How to write powerful achievement statements

Your No. 1 goal when writing your résumé, job search letters, LinkedIn profile and other career communications is to position yourself as a unique and memorable candidate.
That pertains to all sections of your résumé: summary, job descriptions, achievements, education and more. This column will focus specifically on writing achievement statements and what you can do to transition them from ho-hum to high-impact.
If you’re in a position where you can quantify achievements, great. Here are a few brief examples:
Reduced inventory costs 12 percent by streamlining supply chain and logistics.
Increased workforce performance ratings 8 percent with new training programs.
Achieved three straight years of 100 percent compliance with quality metrics.
Many achievements are not quantifiable, and that’s OK. In those situations, the best solution is the use of powerful verbs in your achievements. Consider these verbs that are often overused: implemented, managed, led, supervised, oversaw, participated in ... the list goes on.
What if you used verbs that communicated stronger messages of your performance? Read the achievements below and see what a difference a single verb can make.
Championed the implementation of new IT tools that increased worker productivity on a daily basis.
Spearheaded redesign of safety standards to meet stringent new regulations and reduce on-the-job accidents.
Collaborated across MOS disciplines to enhance cooperation and improve division-wide performance ratings. Accelerated the deployment of 2,000 troops and $3 million-plus in vehicles and weaponry.
Think about each of the above verbs and the messages those single words communicate: action, leadership and results. A simple word change can make all the difference in what you write, how you write and, most importantly, how the reader interprets it.
To be sure your résumé, letters and LinkedIn profile are as strong as they can be, read them and see how you can edit the language to increase its impact and achieve your ultimate goal – to be unique and memorable. In turn, position yourself as the candidate for your targeted positions.

Wendy Enelow is co-author of “Modernize Your Résumé: Get Noticed ... Get Hired” and “Expert Résumés for Military-to-Civilian Transitions.”