The Common Way Most Candidates Undersell Themselves – And How to Fix It

You’ve probably heard it before: "I’m a good communicator," "I have strong leadership skills," or "I’m a team player."

While these statements are fine in principle, they don’t tell hiring managers much about you as a candidate. The real problem? Most people focus on what they did rather than what impact they made – and that’s where they lose out.

If you’re simply listing your responsibilities or generic skills, you’re underselling yourself. The truth is, hiring managers don’t just want to know what you did; they want to know how you made a difference.

Why Impact Matters

In today’s competitive job market, standing out means showing employers the tangible value you can bring. It’s the difference between saying:

• "I managed a team," and
• "I led a team of 10, increasing productivity by 20% through streamlined workflows."

The second statement doesn’t just describe what you did; it quantifies the impact you had. And that’s what makes you memorable.

How to Sell Yourself Better: Focus on Impact

To showcase your value effectively, focus on results and measurable outcomes. Here’s how to do it:

1. Quantify Your Achievements

Numbers speak louder than words. Whenever possible, include data that illustrates your impact. For example:

• Instead of: "Handled customer complaints."
• Say: "Resolved 95% of customer complaints within 24 hours, improving satisfaction ratings by 15%."

2. Use the STAR Method

For interviews and CV writing, the STAR method helps you tell compelling stories about your achievements:

• Situation: What was the context?
• Task: What was your responsibility?
• Action: What did you do?
• Result: What was the outcome?

Example:

• Situation: Sales were declining in a key region.
• Task: I was tasked with turning things around.
• Action: Analysed the data, identified gaps, and launched a targeted marketing campaign.
• Result: Increased regional sales by 25% within six months.

3. Highlight Problem-Solving and Initiative

Employers value candidates who can identify and solve problems. Frame your experience in terms of the challenges you faced and how you tackled them.

For example:

• "Noticed inefficiencies in the onboarding process and implemented a new system, reducing onboarding time by 30%."

4. Tailor Your CV and Answers

Your impact should be directly relevant to the role you’re applying for. Highlight achievements that align with the company’s goals and the job description.

5. Think Beyond Your Job Description

Many candidates limit themselves to their formal responsibilities. Think about moments where you went above and beyond, such as:

• Volunteering to mentor new team members.
• Leading a project outside your main role.
• Contributing ideas that led to significant business improvements.

The Power of a Strong CV

Your CV isn’t just a list of jobs – it’s a marketing document. To stand out:

• Use bullet points to showcase measurable achievements.
• Start each bullet with an action verb (e.g., "Designed," "Implemented," "Improved").
• Focus on outcomes, not just duties.

For example:

• "Developed a digital marketing strategy that increased website traffic by 40% over three months."
• "Reduced operational costs by 15% by renegotiating supplier contracts."

Why This Matters

Hiring managers review dozens, sometimes hundreds, of applications. A CV that focuses on impact immediately grabs their attention and shows them you’re a results-driven candidate who can bring tangible value.

If you want to stand out, stop underselling yourself. Focus on the impact you’ve made in your roles – the problems you’ve solved, the results you’ve delivered, and the difference you’ve made.

Remember: It’s not about what you’ve done; it’s about what you’ve achieved.

Need help refining your CV or preparing for an interview? At Humand Talent, we specialise in helping candidates showcase their true value. Let me know if you want help reviewing your CV.