WCT #93: Your biggest career mistake? Forgetting the wins that could land you a promotion, raise, or new job.
Two Minute Read
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As a career coach, I often see professionals struggle to articulate their achievements when it matters most – during performance reviews, salary negotiations, or job interviews. When I help them vastly improve their resumes and LinkedIn profiles, they are similarly at a loss to recall those same accomplishments and achievements that are so valuable in their career marketing collateral.
The reality is that if you don't document your accomplishments, they can easily fade into the background, overshadowed by day-to-day tasks. Keeping a detailed record of your contributions not only positions you for promotions and raises but also serves as a safeguard against unfair reviews or layoffs. If you want to stand out in your career, start keeping track of your wins today.
Making note-taking a habit is the first step. Many professionals assume they will remember their major achievements, but when asked to recall specifics from months ago, details can become blurry. To avoid this, establish a consistent schedule for documenting your work. A great approach is to set aside time once a month – perhaps on a quiet Friday afternoon – to review your accomplishments and record them. By doing so, you create a structured habit that ensures your progress is captured regularly. The key is choosing a system that works for you, whether a digital document or paper notes. And by all means, keep these notes at home or on your own phone, email, or cloud filing system. You never know when you could lose access to your office, corporate email, etc. Of course, never take any confidential company information.
Specificity is essential when tracking accomplishments. Vague descriptions won’t make an impact when you're trying to prove your worth. Instead of simply noting that you "helped improve sales," document the numbers. Did revenue increase by 10% under your leadership? Did customer satisfaction scores jump by 15%? Quantifiable data adds credibility to your achievements. Additionally, saving positive feedback from clients, colleagues, and senior leaders can be powerful. If a supervisor or customer emails you with praise, file it away – it could serve as a valuable reference in the future. Bonus tip: Give and get recommendations on LinkedIn, an often overlooked feature. They’re social proof of your impact on others.
Your documentation should go beyond the obvious wins. Many employees focus only on major projects, but the hidden contributions you make are just as important. Did you mentor a junior employee, step in for a colleague on leave, or introduce a new process that improved efficiency? These contributions may not always be recognized in real time, but they demonstrate leadership and initiative. When promotions are being considered, having a well-documented record of these efforts can set you apart from others who may have performed well but lacked a detailed account of their impact.
A strong record of your work can also act as a defense mechanism in challenging situations. If you ever receive an unfair performance review, face a potential layoff, or you’re the victim of discrimination, your documentation becomes your best evidence. Being able to present a clear record of your contributions makes it difficult for employers to downplay your impact. Organize your notes with searchable labels or tags so that when the time comes, you can quickly access relevant details. In times of uncertainty, a well-documented history of your achievements can serve as a lifeline, providing reassurance that you have tangible proof of your value.
The Bottom Line
Your career is your responsibility, and keeping track of your accomplishments is one of the most effective ways to advocate for yourself. Whether you're aiming for a raise, a promotion, or job security, having a well-organized record of your work ensures you can confidently showcase your value. Make documentation a habit, and be specific about your achievements. In a competitive job market, those who can clearly articulate their contributions will always have an edge. Don't wait until you're asked to prove your worth – start documenting your accomplishments today.
I help people land amazing jobs fast and manage their career journeys through coaching and advising. I also transform resumes and LinkedIn profiles to attract more interviews and offers. Learn more about my career coaching and contact me or request a free 15-minute Career Solutions Call.