Creating a WYAL (That’s a "What
You Accomplished" List, for the uninitiated….)
Why a WYAL?
Refresh memory
Analyze, identify, categorize skills
Provide database of useful information for job searches
(keep it in Access?)
What goes in a WYAL?
Activities completed
Accomplishments
Milestones or goals reached or exceeded
Routine duties
Above-and-beyond duties
Where does WYAL info come from?
Experience in paid positions
Experience in non-paying positions
Experience in school
Look in annual and periodic reports
Look in old syllabi
Look in job descriptions and procedure manuals,
Occupational Outlook Handbook, etc.
When do you update your WYAL?
On a regular basis—every month, quarter, half-year
When you reach or exceed a milestone or goal
When you change jobs or your job changes
When you complete a project or course
WYAL do’s and don’t’s
Do emphasize verbs and position-specific language, even
if it includes jargon
Don’t use diluters like "was responsible for" or "aided in
the…"
Do use standard categories for sorting (e.g. accounting
skills, management skills, customer service skills)
Don’t get locked into those categories—be willing to re-sort
(e.g. training skills, leadership skills, change management skills)