One of the biggest challenges I faced when I first became a federal contractor was this: I knew I was doing meaningful work—but I wasn’t sure how to prove it.
Unlike the military, where rank, awards, and evaluations paint a clear picture of your contributions, the civilian contracting world can feel a bit… vague. If you’re not careful, the value you bring might only be recognized in hindsight—or worse, not at all.
So how do you make sure your work gets the credit it deserves? You document it. Communicate it. And connect it to the mission. Here’s how I’ve learned to do that effectively.
1. 📋 Track Your Wins—Even the Small Ones
Not every accomplishment has to be a headline. But every win counts. Whether you:
- Caught an error in a shipment before it impacted a test
- Built out a new inventory system for smoother audits
- Mentored a junior tech who now works independently
- Designed a layout that saved hours of labor
Write it down. Keep a personal “accomplishment journal” or log—whether it’s a spreadsheet, a Word doc, or even a notebook in your toolbox.
🛠 Pro tip: Note the what, how, and why it mattered. (e.g., “Reorganized Warehouse 7708 layout, improving item location speed during quarterly audits by 50%.”)
2. 🧠 Quantify Whenever Possible
Contracting work often lives in technical details—so put numbers to your impact.
✅ “Oversaw $4.3M in ordnance inventory with 100% accountability.”
✅ “Reduced test setup time by 30% by pre-staging mine components.”
✅ “Managed HAZMAT across 3 facilities with zero compliance violations.”
Quantifying value gives stakeholders something to point to during reviews, renewals, or promotions. It turns your work from “supportive” to “measurable asset.”
3. 🧭 Tie Your Work to the Mission
Government customers and contracting companies care about results tied to readiness and security.
So when you write a performance input, update your resume, or speak during a check-in, emphasize:
- Fleet readiness
- Test mission success
- Logistical support
- Compliance accuracy
- Operational safety
🎯 Example: “By preparing and testing the QS-ER Mk64 Mod 5 system in advance of field trials, ensured mission success and eliminated test-day delays—supporting critical USN readiness objectives.”
4. 📢 Don’t Just Work—Speak Up About It
You don’t have to brag. But you do need to communicate:
- What you’re working on
- What challenges you’re solving
- What results you’ve produced
Use weekly reports, project trackers, or even casual updates to your site lead or government point of contact. Visibility matters.
💬 “Hey, I reorganized the hazardous materials locker by compatibility group—this should cut down inspection time and reduce risk.”
When the right people know what you’re doing, they can advocate for you when it counts.
5. 🧩 Keep Artifacts of Your Work
Save examples of your contributions—photos, SOPs you helped draft, checklists you improved, training decks you created, layout plans you drew, or logs you maintained.
They serve as:
- Portfolio items for your next contract
- Evidence during audits or performance reviews
- Proof points in resume updates or LinkedIn profiles
6. 💡 Turn Performance Into Career Leverage
When your contract nears its end—or you’re eyeing a promotion, raise, or new opportunity—those documented wins become your leverage.
- Update your resume with real examples
- Present a short summary of your contributions to your PM or site lead
- Connect the dots between your work and the contract’s success
📄 “During my time supporting the CDM Mk68 program, I led a process redesign that reduced tool retrieval times by 40% and improved technician throughput.”
Statements like that make you undeniably valuable.
Final Thoughts
Being a federal contractor means operating in a world where the mission matters—and your role in that mission might not always be obvious unless you make it obvious.
It’s not about bragging. It’s about being your own advocate—and showing up with the receipts when it matters.
Document your value. Communicate your impact. Then let your work speak for itself.
