Resume Writing Question

[FarmFam]

I bet everyone had this experience! 

I gave my department head an idea that was turned down and I was told it was impossible to implement.  It was an organizational idea for the department.  A month or 2 later, I learned that it was implemented (quietly).  The entire department learned about it today in a department meeting.  Everyone loves the new implementation and it is improving moral with the employees.  It is also making the entire department efficient and less dependent on other company departments.  However, I was never given credit or even included in the implementation.  It was a great idea and really improved the department.

My question is, even though I wasn't given credit for it, can I still use the accomplishment on my resume?  By the way, the only implementation it took was asking people to volunteer and that is it.  The value was in the idea; my idea!

Follow up question would be what is the best way to show an idea as an accomplishment on a resume?

Not giving more details about the idea because I want to keep anonymity...or at least I am trying to.

[Future Lazy]

If your potential employer calls your current employer, and asks them about Great Idea XYZ, what would your current employer say? Would they lie to your potential employer?

[Lia-Aimee]

Who would you ask to be your reference from that company, if any? Would that specific person say that you did indeed suggest this organizational change? That's all that matters, since employers (in Canada or the US) cannot contact someone who did you did not give them permission to contact, without legal recourse.*

*This is an HR perspective; if your industry is small and especially if you live in a smaller community, there will be countless "backdoor" references conducted on you in line at Starbucks or on the football bleachers (much to HR and Legal's chagrin.) Usually, these won't result in combing through your accomplishments with a fine-tooth comb.


As to how to phrase it, "Suggested X and Y which was successfully implemented two months later" would be the simple way.

[FarmFam]

Just wanted to reply with what I decided with.

I went with the suggestion

As to how to phrase it, "Suggested X and Y which was successfully implemented two months later" would be the simple way.

Thanks so much for the feedback. 

This was a good consideration to keep in mind as well.

If your potential employer calls your current employer, and asks them about Great Idea XYZ, what would your current employer say? Would they lie to your potential employer?

[mozar]

I want to add that I don't think that accomplishments matter too much. Recruiters look at your name (to make assumptions about your ethnicity), your school and your job titles. Once you get in the interview you can talk up your accomplishments. I think just saying it was a suggestion that implemented that was implemented is a good idea. Employers tend to freak out if they think you are lying.