Writing Achievements for an Administrative Support Resume

If you're writing an administrative support resume, you need professional achievements to give it a competitive edge. Ask yourself these probing questions.

© David Alan Carter
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Identifying professional achievements for use on a resume is not always easy. That's especially true if you're writing an administrative support resume, as much of the job of administrative or office support doesn't lend itself to the kind of dramatic accomplishments that stop tides and end wars. Still, professional achievements breathe life into a resume, and provide an opportunity to get a leg up on your competition.

Uncovering Your Administrative Support Achievements

Staring at a blank page when it comes to achievements for an administrative support resume? Try asking yourself a series of probing questions about your job that force you to think beyond the mundane, day-to-day duties you perform. Here are some questions to get you started.

– Did you improve the company's filing system? If so, an achievement might sound like: Designed and implemented improved file management system that reduced file backlog from five days to one.

– Did you assist in an office startup or expansion? If so, an achievement might sound like: Established office procedures supporting a 300% increase in sales staff with no subsequent increase in support personnel.

– Did you do anything that improved or speeded up routine procedures? If so, an achievement might sound like: Developed a tracking system for delinquent accounts that standardized contact procedures and reduced the A/R collection period by 50%.

– Did you save the company some money? If so, an achievement might sound like: Reduced expenses by $15,000 in a single year by re-negotiating malpractice, health and disability insurance policies.

– Were you involved or instrumental in the transition of technology? If so, an achievement might sound like: Upgraded and migrated all facility computers (approximately 20) to Windows Vista platform.

– Did you volunteer for training, or initiate a learning experience outside your job description? If so, an achievement might sound like: Enrolled in evening university classes (labor and employment law) to better assist staff attorneys in case work. 

– Were you recognized for your performance? If so, an achievement might sound like: Received numerous customer comments and correspondence--as well as a company bonus--in recognition for exemplary customer service.

Keep the questions flowing until you've identified a number of achievement that will not only look good on the resume, but speak directly to the kind of job you're seeking. If your paper is still blank after this exercise, make a commitment this day to begin chronicling the contributions you make to the company. Remembered and recorded, professional achievements will serve you long after the initial accolades.

Editor's Note: Should You Consider A Professional Writer?

In today's tough job market, every resume is fighting for attention - keywords, design, layout, copy. Is yours competitive? "A professional writer can often make the difference," says former recruiter David Alan Carter. "Just make sure your writer is certified and talented." Carter has identified the Best Resume Services on the Web, reviewing quality of workmanship, spelling out their pricing, and giving each a star ranking.

And yes, the best resume writers are pros at identifying professional achievements and putting them to good strategic use, including our Top-Rated GreatResumesFast.com.

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