Recruiters don’t spend much time scanning each resume before deciding whether to read more. That means you need to grab their attention quickly and provide proof of value. Beyond job duties and responsibilities, employers look for evidence—achievements, recognition, and metrics that separate top performers from average applicants.
One often-overlooked accolade is the Employee of the Month award. While some candidates see it as a token gesture, it’s actually a powerful way to demonstrate excellence. This recognition highlights reliability, leadership, and measurable results—all qualities employers prioritize.
The key lies in presenting it correctly: where to place it, how much detail to provide, and how to connect it to the skills most relevant to your target role.
Key takeaways
- Employee of the Month is proof of consistent performance and recognition.
- The award most often belongs in the “Awards and Achievements” section for visibility.
- Use action verbs and quantify results when describing it.
- Align the award with the skills your target job values most.
- Placement in multiple sections (summary, work experience, awards) reinforces credibility.
- Other awards—academic, innovation, or industry-specific—add further weight.
- Avoid mistakes such as vague descriptions or cluttering your resume with too many recognitions.
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Now, let’s explore why this award matters and how to make it an essential part of your resume instead of an afterthought.
Should you put Employee of the Month on your resume?
Awards on your resume demonstrate that your contributions stood out in a measurable way. Employee of the Month is especially powerful because it reflects both peer acknowledgment and management recognition.
Why it matters to employers
- Reliability: Proof that you consistently meet or exceed expectations.
- Leadership: Even if you weren’t a manager, the award reflects initiative.
- Team contribution: Recognition often comes from collaboration as well as results.
- Differentiation: When two candidates are equally qualified, an award tips the balance.
Industry examples
The value of Employee of the Month varies by field, but in every industry, it proves a measurable impact.
- Healthcare: A nurse recognized for reducing patient wait times by 25% demonstrates efficiency under pressure.
Awards and Honors
- Employee of the Month, Mercy Hospital, October 2022 | Improved patient intake times by 25 percent, recognized for efficiency and compassion.
- Retail: A sales associate awarded for surpassing revenue goals by 35% shows measurable achievement.
Work Experience
- Surpassed revenue goals by 35%, earning Employee of the Month recognition for outstanding sales performance.
- Hospitality: A front-desk agent honored for guest satisfaction scores highlights service excellence.
Awards and Honors
- Employee of the Month, Hilton Resorts, May 2023 | Honored for achieving the highest guest satisfaction scores, consistently rated 9.8/10.
- Education: A teacher recognized for innovative lesson planning demonstrates creativity.
Work Experience
- Developed innovative lesson plans that improved student engagement by 20%, earning Employee of the Month (March 2022).
- Technology: An IT specialist awarded for automating reporting processes shows innovation and problem-solving.
Summary Statement
Innovative IT specialist with Employee of the Month recognition for automating reporting processes that improved efficiency and demonstrated strong problem-solving skills.
In every case, the award highlights something tangible: you didn’t just do the job—you made a measurable difference.
Once you know why it matters, the next step is formatting the award so employers immediately see its value.
How to format and describe an Employee of the Month award
Formatting matters just as much as the award itself. A bare entry like "Employee of the Month, 2022" doesn’t tell recruiters anything useful. A structured entry does.
Key elements to include:
- Award name: Always start with the formal title.
- Awarding body: List the company or department.
- Date/Year: Include month and year (or summarize multiple wins).
- Context/Purpose: Briefly explain why you were recognized.
- Impact or metrics: Quantify achievements where possible.
- Recognition level: Note whether it was department-wide or company-wide.
- Industry relevance: Tailor emphasis depending on your field.
Where to put Employee of the Month on your resume
Placement determines how visible your award will be. You have three main options.
1. Awards and achievements section
The most obvious and effective choice, since it keeps all recognition in one place, makes scanning easier for recruiters, and aligns with how the ATS reads resumes
Awards and Achievements
Employee of the Month, BrightMart Retail, April 2023 | Company-wide recognition for exceeding sales targets by 150% and contributing $75,000 in additional revenue.
Top Sales Performer of the Quarter, BrightMart Retail, Q4 2022 | Surpassed department average by 22%, maintaining highest customer satisfaction scores.
Customer Service Excellence Award, BrightMart Retail, June 2021 | Achieved 98% positive client feedback across 500+ transactions.
2. Work experience section
Best if the award ties directly to your responsibilities.
Work Experience
Sales Associate
BrightMart Retail | Denver, CO
April 2021–Present
- Increased monthly sales revenue by 28% through personalized customer engagement and upselling strategies.
- Launched referral program that generated $120,000 in new business in six months.
