Embracing Personality on Your Resume
In today's competitive job market, job seekers often feel the pressure to make their resumes as perfect as possible for each role. However, the real question is: can you infuse a bit of personality into your professional documents? Influencer Erin McGoff suggests a definite 'Yes.' Her perspective gained attention through an engaging viral video where she speaks to her followers about showcasing personal achievements.
The Value of Personal Achievements
In McGoff's video, she discusses how someone who has run a marathon should feel empowered to list that accomplishment on their resume. This advice strikes a chord with many, as personal achievements can be a fantastic way to highlight qualities that standard job descriptions may overlook. For prospective employers, personal achievements reveal a candidate's character, work ethic, and determination.
Curating Your Personal Achievements Section
One of McGoff's primary pieces of advice is to create a dedicated 'personal achievements' section on your resume. By placing this section towards the end, candidates can seamlessly showcase their experiences without overshadowing their professional qualifications. This space is ideal for listing significant accomplishments like running a marathon, climbing a notable mountain, or even valuable volunteer work.
Identifying Significant Accomplishments
McGoff emphasizes that it isn't just about listing any experience; it's about identifying those achievements that demonstrate significant character. Not every small accomplishment needs to go on display. Instead, focus on those that speak to your values and the transferable skills relevant to your desired job. For example, accomplishing a demanding task like preparing for a marathon illustrates attributes such as discipline, time management, and perseverance.
To translate these achievements into impactful bullets, consider using an AI resume tool that suggests phrasing, quantifies results, and tailors language to a target job description. You can paste your experiences, and the tool will propose resume-ready statements (e.g., “Completed a 26.2-mile marathon—demonstrating discipline and goal commitment”) and recommend where to place them—within a dedicated “Personal Achievements” section or folded into “Summary” or “Skills.” It can also align wording with ATS-friendly keywords without losing your voice, helping you balance personality with professionalism and keep the section concise.
Maintaining Professionalism
While adding a personal touch is important, McGoff points out that maintaining professionalism should remain a priority. Candidates should select only a couple of meaningful achievements to include, ensuring that they contribute positively to the overall professional narrative. Too many entries may dilute their impact; therefore, thoughtful selection is crucial.
The Impact of Personal Achievements on Potential Employers
Employers today are increasingly valuing soft skills such as resilience and adaptability, which can often be challenging to quantify in traditional job descriptions. By integrating personal achievements into your resume, you provide context that speaks volumes about your character and strengths. Training and completing a marathon isn’t merely a personal accolade; it exemplifies your mental grit and determination to pursue goals.
Conclusion: Building a Relatable Resume
In conclusion, personal achievements can be a remarkable way to make your resume stand out in the job market. Being mindful of what you include and ensuring it aligns with the professional narrative you wish to project can create a well-rounded view of your capabilities. Be proud of your accomplishments, and don’t hesitate to showcase them in a way that reflects both your professional journey and personal values.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I include personal achievements on my resume?
Yes, including personal achievements like running a marathon can provide insight into your character and skills.
What types of achievements should I include?
Focus on significant accomplishments that demonstrate qualities relevant to the job you seek, like endurance or teamwork.
How do I structure a personal achievements section?
Create a dedicated section near the end of your resume to highlight meaningful personal accomplishments.
Should I include every achievement I've accomplished?
No, it's best to select only a few significant achievements that are relevant and impactful for your resume.
Why are personal achievements important to employers?
Personal achievements can showcase soft skills such as resilience and adaptability, which are highly valued by employers.
