If you are start looking into how to write an effective CV these days, one of the primary tips is to highlight your achievements, including quantifiable metrics.
“But how do I do that if my job doesn’t have measurable KPIs?” you may ask. And that would be a good question.
So, if you’ve ever stared at your CV thinking, “But I don’t have any measurable achievements”, this article is for you!
Whether you’re in admin, healthcare, creative industries, social impact, education or any role where success is more qualitative than quantifiable, you still have achievements. The key is learning how to frame them.
The most important thing to consider here is:
How have you added value to the organisation or business by doing what you do?
Here are 5 ways to bring your achievements to the surface in your CV.
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Think impact, not just numbers
Metrics are just one way to show impact. Instead, ask:
– How did you improve a process?
– How did you save time and effort and maximise efficiency?
– How did you support others to achieve successful outcomes?
Examples:
– Reduced new hire ramp-up time by streamlining onboarding materials.
– Provided compassionate care to 20+ patients daily and was consistently praised for empathy and professionalism.
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Use before-and-after storytelling
Use mini-narratives to show how things got better because of you.
Example:
– Improved document retrieval time by redesigning inherited, poorly organised filing system into effective, searchable digital archive.
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Borrow proof from others
Sometimes your impact shows up in how others react:
– Feedback from peers or clients
– Repeat requests to work with you?
– Mentoring or training others?
Example:
– Selected by senior staff to train new team members due to communicative style, reliability and people skills.
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Substitute qualitative evidence
Don’t have numbers? Use volume, frequency, or context instead.
Examples:
– Handled high-volume inbox (100+ emails/day) with 24-hour turnaround.
– Built morale in remote business by organising monthly team events.
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Translate soft skills into results
Soft skills can be achievement-driven. Connect them to outcomes:
– Empathy = better client relationships
– Organisation = smoother projects
– Initiative = problem-solving
Example:
– Minimised delays by anticipating scheduling conflicts and proactively coordinating cross-team calendars
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Conclusion
You may think “I’m just doing my job.” But you are in fact achieving results by doing your job, otherwise you’d have been fired for underperformance.
If you’ve ever made life easier, solved a problem or made someone’s day smoother, you’ve achieved something and your CV needs to reflect those successes.
If you’re still stuck, I break this down regularly in CV Therapy, my no-fluff LinkedIn newsletter on writing better CVs that get you the interview for the job that you want. Subscribe here!
Email jason@jncv.co.uk
LinkedIn Jason Newton
Photo by Joshua Clay on Unsplash
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