In my 11 years of recruiting for technical engineering roles such as Manufacturing Engineers, NPI Engineers, Automation Engineers, and Equipment Engineers, I have learned the importance of effectively presenting oneself to potential employers during interviews. As a job seeker, it is crucial to stand out from the competition by showcasing your qualifications and achievements in the best possible light.

One highly effective strategy to elevate your CV and interview performance is to quantify your achievements.

To start, it is essential to:

1. Clarify Your Involvement in the Achievement: Clearly describe your contribution using action-oriented language. Instead of using vague terms like "we" or "was involved," focus on words like "I created," "reorganized," or "initiated." This conveys your level of performance and convinces the hiring manager that you played a pivotal role in achieving positive outcomes.

2. Describe the Start, Middle, and End: Apply your problem-solving skills to illustrate your approach. Define the problem you faced, measure the initial outcome, analyze potential improvements, implement changes, and establish controls to ensure lasting impact. Following the DMAIC model (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) can help you structure your achievements effectively.

3. Quantify the Achievement: Whenever possible, incorporate specific numbers and percentages. For instance, highlight how a successful project led to €10K in savings for the company, or mention how you reduced costs or increased yields by 10%, resulting in a €40K savings. The more precise and measurable your statements, the more impactful they become.

4. Include Details of Challenging Circumstances: If you faced challenging business events or conditions during the achievement, provide context by explaining what those circumstances were. Share an example of a time when something went wrong, describe the challenges you encountered, and outline how you overcame them. This demonstrates your ability to navigate obstacles and deliver results.

Quantifying your achievements not only enhances your interview performance but also serves as a valuable self-assessment exercise. It provides a clear picture of your recent accomplishments and identifies areas for improvement. By quantifying your achievements, you create a reliable benchmark for gauging your professional success. Over time, this practice may become second nature as you continually strive to quantify and articulate your accomplishments with confidence.

Mastering the art of quantifying your achievements will set you apart in interviews, leaving a lasting impression on potential employers in Ireland and beyond.