what to write on a resume for work experience

Work Experience on a Resume - How to List It Right

Imagine you’re a hiring manager who goes through countless resumes on the daily.

What’s the first thing you look at?

If your guess was work experience, then you’re right.

And if you spot a few relevant keywords in their work experience section, then you’re more likely to continue reading about their background, contact information, and so on.

The most important thing hiring managers want to know is whether you can do the job you’re applying for, and that’s where the work experience section of your resume comes in.

So how do you make your work experience do the heavy lifting?

Don’t worry! Our article is here to help.

We’re going to cover:

• What Information Your Work Experience Section Needs

How to Format Work Experience on Your Resume

• 11 Real-Life Examples of Work Experience on a Resume

Let’s get started.

What to Include in Your Work Experience Section

The work experience section is the most important part of your resume.

This is the section that gives hiring managers a look at your professional journey so far, including your skills and achievements, and it’s the section they base their hiring decisions on the most.

Your work history can show how likely you are to excel at the job, how committed you are to career growth , and what industry know-how you ought to have.

This section is going to look different depending on your career level, how recent your work experience is, and what the job you're applying for is.

Let’s look at what information employers expect from your work experience section:

• Job Title/Position . Add this at the top of each work experience entry. You want the hiring manager to know at a glance that you have relevant work experience for the job, so use the actual job title instead of any buzzwords.
• Company Name. Include the name of the employer. Sometimes, if the employer isn’t well-known, you might want to describe the company in a sentence or two to give the hiring manager context.
• Location. The general location, such as the city and state/country where you worked, is more than enough information.
• Employment Dates. Write down the approximate timeframe of your employment. There’s no need to give exact dates since the standard format for this is mm/yyyy.
• Responsibilities and Achievements. The core of each work experience entry is what you achieved while you were there. List your responsibilities and achievements in bullet points instead of paragraphs to make them easier to read. Use 5-6 bullet points for newer job entries and 2-3 for older ones.

Here’s an example of a work experience section that includes all of the above:

Want to know more about other resume sections? Learn how to write a resume with our detailed guide!

You know what to include in your work experience section, so let’s talk about how to include it.

First things first - your work experience section should always follow a reverse chronological order . Add your latest work experience at the very top, and work your way backward.

Hiring managers aren’t interested in what you did ten years ago. Instead, they’d rather know what you’ve been up to right before applying for this specific job.

That being said, if you have a lot of experience, you shouldn’t include every single job you’ve ever had.

Your resume is supposed to be one page long , so feel free to omit any summer gigs or part-time jobs to free up space. It’s also extremely important that your work experience is easy to find and that the information is well-structured and readable.

Here’s an example of how to format your work experience section:

Making Your Work Experience Stand Out

Now that you know how to list your work experience, you need to describe it in a way that makes you stand out from other candidates.

We’ve divided this process into several steps, starting with:

#1. List Achievements Instead of Responsibilities

Too many resumes focus on the day-to-day tasks in the work experience section.

The thing is, hiring managers already know what those responsibilities are. They’re the ones who write the job ads, so you won’t impress them by telling them you did just what they would expect you to do.

For example, if you’re a QA engineer, your responsibilities could include:

• Identifying software bugs.
• Ensuring test coverage for all features.
• Making detailed reports on product quality.

These same responsibilities show up in 99% of QA engineer resumes out there.

So, if you want to stand out from the crowd, you want to focus on your most impressive achievements instead. Show the hiring manager how you helped your previous employer and the difference you made while you were there.

Let’s compare how the same work experience entry looks like when we use achievements and when we use responsibilities:

• Increased test coverage by 25% by implementing new automated test suites.
• Reported and triaged over 100 high-priority defects ahead of major releases.
• Executed manual test cases across web and mobile applications.
• Logged defects into bug-tracking systems as they were encountered.

But there are some fields where there aren’t that many achievements you can mention in your resume. For example, if you’re a server , serving 120+ patrons a night, or earning a lot of tips aren’t achievements that look good on your resume.

Your daily tasks probably include:

• Taking orders, serving food and beverages, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Preparing tables for meals, including setting up items such as linens, silverware, and glassware.
• Assisting in opening and closing the restaurant, including cleaning duties and setting up for the next service.

In this case, it’s okay to focus on responsibilities instead. You can still distinguish yourself by following the rest of our tips on how to make your work experience shine.

#2. Tailor Your Work Experience to the Job

If you want your resume to go from “okay” to "outstanding," what you need to do is tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for. 

The hiring manager doesn’t need to know details about every job you’ve had or about the skills you gained in a different field. 

So, your work experience should reflect what the job requirements are. This way, you’re more likely to really catch the hiring manager’s attention and land a job interview .

Here’s an example of a well-tailored job ad:

As you can see from the picture, it’s easy to figure out what the most important requirements for the role are. 

So, to tailor your resume to this ad, you need to show how you meet every one of these job requirements.

Let’s look at an example of how the same work experience would be tailored differently according to different job ads.

