Every craftsperson needs a portfolio - a way to showcase their best work and demonstrate their evolution in the craft. For modern professionals, the resume serves this essential function. But here's the thing: resumes aren't just documents we dust off during job searches. When approached with intention, they become living records of our professional craft that inspire us to push beyond the basic requirements of our roles. In this series, we're exploring four critical aspects of resume crafting:
Whether you're actively job searching or simply wanting to document your professional journey more effectively, these posts, and our very own ebook: Resume Paint, will help you transform your resume from a simple work history into a compelling showcase of your craft.
Showcasing Achievement When You Can't Count It
As a self-identified data-head, it pains me to say that a bullet point without numbers is still a reliable, and good data point. I’d much rather talk about how you can measure your work, how you can find hidden numbers in your flow, and what it all means when it’s in a timeboxed plan that’s delivered on time and to the satisfaction of the client. Still, I recognize a master carpenter saying “I built 50 chairs last quarter” doesn't tell the whole story. The carpenter demonstrates their craft through the quality of their joints, the elegance of their design, and the innovation in their process. Similarly, your best professional achievements may not always about numbers – sometimes they're about the art of how you work.
Quality Over Quantity: A Craftsperson's Perspective
Think about how a master craftsperson demonstrates their value:
They show their process
They highlight innovation in technique
They demonstrate problem-solving
They showcase the durability of their work
Your professional achievements can follow the same pattern. I’ll argue that there’s still room to add numbers, but concede the point that sometimes impact measurements aren’t always shared with those who contributed to them.
Translating Qualitative Achievements
1. Process Improvements
Instead of: "Improved team communication by reducing repetitive questions by 20%"
Write: "Based on survey results from the last year’s new hires, created and implemented new project documentation system, leading to faster onboarding and reduced repetitive questions"
2. Innovation
Instead of: "Created new workflows"
Write: "Pioneered hybrid meeting format combining virtual and in-person participation, now adopted as team standard practice"
3. Problem-Solving
Instead of: "Handled difficult situations"
Write: "Developed a systematic approach to escalated customer concerns, resulting in consistent positive resolution and adoption of method by broader team"
The Craftsperson's Toolkit for Achievement Writing
1. Show Your Method
Like a craftsperson explaining their technique: "Redesigned client onboarding process by mapping pain points, gathering team feedback, and iteratively testing improvements"
2. Demonstrate Adoption
Like showing how others have learned from your work: "Created training documentation that became standard reference material for new team members"
3. Highlight Recognition
Like displaying a master craftsperson's mark: "Selected to represent department in cross-functional innovation task force based on creative problem-solving approach"
4. Document Evolution
Like showing the progression of skill: "Advanced from handling basic client queries to becoming team's go-to resource for complex technical challenges"
Non-Numeric Areas of Achievement
Team Dynamics
Mentoring contributions
Conflict resolution
Culture building
Knowledge sharing
Process Innovation
Workflow improvements
Documentation creation
Training development
System optimization
Client Relations
Relationship building
Trust restoration
Communication improvements
Service standard elevation
Crafting Your Achievement Statements
Follow this structure:
Action (What you did)
Method (How you did it)
Impact (Why it mattered)
Example: "Revitalized team meetings by implementing structured agenda format and feedback loops, leading to more engaged participation and efficient decision-making"
The Next Steps
What achievements are you most proud of that don't have obvious metrics attached?
How could you describe your working process in a way that demonstrates mastery and intention?
Ready to dig deeper into crafting a career that stands up to scrutiny? Want to learn more tools for showcasing your professional craftsmanship? Our comprehensive ebook "Resume Paint" provides in-depth guidance on building a career that withstands the test of time. It's packed with practical exercises, real-world examples, and proven techniques for demonstrating your value to even the most discerning hiring managers.