Alan Herrity | March 3, 2025
As a transformation leader, your CV is a crucial tool in showcasing your expertise and impact. One common pitfall we often see at Momentum Search and Selection is the blending of responsibilities and achievements.
This approach can dilute the power of your CV and obscure your actual value. Let's explore why making this distinction is vital and how to do it effectively.
Why Separate Responsibilities and Achievements?
2. Demonstration of Impact
3. Quantifiable Results
How to Separate Responsibilities and Achievements
For each role, begin with a concise paragraph outlining your key responsibilities. This sets the stage for your achievements.
Example: "As Chief Transformation Officer, I was responsible for leading the company-wide
digital transformation initiative, overseeing a team of 50 and managing a budget of $20 million."
2. List Achievements Separately.
Follow your responsibilities with a bullet-pointed list of your key achievements. Focus on outcomes and results.
Example:
3. Use Action Verbs.
Start each achievement with a strong action verb to emphasise your direct impact.
Example: "Spearheaded", "Implemented", "Transformed", "Reduced", "Increased".
4. Include Metrics Wherever Possible.
Quantify your achievements to provide tangible evidence of your impact.
Example: "Increased team productivity by 30% through implementing agile methodologies."
5. Focus on Relevance.
Prioritise achievements that are most relevant to the roles you're targeting. Quality trumps quantity.
6. Provide Context.
Where necessary, briefly explain the significance of your achievement in the broader organisational context.
Example: "Reduced project delivery time by 20%, enabling the company to launch new products ahead of competitors and capture an additional 5% market share."
By clearly separating your responsibilities from your achievements, you create a CV that not only outlines what you were tasked with doing but also demonstrates how effectively you performed.
This distinction allows potential employers to quickly grasp the scope of your roles and your impact, making a compelling case for your capabilities as a transformation leader.
Remember, your CV is often your first opportunity to make an impression. By clearly delineating between responsibilities and achievements, you're providing a comprehensive yet easily digestible snapshot of your professional journey and impact.
Alan Herrity
Director
Momentum Search and Selection