Ask HN: Do you keep a document of important work things for yourself?

2 pointsccajas5y ago2 comments

And is it unusual or bad if I don't?

I've been advised by some people that I should keep at least a Google document to list accomplishments and to update on a regular basis, as I work. I guess it's more so because I usually mentally recall my accomplishments for past jobs to write up my resumes, or rely on older resumes to recall work from past jobs. These resumes and my LinkedIn page are the most persistent documentation I have of my career.

Is it unusual to not keep track of your accomplishments on a more granular level? Do most people keep a personal "brag document" to recall things from past projects or items in case they come up with work later? Because at work I just go by the company and co-worker emails I receive.

Even when I was in college I wasn't too keen on following up on whatever notes I wrote down for class. At work I don't write down anything at all, whether quarterly, monthly, etc.

2 comments

he11ow5y ago

It's not "bad" if you don't, it's just better if you do.

For one thing, you forget. For another, if you're only recalling stuff you've done in stressful situations (ahead of looking for new jobs), you're doing a disservice to yourself.

I'm guessing, from your referencing of college, that you've been working just enough years for that reference point to still be fresh. But after a while, it's less about "tasks completed" and more about "what sort of value do you add?".

Tracking your accomplishments helps crystallize this, to yourself first, and then to others, as you pick and choose to set yourself down the path you want to carve out.

rolph5y ago

this is referred to as Curriculum Vitae [C.V.] in academic circles.

depending upon the importance of your position/portfolio, you may want to have an in case i am dead/disabled package so that your succesor[s] can keep the wheels moving.

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