulate them.
In this article, you’ll learn how to recognize your professional accomplishments, big and small, and how to use them to your advantage. Whether you’re updating your resume, preparing for an interview, or just want to feel more confident in your abilities, we’ll help you identify and showcase your achievements.
Why Identifying Your Professional Accomplishments is Important
When it comes to your career, it’s important to be able to identify your professional accomplishments, no matter how big or small they may seem. Here are a few reasons why:
Building Confidence
Identifying your accomplishments can help you build confidence in your abilities. By recognizing your successes, you can see the value you bring to your organization and feel more confident in your skills and expertise.
Creating a Stronger Resume
Identifying your accomplishments is also important when it comes to updating your resume. Including specific examples of your achievements can help your resume stand out to potential employers and showcase your skills and experience.
To make your accomplishments stand out, consider using bullet points or tables to highlight specific metrics or results you achieved in your previous roles.
Preparing for Performance Reviews
Identifying your accomplishments can also be helpful when it comes to preparing for performance reviews. By having a clear understanding of your successes, you can more effectively communicate your value to your employer and negotiate for promotions or salary increases.
To prepare for your performance review, consider creating a list of your accomplishments over the past year, along with any metrics or results that demonstrate your impact on the organization.
Big Accomplishments to Look For
When it comes to identifying your professional accomplishments, it’s important to recognize that they come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes, you might have big, flashy accomplishments that are easy to identify, like a major project you completed or an award you received. Other times, your accomplishments might be smaller but still significant, like a positive review from a client or a successful presentation.
Here are some big accomplishments to look for when identifying your professional achievements:
Projects Completed
One of the most obvious places to look for big accomplishments is in the projects you’ve completed. This could be a major project that took months or even years to finish or a smaller project that had a big impact on your team or organization. When thinking about your projects, consider the following:
- Did you complete the project on time and within budget?
- Did you exceed expectations or deliver more than was initially expected?
- Did the project have a significant impact on the organization, such as increased revenue or improved efficiency?
Awards and Recognitions
Another place to look for big accomplishments is in any awards or recognition you’ve received. This could be a formal award from your organization or industry. When thinking about your awards and recognitions, consider the following:
- What did you do to earn the award or recognition?
- How did it impact your career or the organization as a whole?
- Was it a one-time recognition, or have you received multiple awards or recognitions over time?
Promotions and Raises
Promotions and raises are another big accomplishment to look for. These are tangible signs that your employer values your work and sees you as a valuable asset to the organization. When thinking about your promotions and raises, consider the following:
- What did you do to earn the promotion or raise?
- How did it impact your career or earning potential?
- Have you received multiple promotions or raises over time?
Small Accomplishments to Look For
When it comes to identifying your professional accomplishments, don’t overlook the small wins. These accomplishments may seem minor, but they can show your work ethic, dedication, and attention to detail. And they can add up to paint a great picture of your professional abilities. Here are a few small accomplishments to look for:
Positive Feedback from Colleagues or Managers
If you’ve received positive feedback from your colleagues or managers, consider it a professional accomplishment. This feedback can come in the form of a compliment on your work, recognition for a job well done, or even a “thank you” for going above and beyond. Don’t dismiss these comments as just being polite. Take them as a sign that you’re doing something right.
Meeting Deadlines
Meeting deadlines is an important part of any job, but it’s also an accomplishment. If you’ve consistently met your deadlines, even if they were tight, take a moment to pat yourself on the back. This shows that you’re organized, reliable, and can handle pressure.
Learning New Skills
Learning new skills is a great accomplishment, even if it’s a small one. This could be something as simple as mastering a new software program or learning a new technique. These skills can help you be more productive, efficient, and valuable to your team.
How to Identify Your Accomplishments
It’s not always easy to identify your professional accomplishments, especially if you’re not used to thinking about them. However, recognizing your achievements is crucial to advancing your career. Here are some tips to help you identify your accomplishments, big and small.
Reflect on Your Work History
Take some time to reflect on your work history. Think more deeply about the tasks you completed, the projects you worked on, and the goals you achieved. Ask yourself questions like:
- What challenges did I overcome?
- What problems did I solve?
- What skills did I develop?
- What impact did I have on the company or team?
Make a list of your answers and use them to identify your accomplishments.
Ask for Feedback
Sometimes, it’s hard to see your accomplishments, but others can see them more clearly. Ask your colleagues, supervisors, or mentors for feedback on your work. They may be able to point out achievements that you didn’t even realize were significant. Ask questions like:
- What do you think are my biggest accomplishments?
- What impact have I had on the team or company?
- What skills have I developed?
Take note of their feedback and use it to identify your accomplishments.
Keep Track of Your Achievements
It’s important to keep track of your achievements as they happen so you don’t forget them later. Keep a record of your accomplishments, including:
- The project or task you completed
- The skills you used or developed
- The impact you had on the team or company
- Any feedback or recognition you received
You can use a spreadsheet, a document, or a notebook to keep track of your achievements. Review your professional record regularly to remind yourself of your accomplishments.
Identifying your accomplishments can be challenging, but it’s an important step in advancing your career. Use these tips to help you recognize your achievements and celebrate your successes.