- Employee of the Month (April 2023) | Achieved 150% of sales quota, boosting department revenue by $75,000.
- Trained and mentored five new hires, improving onboarding efficiency by 20%.
3. Resume summary section
Ideal for emphasizing your professional brand at the top.
Resume Summary
Results-driven retail sales professional with three years of experience exceeding revenue goals and delivering outstanding customer service. Consistently recognized with Employee of the Month awards for surpassing sales targets, improving client retention, and mentoring new staff. Skilled in driving growth, building customer loyalty, and contributing to team success.
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Now, let’s look at a side-by-side example that illustrates how putting in extra effort makes your award an asset.
Basic
- Employee of the Month, 2021
Opitmized
- Employee of the Month, XYZ Corporation, March 2021 | Recognized for launching a new training program that improved onboarding efficiency by 30 percent.
More industry-tailored examples
Sales resume
- Employee of the Month, BrightMart, April 2023 | Achieved 150% of monthly quota, boosting revenue by $75,000.
Healthcare resume
- Employee of the Month, Mercy Hospital, October 2022 | Reduced patient wait times by 18 minutes, raising satisfaction to 97%.
IT resume
- Employee of the Month, TechSolutions Inc., June 2023 | Automated reporting, saving 40 staff hours per month across three departments.
With formatting handled, the next step is crafting your description so it conveys action and impact.
Crafting the perfect Employee of the Month entry
Not all entries are created equal. A strong one uses action verbs, context, and numbers on your resume to show why you stood out.
Writing checklist
- Who: Company or organization name.
- When: Month and year.
- Why: The contribution that earned recognition.
- How Much: Metrics or measurable results.
Once crafted, the award should connect to the broader skills that employers want to see.
Many recruiters admit they skim for standout sections like awards. Repeating the award in your summary and awards section reinforces its importance without being repetitive.
Recruiter insight
Other notable awards to highlight
Your resume should reflect all types of recognition, not just Employee of the Month, but focus on the ones most relevant to your target position.
Various awards to list on a resume
Academic
- Dean’s List
- Scholarships
- Research grants
Professional
- Certifications like PMP, CompTIA, or Six Sigma distinctions
- Industry conference awards
Volunteering
- Recognition from nonprofits or community groups
Innovation
- Process improvements or new product designs
Leadership
- Mentorship programs or team-building initiatives
Of course, presenting awards well also means avoiding common mistakes.
Common mistakes and what to avoid
Mistake 1: listing every award
- Too many entries dilute impact. Prioritize the most relevant.
Mistake 2: lack of context
- Don’t just write “Employee of the Month, 2021.” Add why.
Mistake 3: using vague language
- Replace “improved team morale” with “reduced turnover by 10% through team-building initiatives.”
Mistake 4: outdated awards
- Skip those from more than 10 years ago unless still highly relevant.
Still have questions? Let’s answer the most common ones candidates ask.
FAQs about Employee of the Month on a resume
Frequently asked questions
| Questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Should I list every time I won? | No. Summarize: Three-time Employee of the Month (2021–2023). |
| What if it was years ago? | Include it if still relevant or if you lack newer recognitions. |
| Can I put it on LinkedIn? | Yes, under “Honors & Awards.” |
| What if the award was common at my company? | Still list it, but add context: “Chosen from 500 employees.” |
| Should I include it in a cover letter? | Yes, especially if it supports the role you want. |
| What if I don’t have awards? | Highlight quantifiable results instead. Also, consider leveraging promotions, certifications, standout projects, team wins, or manager praise to show recognition |
| Can I bring it up in interviews? | Absolutely. Use it as an anecdote to showcase your skills. |
| What if the recognition was informal? | If it came from leadership or was documented, include it. |
| Can multiple awards clutter a resume? | Not if presented concisely in a dedicated section. |
| Does Employee of the Month matter for senior roles? | Yes—when framed as proof of leadership, impact, or consistency. |
With your questions answered, let’s wrap up with a strong conclusion.
Conclusion
Employee of the Month may look small on the surface, but it represents something powerful: consistent performance, peer recognition, and measurable results. By presenting it strategically—with action verbs, numbers, and context—you transform a token award into a career advantage.
Pair it with other recognitions to tell a full story of your career. Avoid common mistakes like vagueness or clutter. And when in doubt, highlight relevance to the role you’re pursuing.
For a polished, professional resume that showcases awards seamlessly, try Enhancv’s free AI Resume Builder. With easy-to-use templates and smart formatting, you can highlight your Employee of the Month achievement—and every other win—in a way that captures recruiter attention.
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