Say, you were an advertising intern.

Here’s what your work experience would look like when you’re applying for a position as a social media assistant:

INTERNSHIPS

Marketing Intern

Full Picture Company

New York, NY

09/2023 - 12/2023

• Analyzed various social media platforms for trending content.
• Managed company social media accounts.
• Posted interesting content on the company's Facebook page, increasing engagement by 25%.

Pretty easy, right? Now, let’s look at what the same work experience entry would look like for a job as a content writer .

• Assisted the Marketing Manager in writing press releases and new blog posts, which increased web traffic by 25%.
• Created engaging content for email marketing campaigns and boosted newsletter subscriptions.
• Revitalized old blog posts with updated information and SEO optimization, improving organic search rankings by 30%.

The internship is still the same but this way, the experience you’re focusing on is tailored to the job you’re applying for. The hiring manager can immediately see your most important skills for the job and the value you could bring to their team.

#3. Add the Right Amount of Work Experience

If you’ve had a lot of jobs so far, you might be wondering if they all belong on your resume.

The answer is usually no. Your full, detailed work history belongs on your CV instead of your resume .

The hiring manager only wants the most recent and relevant information, not your full life story.

So, the amount of work information your resume should include depends entirely on your level of experience.

Let’s break it down:

• No Experience. If you’re currently looking for your very first job , you simply won’t have any jobs to fill in your work experience section. In that case, we recommend skipping this section and instead focusing on any experience gained in clubs, extracurricular activities , volunteering, and other projects.
• Entry-Level. When you’re applying for an entry-level job, you can list most of your work experience so far. Likely, some of it won’t be relevant, but it still shows the hiring manager that you have some work experience, and that’s better than none.
• Mid-Level. At this level, you should only mention relevant work experience. Don’t waste precious space listing old internships or jobs you had as a teenager .
• Senior-Level. You only need to list up to 15 years of relevant work experience. You might even need a two-page resume to apply for an executive position at this stage, but only if you have too much relevant work experience to fit onto a single page.

#4. Optimize for the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Software

Before the hiring manager reads your resume, it has to make it to them.

The fact is that 70% of resumes get discarded before the hiring manager even reads them.

That’s because most companies use specialized Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) to go through hundreds of resumes and automatically filter out ones that don’t have what the hiring manager is looking for.

Unfortunately, this means that if a resume is missing a specific skill or isn’t formatted in a way that the ATS can process , it gets rejected immediately.

So, how can your work experience make the cut?

Here are a few tips:

• Don’t go over one page. The ATS can have a limit on how long a resume is allowed to be, so we recommend always sticking to a single-page resume.
• Format everything carefully. Don’t give your resume sections quirky names. Your work experience section should be titled “Work Experience,” not “The Journey So Far.” If you try being too creative, the ATS might not recognize what that section is and reject you.
• Tailor carefully to the job ad. If you want to beat the ATS, you need your resume to be as tailored to the job ad as possible. Include as many relevant keywords as you can in your work experience section. Just make sure they’re all used in a logical context since the hiring manager is supposed to read them, too.
• Keep everything in an active voice. Describe your previous jobs with clear and specific language. (E.g.: Instead of “A team of ten people was managed by me,” say “Managed a team of ten people” ).
• Use power words and action verbs. Hiring managers don’t want to hear how you “were responsible” for this or “helped with” that. Make your work experience pop by using impactful language like “spearheaded,” “designed,” “conceptualized,” and more.

Choose one of our ATS-friendly resume templates to make sure your resume passes the test.

Where to Place Work Experience on Your Resume

The work experience section should always be one of the first sections on your resume, along with the skills section.

Typically, it comes just after your resume header , so that the hiring manager can read it immediately after your resume headline .

If you are using the reverse-chronological resume format, work experience should go at the top of your resume. This way, hiring managers can quickly evaluate your qualifications based on your most recent roles.

However, if you’re using a different resume format, such as functional or combination resume formats, you can make an exception. These resume formats emphasize skills over work history, so you could move your work experience further down, towards the middle of your resume.

Recent graduates are another exception to this rule

Suppose you’re a student with minimal professional experience. In that case, you can put your education section on top instead of your work experience section to emphasize your academic achievements and show that you’re ready to put your knowledge to good use.

Want to learn about the other popular resume formats ? Check out this article to see which one is right for you.

Complimentary Resume Sections

While your work experience might be the single most important section of your resume, at the end of the day, it works in sync with the rest of it.

Other resume sections , like your resume summary or certifications, can show the hiring manager how experienced you are and how much industry know-how you bring to the table.

So, here are a few other resume sections that come into play if you want to back up your work experience and increase your chances of getting an interview:

#1. Resume Summary

A resume summary is a short section at the top of your resume that highlights your most relevant skills and achievements related to the job.

In 2-3 simple sentences, a good resume summary tells the hiring manager:

• Your years of experience in that type of role.
• Your top qualifications or impressive accomplishments.
• What kind of responsibilities you’re familiar with.
• What your motivation for the position is.

