The most common questions on a job application or during an interview [1] 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 [2] 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 [3] 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 [4] 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 [5].
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 [7] is an established writer with 10 years of freelance writing experience. She focuses on creating engaging content for lifestyle brands, covering home, technology, and entertainment.