Achievements

What exactly does ‘achievement’ mean?

I don’t know what to write about ……..

Why can I only include 3?

I was the milk monitor in year 2 – can I include that?

I haven’t got any.

On a good CV, a future employer wants to see a summary of your key achievements.

The things that you are most proud of achieving.

This can include anything from an academic achievement to an extra-curricular achievement or even something more personal that that.

By outlining your achievements, you are letting others know what you value. Those things that are most important to you.

3 is the magic number We’ve limited the achievement section to 3 entries because we want you to be selective. These will be printed on your CV and they give a second reader an idea of your priorities and your key successes to date. The achievements that make your top 3 have to be special.

Be honest about what is most important to you.

I just don’t know where to start Start by thinking about successes you’ve had in education. These might include holding a particular position in school or being awarded a certificate for some work you have completed.

It might not be an achievement that someone else has validated but it might be that you tried especially hard for a test or piece of coursework and beat your target grade.

This is something that should be celebrated!

Next, consider something that you’ve done outside the classroom. This might be linked to a super-curricular activity or might be something in your time (away from school or college).

Still struggling?

The next slide gives you some examples of what students in another institution have included.

• Walked the Appalachian Trail• Completed DofE• Raised £450 for a local charity by

organising a Talent Show• Runner up at ‘Print It’ design

competition• Grade 7 on cello• Represented county in U16 cricket• Cycled Coast to Coast route• Performed in Dance show at Lowry

Theatre, Salford• Carer for sister with M.S.• Member of Senior Gospel Choir• Player of the Year award• Ran a 10K for Cancer Research UK

Some examples of Achievements you might include:

• Had poetry professionally published in anthology

• Member of Student Council• Qualified as a Referee• Mastered Photoshop• Qualified as a bike mechanic• Member of school’s Young

Enterprise scheme • Visited Borneo as volunteer in

local community• Ran the Architecture society• Run monthly Fairtrade Cake Bake• Coach at Trampolining club• Gold award in LAMDA (Distinction)

How much do I need to write for each Achievement? Each entry requires sufficient explanation. Remember that a second reader might not have much knowledge about the activity, so you will need to explain your success to a ‘beginner’ in your chosen field.

One rule: Keep each ‘Achievement’ recent.

Perhaps within the last 2 years.