By summarizing the core of your work experience upfront, your resume summary lets the hiring manager know what they can expect from the rest of your resume. So, when done well, an eye-catching resume summary can make you stand out from the crowd.

Here’s an example of a resume summary:

Another important section is devoted to your most important skills.

The skills section lets you list abilities that supplement your work experience, and it should be divided into two categories:

• Hard Skills. These include technical skills, tools, and specific knowledge that’s directly applicable to the role.
• Soft Skills. These can be personality traits or interpersonal skills that demonstrate how you work with others and how well you’d fit into the company’s team.

Along with your work history, the skills section helps employers quickly evaluate your credentials and relevant expertise for the position. While your work experience highlights skills in context, the skills section provides an easy-to-reference summary.

Make sure the skills you list on your resume align with what the employer is looking for. Use the job description as a reference to pinpoint the keywords you should add to your resume .

Here’s an example of a skills section on a resume:

#3. Certificates

Professional certificates and coursework can show your commitment to continuous learning and honing your skills.

Listing certificates on your resume allows you to showcase specialized knowledge and skills that might not be evident from your work experience.

For example, say you’re applying for a position as an SEO content marketer.

If you’re experienced in digital marketing but don’t have formal work experience with SEO, that could be a problem. However, listing a certificate from an SEO course can tell the hiring manager that you have the necessary knowledge to take on the role.

Relevant certificates can provide evidence of your advanced skills, industry expertise, or any other necessary qualifications for the role. They can back up your skills and distinguish you from other candidates with similar work experience.

Depending on the context, any certificates you have can either be listed in the education section or a dedicated resume section.

If the certificates are more recent and different from your formal education, we recommend listing them separately. Here’s an example:

#4. Personal Projects

One of the best ways to show your passion and dedication is through your projects.

Hiring managers love candidates who do cool stuff in their spare time.

If any personal passion project you’ve been working on is relevant to the role you’re applying for, make sure to add it to your resume. It can back up the skills and experience on your resume, and help you stand out from other applicants.

For example, if you’re applying for a job as an animator , any published flash animation videos on YouTube are a great addition to your resume.

However, personal projects should only be listed if they’re relevant. If you’re looking for a job as an architect , your incredible cosplay sewing abilities just won’t cut it.

Here’s an example of a personal projects section:

11 Real-Life Examples

Not sure how to list work experience for your field?

Check out the practical work experience in these resume examples for different professions:

#1. Marketing Executive Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a marketing executive resume here.

#2. Teacher Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a teacher resume here.

#3. Cashier Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a cashier resume here.

#4. Software Engineer Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a software engineer resume here.

#5. Career Change Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a career change resume here.

#6. Illustrator Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing an illustrator resume here.

#7. Esthetician Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing an esthetician resume here.

#8. Stay-at-Home Parent Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a stay-at-home parent resume here.

#9. University Graduate Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a university graduate resume here.

#10. University Student Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a university student resume here.

#11. High School Graduate Resume Example

Check out our full guide to writing a high school graduate resume here.

Work Experience Section FAQs

Are you still wondering about something related to your resume’s work experience? Check out the answers to these popular questions about listing work experience on a resume:

#1. What If I Don’t Have Any Work Experience?

If you don’t have any work experience, there are two things you should consider: first, hiring managers don’t expect candidates for entry-level roles to have a ton of experience, so you don’t have to worry too much.

And second - there are plenty of ways to make an impressive resume even without any professional experience .

For example, if you're a recent graduate, you can focus on highlighting your education, relevant coursework or extracurricular activities.

Include any internships, volunteer roles, or student organizations that show you have the skills necessary for the job.

You can also highlight universal skills like communication , teamwork, problem-solving, and computer skills . If you use a strategic approach, your lack of work experience won’t hold you back from writing a great resume.

#2. Can I List an Internship Instead of Work Experience?

Yes, you can list internship experience on your resume instead of work experience.

Internships provide valuable on-the-job training and give you exposure to a professional work environment, so they’re always a great thing to add to your resume.

Like work experience, internships allow you to gain important skills, learn about a particular industry or role, and build accomplishments you can use to show potential future employers. 

Internships can be a vital resume section for candidates with less experience, such as students, career changers, or stay-at-home parents re-entering the workforce, since they show hiring managers you have enough relevant hands-on experience to succeed at the job.

#3. How Can I Explain an Employment Gap on My Resume?

The key to managing a gap in your work experience section is to address it briefly and positively on your resume or cover letter .

In a line or two, explain what happened and move on without dwelling on it, since employment gaps are relatively common and can happen for different reasons.

For example, if you had to take a year off to recover from a medical issue, just say so in your resume without going into details. The important thing is that you’re now better, ready to resume work, and the hiring manager knows it won’t be a problem.

If you have a short employment gap, you can probably skip the explanations. Simply list the start and end dates for each role without explaining the time in between. A couple of months between jobs is perfectly normal, and hiring managers aren’t likely to ask about it.

