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Writing a CV is a critical part of job applications. It’s your first point of contact with potential employers, often making the first impression long before you get a chance to introduce yourself in person. Your CV should showcase everything you bring, highlighting your skills, experience, and achievements. But it must also be truthful and tailored to the job you’re applying for. A generic CV won’t cut it—employers can spot one a mile away and will quickly move on to another candidate.
Surprisingly, many under-promote themselves on their CVs by failing to include seemingly minor or unrelated achievements. Don’t be afraid to claim your professional accomplishments, even if they seem minor. Employers are interested in the full scope of what you bring to the job, and every relevant experience can contribute to showing your potential.
Here are five things you can—and should—rightfully claim on your CV:
- Projects You Were a Part Of
If you’ve contributed to any project, no matter the scale, you should include it on your CV. Whether you were an intern supporting a marketing campaign or a full-time employee collaborating on a new product launch, your participation matters. These projects demonstrate your ability to work within a team, handle responsibilities, and apply your skills in a real-world setting.
For example, if you helped develop a customer feedback system for your previous company, that’s a project worth mentioning. It shows that you understand the importance of improving customer service and have experience with systems that could benefit future employers. Even if you weren’t the project leader, showcasing your contribution highlights your teamwork, communication, and organisational skills. Employers want candidates who can contribute to projects and deliver results—don’t be afraid to claim your role.
- Volunteer Work
Volunteer work is an excellent addition to your CV, especially if you’re early in your career or trying to pivot into a new field. Employers are increasingly looking for candidates with a sense of social responsibility, and volunteering demonstrates your willingness to give back to the community and stay active, even when not in formal employment.
Additionally, volunteer roles often require leadership, organisation, and time management skills—highly valued traits in any job. For instance, if you helped organise a fundraising event for a nonprofit organisation, that experience could reflect your project management skills. Volunteering for tasks like website updates, social media management, or community outreach gives you knowledge that can easily translate into a professional setting.
- Favors You Did for Colleagues
We often underestimate the value of helping colleagues with tasks outside our core responsibilities. However, these acts can showcase your versatility and willingness to take the initiative, qualities employers seek.
For example, if you assisted a colleague in preparing a sales presentation or helped the IT department with troubleshooting, that demonstrates your willingness to collaborate and step up when needed. If this work is relevant to the job you’re applying for, include it on your CV. It’s a sign of your adaptability and problem-solving abilities, which are valuable in any workplace. You never know—those seemingly “small” favours could be exactly what sets you apart from other candidates.
- Achievements Beyond Your Job Description
Sometimes, the most impactful accomplishments at work aren’t explicitly part of your job description. These extra efforts should not go unrecognised on your CV. If you took the initiative to improve an internal process, train new employees, or introduce a more efficient way of doing things, those are valuable contributions you should claim.
For instance, if you created a new filing system that saved your company time and improved efficiency, highlight that achievement. Going beyond your expected duties shows you have leadership potential, the ability to innovate, and a strong work ethic—qualities employers actively seek.
- Long-Term Wins That Bore Fruit After You Left
It’s not uncommon for your hard work to yield results after you’ve moved on to a new role or company. If you initiated a partnership, developed a project, or implemented a system that continued to benefit the company after your departure, it’s still an achievement you can claim.
Imagine you introduced a new marketing strategy at your previous company, and after you left, the company saw a 20% increase in leads based on that strategy. Although you weren’t there to witness the success firsthand, you laid the foundation for that growth. Include these long-term wins on your CV, showing you can create lasting value wherever you go.
By including these often-overlooked aspects of your professional journey, your CV will present a fuller, more dynamic picture of your capabilities. Employers appreciate well-rounded candidates who bring diverse experiences to the table, and claiming these five categories of accomplishments will help you stand out in a crowded job market.
Do you need help crafting the perfect CV? Our professional writers are available to assist you in creating a tailored, compelling CV that will get you noticed. Try us today! Visit our page or email us at hello@tweakmycontent.com, and let us help you stand out from the crowd.