The most common questions on a job application or during an interview require you to discuss a prior experience at work. Whether it’s sharing a time you overcame a challenge or a recent project you’re particularly proud of, you’re not alone if you’ve found yourself racking your brain for an answer.
As a freelancer applying to gigs and having interviews at least once a week, I’ve been there. I’m put on the spot and suddenly can’t remember the specifics of my work over the past few years. When I saw this TikTok video about tracking your work wins, I knew I had to give it a try – partially to serve my own memory lapses, but also to see my successes. What I didn’t expect it to do was help me overcome my own imposter syndrome by giving me confidence in my work like nothing I’d quite experienced before.
How I Tracked My Work Wins
Although I’ve seen some people track their wins weekly, I chose to track my work wins at the end of each day. Using a spreadsheet I created in Google Sheets, I added categories like date, client, assignment, and win. (If you want a screen break from your laptop at the end of the workday, try writing your wins down in a journal instead.)
In addition to the core categories, I also included sections to add any feedback received from the client, additional notes I might want to add, and a space for links. The latter was a great spot to add any links to completed projects, and for me, that meant adding in any completed article once it was posted live.
As I was going through my weekly wins, though, I realized I could stand to add one more important category: the outcome. Was the win related to overcoming a challenge, reaching a goal, or achieving personal growth? Adding an outcome section made combing through the information simpler when I was looking for a specific work outcome. The document can fill up fast for someone tracking wins daily, especially if you maintain it over the years.
What I Learned by Tracking My Work Wins
Working, even in a job I love, can feel like a grind. And taking a moment to sit and reflect on the work I completed at the end of the day wasn’t something I was used to. Sure, there were days when I had big wins that I recognized. The more obvious wins like getting feedback on an assignment or seeing amazing metrics on a project were a great confidence booster. But finding those wins on the slow or average days proved to be a bit more challenging. That was the beauty of this test, though: to discover wins I never would have recognized otherwise.
For the week, I got to be my own hype woman, and it felt incredibly empowering. I recognized the significance of a topic I wrote an article about. I applauded my ability to take on a challenging assignment that stretched my research skills. And I celebrated my growth in my career because I had met the requirements to apply to a dream gig.
While I loved getting the chance to recognize my wins, I realized the powerful effect it had on my confidence and expertise in my career. As a freelancer, I’m constantly pitching myself, not just to prospective clients, but current ones as well. Part of the job process is being able to speak about what I bring to the table. In the past, that would require some digging on my part. But now, with this spreadsheet, I can easily recall a challenge and how I overcame it.
“For the week, I got to be my own hype woman, and it felt incredibly empowering.”
My work-wins spreadsheet isn’t only helpful for job interviews, it’s also helpful in my current job. I can log information about how I wrote an article (or multiple) that landed on the first page of Google or document how I revamped an article that’s gaining even more traction online. Plus, I can cite this information when writing an annual review or negotiating a raise.
Most importantly, my work-wins spreadsheet helped me see the value in what I’m providing to clients in my work. It gave me the confidence to continue pushing myself – even on days when I’m discouraged or don’t feel like I have much to highlight at all.
Bottom line: Being my own hype woman felt amazing, and I urge my fellow professionals in all types of roles to dive into this process as well. Whether you’re up for a promotion, asking for a raise, or searching for a new role, having this information readily available will work wonders for your reputation and your confidence. No more imposter syndrome for me.
Kate Fann is an established SEO content writer with 10 years of freelance writing experience. She focuses on creating engaging SEO content for lifestyle brands, covering home, technology, and entertainment.