#4. What If My Work Experience Isn’t Relevant?

If you're applying for a job and none of your work experience is relevant, it’s a bit more complicated.

As a general rule, any work experience is better than no work experience. Most soft skills are applicable across industries, so you can focus on them in your resume.

If you’re an entry-level candidate, you might want to leverage other areas to show the hiring manager that you’re a good fit for the role.

For example, if you want to be a graphic designer but only have experience in customer service , emphasize your art education, portfolio work, and personal projects instead. If you’ve taken any more recent courses related to the field, you can list them before your work experience.

However, if you’re an experienced professional looking to change careers , things are a little different.

For a career change, you need to articulate your transferable skills and show how your previous experience can help you in this new role.

Let's say you're a sales professional interested in marketing. You could highlight skills like communication, market analysis, client relationship-building, and goal-oriented achievements that show your valuable marketing skills.

Key Takeaways

You’ve made it to the end!

Now, you’re all set to write a flawless work experience section.

But before you go, let’s recap what we talked about:

• Always list your work experience reverse-chronologically so the hiring manager can see what your most recent achievements and experiences are.
• If possible, focus on work achievements over day-to-day tasks. This way, you can immediately show the hiring manager what you’ve done for your previous team and what the value of hiring you would be.
• Carefully format your work experience so it passes the ATS and so that the hiring manager can easily read it.
• Instead of paragraphs, use bullet points to describe your previous jobs. For newer experiences, 5-6 bullets are good, but for older ones, 2-3 bullet points are enough.
• If you don’t have work experience, use this section to list your internship, volunteer experience, personal projects, or extracurricular activities. Treat them the same way you would treat work experience, and list your responsibilities and achievements in bullet points.
• Make sure the other sections in your resume complement your work experience for a flawless job application.

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• Resume Help

How to Show Work Experience on a Resume—Full Guide

Our customers have been hired by:

Want your resume to stand out from hundreds of candidates? Land you interviews? Then, the Work Experience section of your resume is one of the most crucial components of your job application. 

Does yours show quantifiable evidence of your successes, instead of just describing the work you did? Is it personalized to every job to match the requirements? If not, it’s time to make the work experience on your resume work for you.

This guide will show you:

• How to describe work experience on a resume.
• Sample resume job descriptions you can adjust and use today.
• The best template and format for listing your work history on a resume.
• What to write in a resume for Work Experience to highlight your achievements.
• The easiest way to make your resume work experience section match the job offer.

Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here .

CREATE A RESUME NOW

Sample resume work experience section made with our resume builder.— See more resume examples here .

One of our users, Chris, had this to say:

You cannot go wrong with Zety. The company does best at enhancing your resume and helping market yourself better to land the job you love.

Right, so you’ve seen a killer resume work history section. Now, let’s break down what makes it so great and how you can write equally stunning resume job descriptions yourself.

Work Experience on a Resume: Example

Joshua Martinez

Machine Operator

123-456-7890

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/joshua.martinez

Detail-oriented Machine Operator with over 15 years of experience. Looking to support Precision Machinery Works in optimizing their production line by leveraging strong knowledge in machine operation, preventive maintenance, and safety compliance. Reduced machine downtime by 20% at AutoCraft Manufacturing.

AutoCraft Manufacturing, Salem, OR

March 2011–Present

Key Qualifications & Responsibilities

• Operating and monitoring 5 high-speed production machines.
• Performing preventive maintenance of 15 machines to reduce their downtime.
• Documenting the repair work of 30 machines to schedule their maintenance.
• Ensuring compliance with safety procedures and protocols.

Key Achievement:

• Reduced machine downtime by 20% by improving maintenance procedures.

RoboTech Industries, Salem, OR

June 2005–February 2011

• Assisted in the operation of 5 CNC machines.
• Collaborated with 3 teams to meet production targets on time.
• Maintained cleanliness and organization of the work area.
• Helped increase team productivity by 15% through preventive maintenance.

Certificate in Machine Operation

Community College of Salem, OR

September 2003–June 2005

Relevant Extracurricular Activities

• Participated in SkillsUSA competitions.

Academic Achievements:

• Graduated with honors.
• Machine operation (lathes, mills, drills, etc.)
• Preventive maintenance
• Safety compliance
• Problem-solving
• Microsoft Excel
• Communication

Certifications

• Forklift Operator Certification, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 2005
• 2018, Employee of the Year, AutoCraft Manufacturing
• English—Native proficiency
• Spanish—Intermediate proficiency
• Volunteering at a local community center teaching basic machinery skills.
• Participating in local chess club, enhancing strategic thinking skills.

How to Describe Work Experience on a Resume

First things first: your resume work history section is your most valuable real estate.

This study proves that 91% of recruiters want candidates to have professional experience. Another report has shown that more than two out of three recruiters find the resume work experience section the most vital .

This means you need to organize your resume so that the work experience section:

• Is easy  to spot within a split second.
• Allows the hiring manager to grasp your value immediately.

