Is your resume failing to pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS) or not attracting employers' attention? To create an effective resume, it’s important not only to clearly describe your responsibilities but also to showcase specific achievements. A great format for this is XYZ: key skill – achievement with a measurable result.

In this article, we’ve compiled examples of achievements in the XYZ format for 15 of the most in-demand corporate professions. These achievements highlight your contribution to the company's success and help you stand out among competitors.

How to Make Your Resume ATS-Friendly and Attractive to Employers:

  • Font and Formatting: Use classic fonts like Arial or Times New Roman, size 10–12. Avoid overloading the resume with different font styles.
  • Alignment and Margins: Don't make margins too narrow just to fit more text. The resume should remain readable.
  • Optimal Length: 1–2 pages, focusing on experience from the last 10 years.
  • Avoid Images and Graphics: These don’t pass through ATS and are rarely appropriate.
  • Photo: Include a photo only if acceptable in your target country (e.g., Austria, Germany, France, Portugal). Do not add a photo for resumes sent to the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand (except for real estate and modeling industries).
  • Avoid Empty Buzzwords: Terms like "ambitious" or "go-getter" add little value. Instead, describe achievements with specific results and case studies.

If you feel like you don’t have any achievements, think about projects or tasks where your contribution made a difference. Did you improve processes, increase efficiency, or cut costs? Have you trained colleagues or organized events? Even developing materials that generated $200K for your company is an achievement.

Consider the scale of your work: for example, "managing stores with total revenue of $10M" or "handling contracts representing 50% of company revenue."

Also, don’t forget about recognition and awards. Think of times when your work was praised or highlighted. Courses, certificates, and webinars can also count as achievements, especially if they enhanced your professional skills.

Finally, achievements don’t always have to be quantified. Conflict resolution, project leadership, and team improvement are also valuable skills that employers appreciate.

Achievement Examples for 15 Key Corporate Roles

1. Sales Manager (Sales Manager, Business Development Manager, Account Executive)

  • Sales Strategy & Revenue Growth: Designed and implemented a new sales strategy, driving a 30% year-over-year increase in sales and generating $5M in additional annual revenue.
  • Client Relationship Management: Managed a portfolio of high-value clients across the EMEA region, achieving a 40% increase in customer retention and securing $10M in new contracts.
  • Negotiation: Closed a $3M deal with a major client by leading contract negotiations, improving the profit margin by 15%.
  • Market Expansion: Expanded into two new international markets, contributing $4M in new business within 12 months.
  • Team Leadership: Led a sales team of 12, improving team performance by 25% and exceeding quarterly revenue targets by $1.5M.

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