Analyzing your accomplishments provides a way of not only identifying your skills, but also establishing how you have put them to use.
Think back to experiences you have had (personal, school, community or work related) that you feel represented accomplishments. These don't have to be major. Perhaps they were events or activities about which you simply felt good; perhaps you felt especially effective or helpful. List at least five of these. Next, break each accomplishment down into specific tasks using action verbs. (Check out the Tip Sheet on Action Verbs.) Finally, list the skills and personal attributes that you believe enables you to accomplish each task. Keep this info for future reference. It will be useful when you begin to build your résumé.
Example
Accomplishment: Organized successful fundraiser for local community centre.
Tasks:
- Recruited volunteers.
- Delegated tasks to volunteers.
- Supervised volunteers.
- Designed and wrote campaign materials.
- Arranged for special facilities.
- Prepared budget.
- Evaluated effectiveness of program.
Demonstrated Skills:
- Organizational skills.
- Capacity to motivate people.
- Supervisory skills.
- Problem-solving ability.
- Delegating skills.
- Assertiveness.
- Ability to analyze and assess results.
As you work on developing your list of skills, keep in mind the following settings where you may have developed skills and had accomplishments.
Employment - where have you worked? What was it about these jobs that you really enjoyed? What were your principle activities and accomplishments?
Classes - did you use equipment, procedures, or specific software?
Community-Based Education / Field Work / Internship Programs - Did you actively participate in any work study programs where you gained some practical experience which you enjoyed? What was the area you were involved in? Do the skills you developed relate to any career areas that are of an interest to you?
Volunteer / Extra-curricular Activities - Have you actively involved yourself in extra-curricular activities or volunteered your time to the community? What did you like most about doing this? What did you like least? Why did you involve yourself? Did you take on major responsibilities?