So, here’s how to list work experience on a resume, step by step:

1. Make the Section Heading Stand Out

Label your resume work experience section with one of the following titles:

• Work Experience
• Employment History
• Work History

Make the section title larger than the rest of your job descriptions. Write it in bold or with ALL CAPS.

2. Put Your Work Experience Section in the Right Spot

• Just below your resume summary if you have a lot of professional experience.
• Below your education section if you’re a fresher without extensive resume work history section.

Pro Tip: Bullet points or paragraphs? Bullet points are a better choice 99% of the time. They help you save space and make it easier to be brief and to the point. Use paragraphs instead of bullet points only if you’re writing an academic CV , not a resume.

3. List Job Descriptions on Your Resume in Reverse-Chronological Order

• Start with your current or most recent job.
• Follow it with the previous one, then the one before it, and so on.

This way, you’ll put your best foot forward—the pinnacle of your career, your most recent job, will get the most attention.

In general, listing your jobs chronologically descending is the cornerstone of the classic reverse-chronological resume format . It’s ideal for most job seekers, with very few exceptions. Still, do explore other resume format examples to make an informed choice. 

Pro Tip: Use the past tense (“managed,” developed,” “supervised”) for descriptions of your past jobs. For your current job description, stick to present tense.

4. Make Each Job Description Entry Clear and Legible

At the top of every job description, put:

• Your job title
• Company name and location
• Dates worked

Resume Work Experience Example—Heading

Administrative Assistant

Boston Consulting Group, Philadelphia, PA

2011–2018

Pro Tip: You can start each entry with either your position or the company name. That’s of little consequence. Just remember to be consistent with your layout. The same goes for dates of tenure. If you choose to left-align dates, left-align all of them. Don’t make recruiters search and guess.

5. Use Relevant Job Description Bullets for Each Job

• Your current job should have the most bullets and the most detail. As you go back in time, limit the number of job description bullet points to 3–4.
• In each bullet point, focus on describing your achievements , not just duties and job responsibilities . Don’t write about every task you’ve performed. Make sure each resume bullet point   earns its place by focusing on quantifiable results .
• Utilize the most out of action verbs and power words to make every entry more persuasive.
• Make sure your descriptions support the skills you put on your resume .

Add only the most relevant duties and achievements, tailoring every job description to the responsibilities listed in the job ad. What do I mean by tailoring ? 

• When reading the job description included in the ad, look for keywords related to your responsibilities. Mark them or note them out.
• If you see duties that you’ve performed, include them in your resume job description bullet points.

Relevance is key. Research has shown that almost 40% of recruiters automatically dismiss resumes that are generic and not tailored to the position.

Have a look at how this works in practice. Let’s say there’s a job ad for a programming position that requires candidates to:

• Provide mobile application project design and development (1)
• Meet with members of technical staff, business owners, and other stakeholders (2)
• Design and communicate project requirements (3)
• Review test results and direct further development (4)
• Mentor less experienced staff (5)

Now, let’s see a customized example of a work experience section for a resume:

Java Programmer

Black Knight Financial Services, Jacksonville, FL

2010–2018

• Designed and developed up to 10 applications projects per year (1).
• Designed project requirements (3) in cooperation with data analysis teams.
• Participated in project meetings (2) with technical staff members, business analysts, and external stakeholders. 
• Trained and mentored (5) over 15 junior programmers and developers.

Key achievement: 

• Developed a test automation (4) tool that reduced testing time by 55%.

See? The candidate didn’t cram the resume work experience section with all the previous duties. Instead, they listed only those that show they’ll handle prospective responsibilities with ease. It's a sure-fire way of making your resume stand out .

Want more? Here’s a piece that will help you become a resume tailoring pro in 5 minutes: Resume Tailoring: The Easiest Way to Customize Each Resume You Send

6. Add a “Key Achievement” Subsection

• It will work like a magnet for recruiters’ eyes.
• In it, mention something you cannot afford your prospective employers to miss.
• Use the Problem-Action-Result (PAR) method to describe your success.

Here’s how the PAR formula works. Remember the sample resume job description above?

• Developed a test automation tool that reduced testing time by 55%.

Problem? Testing took too long.

Action? Developing a new tool.

Result? Testing time cut in half.

You can use this formula for every bullet point in your resume job description. Have a look:

• Implemented new training programs for circulation and access services librarians, which resulted in cutting the full training time by over 40%.

Problem? Training librarians took too much time. 

Action? Implementing new programs. 

Result? Training time cut almost in half.

• Commended for creating the in-house newsletter to communicate management’s vision. Reduced email back-and-forth by 35%.

Problem? Poor internal communication. 

Action? In-house newsletter. 

Result? Back-and-forth emailing reduced by over one-third.

Having a hard time coming up with your achievements, not just listing duties? We’re here to help. See this article: Spice Up Your Resume With Achievements: Here's How

7. Don’t Try to Hide Employment Gaps

After the 2010s rise in unemployment , employers realized that it takes more time to find a perfect match between a jobseeker and an organization than it used to 20 years ago. The application process can last quite a while, and there's a multitude of valid reasons for people to take breaks.

