You’ve been asked to describe your biggest achievements. How do you choose the right ones?

2 Choose relevant achievements

Not all achievements are created equal. You want to choose the ones that are most relevant to the job you are applying for, the company you are interviewing with, and the value proposition you are offering. To do this, you need to research the job description, the company culture, and the industry trends, and identify the key skills, competencies, and goals that are expected from the ideal candidate. Then, you need to match your achievements to those criteria, and show how you can help the company solve their problems, meet their needs, and achieve their vision.

3 Highlight your transferable skills

Sometimes, you may not have direct or recent achievements that are related to the job you are seeking, especially if you are changing careers, industries, or roles. In that case, you can still showcase your transferable skills, which are the abilities and qualities that can be applied to different situations and contexts. For example, communication, teamwork, leadership, creativity, and analytical skills are transferable skills that are valued in many fields and positions. You can use the STAR method to illustrate how you have used these skills in your previous or current achievements, and how they can benefit your potential employer.

4 Be specific and concise

When describing your achievements, you want to be as specific and concise as possible. Avoid vague or generic statements that do not convey your unique contribution or value. Instead, use precise and descriptive language that captures the details and scope of your achievements. For example, instead of saying "I increased sales", you can say "I increased sales by 25% in six months by implementing a new marketing strategy and building strong relationships with key clients". Also, avoid rambling or repeating yourself. Keep your answers short and focused, and use bullet points or subheadings to organize your information.

5 Show enthusiasm and gratitude

Finally, you want to show enthusiasm and gratitude when talking about your achievements. Enthusiasm demonstrates your passion and motivation for your work, and gratitude shows your appreciation and humility for the opportunities and support you have received. You can express enthusiasm by using positive and energetic words, such as "excited", "thrilled", "proud", or "enjoyed". You can express gratitude by acknowledging the role of others, such as your colleagues, managers, mentors, or clients, in your achievements, and by thanking them for their feedback, guidance, or collaboration.