A study published by the American Economic Review has shown that, contrary to what most experts believed back in the 90s:

• Even long-term spells of unemployment or irrelevant experience don't matter for employers if they have been followed by professional experience in your field.
• Current employment gaps have no impact on the success of your job application if you've been unemployed for no longer than 9 months.
• Contemporary employment gaps over 9 months can hamper your chances only if you're seeking medium/low-skill jobs.

Trying to conceal resume work experience gaps will most likely do more harm than good, as recruiters are well aware of people trying to do it. Instead, consider using a different resume format—a functional resume works quite well in this particular situation.

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check . Start building a professional resume template here for free .

When you’re done, our free resume builder will score your resume and our resume checker will tell you exactly how to make it better.

Alright. You’ve learned the basics. Do it our way, and you won’t have to sweat what to include on your resume or whether a two-page resume will backfire . Before we move on, here’s a quick recap of how to list your work experience on a resume the right way.

Frequently Asked Questions about Resume Work Experience

How many years of work experience should go on a resume.

How far back your resume should go depends on how experienced you are:

• Senior-level candidates: list up to 15 years of relevant work experience .
• Junior- to mid-level candidates: include detailed job descriptions of positions in your field that match the requirements. You can also mention temporary gigs and internships on your resume to give it more weight, as well as freelancing experience .
• Entry-level candidates: describe experiences from all paid work you’ve ever done, including internships, part-time or temporary employment, and freelancing. Worked on something independently? Put those projects on your resume , too.
• Candidates with no professional work experience: include all paid and unpaid work experience: roles in student organizations, practicums, unpaid internships, and volunteer experience .

How to make a resume without work experience?

If you’ve just graduated or have little professional experience, move your education section ahead of the job descriptions. Under the name of your degree, add 1–3 resume bullet points focusing on relevant coursework , publications, and other prominent academic achievements for your resume to shine.

Choose a dedicated comprehensive guide for your particular case here:

• Resume Example for No Work Experience
• Resume Example for Entry-Levels
• Resume Example for Graduate Student
• Resume Writing 101: Advice for Any Job

Do employment gaps on a resume matter?

Employment gaps won’t hurt your resume if you’re honest about why you had them. Maybe you’re writing a resume for a career change , and the gap was used for studying, or maybe you experienced work-related burnout and decided to prioritize your mental health. Whatever the reason, don’t try to camouflage them for fear of them being a red flag for recruiters, as it might raise suspicion.

Should you include irrelevant work experience on a resume?

Don’t include irrelevant work experience on your resume , as it has nothing in common with the career you’re aiming to pursue. However, if you find features in the “unrelated” past job that match the currently desired position—do list it, tailoring your resume to the job ad. It's all about choosing the right words to describe yourself and including the fitting resume keywords .

For example, a candidate looking for a job in customer service could feature waitressing experience on their resume, as these two jobs have quite a lot in common and require strong customer service skills :

Pizza Hut, Newark, NJ

2016–2019

• Worked passionately in customer service in a high-volume restaurant.
• Completed the F.A.S.T. customer service training class.
• Maintained a high tip average thanks to consistent customer satisfaction.

Can you put volunteer work under work experience?

Yes, you can.

• If you don’t have an extensive professional background, you may include volunteering work experience in your Work Experience section .
• If you’ve currently got at least five years of paid work experience, add volunteer gigs as an additional section of your resume .

How to show promotion on a resume?

There are two ways to show promotion on your resume :

• If your job responsibilities for an old and new position were different , add each job title as a separate subheading followed by a list of bullet points.
• If your duties for the two positions were similar , stack your job titles and add one set of bullet points like this:

Company Inc.

January 2012–Present

Store Manager

January 2013–Present

Assistant Manager

January 2012–January 2013

• This is where you mention the promotion,
• Your responsibilities,
• And key achievements.

How to measure job performance for jobs that are hard to quantify?

If you struggle to measure and present your work in exact figures, rely on the following strategies to quantify your accomplishments :

1. SCALE AND SCOPE

How many employees have you supervised? How large were the budgets you handled? All these things are important to employers, and you can come up with numbers to present them:

“Trained and mentored 10+ marketing interns to reach permanent junior marketing positions.”

2. FREQUENCY

How much work were you able to complete in a given time? How often did you perform certain tasks? These things can and should be quantified:

“Designed social media posts: 4 per week on Facebook, 6 per week on Instagram, and 1 per week on LinkedIn.”

Can’t figure out the exact number? Estimate. But remember that you’ll probably be asked about the reasoning behind your statement during a job interview, so make your calculations well-informed:

“Introduced new data security procedures, resulting in no data breaches for 29 weeks, saving $5,000–8,000 monthly.”

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here.  Here's what it may look like:

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Key Takeaway

Work experience is the experience an employee gains while working in a job, particular field or profession (for example, Four years of hands-on experience in online marketing ). The work experience section on your resume is the thing that can make or break your chance of landing your dream job.

This is how to write your resume job descriptions step by step:

• Follow it with the one before it, then the previous one, and so on.
• Include your job title, the company name, and the dates worked.
• Add up to 5 bullet points that summarize your achievements.
• Tailor your work experience section to the job opening—focus on your most relevant responsibilities and duties.
• Use action words and quantify whenever possible.

All check? Then you’re already well on your way to landing your dream job.

Got any more questions? Need further help crafting a stunning resume job description? Drop me a line in the comments. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines . We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

• https://www.naceweb.org/talent-acquisition/candidate-selection/employers-prefer-candidates-with-work-experience/
• https://www.jobvite.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/RecruiterNation2016.pdf
• https://data.bls.gov/pdq/SurveyOutputServlet
• https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.104.3.1014

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How to Describe Work Experience on a Resume in 2022 (Examples & Tips)

Your work experience is a summary of all your hard work, dedication and achievements over the years. Here's how to do justice to your work history.

The work experience section of a resume will be the crown jewel that demonstrates to potential employers that you have the work history to back up your credentials.

In this guide, we will provide you with in-depth coverage for how to craft the perfect work experience section to help you land more interviews and job offers. 

Here's an outline of what we'll learn:

Including Work Experience on a Resume

What to exclude from your work history, formatting your work experience section, how to list achievements and accomplishments, add more experience with relevant certifications, use strong action verbs, how to show job promotions, addressing career gaps in your work experience, how to show volunteer work and internship experience.

• How Far Back Should Your Work History Go?

Key Takeaways

For all the inside scope on each component of your resume, check out our comprehensive resume guides . 

Work experience is a major component of any successful resume.

However, it can be difficult to decipher what exactly you should be including in your work history. 

Each job applicant will have a differing amount of working experience under their belt.

The key is to not shove too much information into this section.

Instead, you will need to take the time to sit down and decide which information best highlights your strengths and gives you an advantage for a particular job opportunity.

It is important to keep in mind that you should be altering your resume to match the job description of each individual job you are applying to. 

By taking the time to re-edit your work experience section for specific applications, you will have a much greater chance of impressing hiring managers. 

In this article, we will help you craft the perfect work experience section.

Some key questions we will be answering include:

• What should you be including in your work history?
• What should you be excluding from your work history?
• How should your work experience section be formatted?

Keep reading to learn more about how you can begin optimizing your work history section.

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job

What Information to Include in Your Work History?

Ultimately, your work history will contain the following:

• Job Position ( e.g. "Bartender" )
• Company ( e.g. "Red Lobster" )
• Location (e.g. "Brooklyn, NY")
• Start Date - Month & Year (e.g. "October 2019")
• End Date - Month & Year (e.g. "January 2021") Note : You can list "Present" if it's your current job
• Description (responsibilities and achievements)

Here's how that looks, you can also see an example of the Yoga Instructor resume here .

Yoga Instructor, January 2018 – Present Mellow Mushroom • Nashville, TN • Taught 40+ elderly clients basic yoga moves each day • Held 4 classes a day that differ in intensity, including beginner and intermediate • Advised modifications for yoga poses to ensure proper form, to meet clients' athletic abilities • Instructed clients on breathing techniques, such as Basic Breath Awareness and Retention • Developed body-mind-spirit awareness, mental clarity and physical flexibility and strength

However, when deciding which information to include within your work experience section, there are four main principles to keep in mind:

Here is a quick breakdown of each of these crucial factors:

1) Relevancy

When writing out your work experiences, it is important to consider how relevant your previous experience is to the job you are currently applying for

Your most relevant experience should always be the most emphasized and focused on, as it will be where you showcase the skills and achievements that qualify you for the position.

For instance, let’s say you are applying for an entry-level copywriting position and you have two major examples of work experience you would like to include.

These examples are:

• Managed the front of house of a restaurant for four years.
• Worked as a journalist at a local newspaper for one year.

Even though the management position may take up a greater chunk of your professional background, your experience as a journalist is much more relevant to the field of copywriting.

Therefore, you would want to place greater emphasis on your more relevant experience. 

2) Timeliness

Let’s say you are applying for a position for which all or most of your work experience is fairly relevant with similar importance in your roles.

How do you decide which of this experience is best to include on your resume?

When listing out your relevant work experience, it is recommended to showcase your most recent experience first and work backwards from there. 

As a general rule of thumb, it is good to aim to include work experience that you have gained within the past 5 years, though trying to include examples from within the last 1 to 5 years is ideal. 

Generally, work experience older than 5 years should be included on more in-depth resumes, such as on a resume for a job applicant seeking a senior position at a company.

Additionally, the academic resume format “Curriculum Vitae” – or CV – will typically include experience that spans across an even wider timeframe. 

3) Longevity

If you have held a relevant position for a long period of time, this kind of longevity can be highly impressive to hiring managers.

Showcasing your longevity at a previous job demonstrates your ability to commit to a company long-term. 

Moreover, showcasing positions you have held for a long period of time can also be a great opportunity to emphasize any promotions you may have received.

Showing your ability to not only commit, but to grow as well can be majorly influential on the impression your resume leaves.

4) Position

Different positions you have held within a field or industry may hold greater weight than others.

While it is still important to keep relevance, timeliness, and longevity in mind, it can also be useful to showcase your higher positions on your resume.

For example, let’s say you are applying for a position as an executive administrative assistant and you have the following work experience:

• Office manager for small law firm 
• Administrative assistant for a tattoo parlor

While both positions are relevant to the job you are applying for, your role as an office manager may have had greater responsibilities compared to your assistant position. 

Check out our Human Resources Resume Example to see how the work experience section utilizes all four of the above mentioned factors. 

When you are writing your work experience section, it is important to note that you don’t want to include every job under the sun that you have ever held.

A hiring manager won’t want to read through all of that, nor are all of your experiences likely to be relevant for the job you are applying to. 

For instance, short-term jobs that you left soon after being hired may not be the best to include, as this can lead to speculation and uncertainty as to why you held the position for so short an amount of time.

If you happened to work a job that was purposefully or contractually short-term but holds a high level of relevance to the job you are currently applying for, it can be useful to include a short note explaining why you were only in the position for a limited amount of time. 

Omitting Jobs from Your Resume

There may be a variety of circumstances that may lead you to wanting to omit certain jobs from your resume.

For instance, if you were fired from your previous position, you may feel inclined to try and hide this information out of fear of it leaving a bad impression on hiring managers.

However, even jobs you were fired from should be included if they are relevant working experience

Being fired from a previous job is not an automatic deal breaker in most cases, and including that position on your resume is oftentimes preferred over leaving unexplained gaps in your employment history.

Moreover, you do not have to explicitly state on your resume that you were fired.

Should this be a topic of concern, it will likely come up in a job interview at which point you can more clearly and directly explain what happened.

Keep Your Job Descriptions Simple

A common mistake that many job applicants will make is writing descriptions of previous jobs that are too wordy or long.

Although it can be helpful to include more information about your most relevant or most recent experiences, you still want to write in clear and concise sentences that are easy to skim.

In truth, it is unlikely a hiring manager will thoroughly read your resume – especially if there are many applicants for the position.

As such, you must optimize your resume to provide information clearly and quickly.

A hiring manager should be able to gain the most valuable information with only a short read-through or skimming. 

As mentioned, you don’t want to go overboard when writing your work experience section.

Although you should aim to include the best and most relevant details, you should strive to write in short and simple sentences. 

Here is the basic format to use when structuring your work experience section:

Position, Start Date – End Date Company Name, Location ‍ • Descriptive Sentence • Descriptive Sentence • Descriptive Sentence

Alternatively, you may also want to list the company name on the first line with the position title.

This can be especially true if you worked for a well-known and easily recognized company or brand.

The formatting would then look more like this:

Position, Company Name Location, Start Date – End Date ‍ • Descriptive Sentence • Descriptive Sentence • Descriptive Sentence

There are, of course, some stylistic choices you can make to help your resume stand out.

However, sticking to this straightforward and easy to read format is key. 

Here are a couple quick examples of correct and incorrect formatting:

1) Always use bullet points for your descriptions.

Long paragraphs can be hard to read and make your work experience section look too cluttered.

Restaurant Manager, 2018 – 2020 ‍ In this position as a restaurant manager, I worked diligently to help implement new point of sales systems that greatly reduced operational costs. I also managed a staff of over 20 waiters on any given day. Of my responsibilities, I was in charge of handling customer complaints and issuing refunds. 

Restaurant Manager, 2018 – 2020 Mellow Mushroom • Nashville, TN • Hired and trained over 20 staff members . • Implemented point of sales systems that reduced operational costs by 15 percent . • Reduced customer complaints and refunds by 25 percent . 

2) Be specific as possible.

When writing your work experience descriptions, try to be as specific as possible rather than providing vague descriptions of your work accomplishments in the position. 

Junior Graphic Designer, The Coca-Cola Company Atlanta, GA • June 2017 – July 2020 • Responsible for making creative designs for the company. • Created hundreds of different designs for a variety of projects. • Worked closely with top-corporate officials. 

Junior Graphic Designer, The Coca-Cola Company Atlanta, GA • June 2017 – July 2020   • Led the design, development, and implementation of a label design project. • Designed and implemented new branding materials, including a re-design of the logo.  • Presented key deliverables to executive level stakeholders. 

In the following Content Marketing Associate resume example, you can see how Sarah has emphasized each of her bullet points with specific relevant keywords.

When it comes to listing your achievements and accomplishments on a resume , there are several considerations to keep in mind

As a general rule of thumb, your job descriptions are the best place to showcase your greatest accomplishments within a position.

For example, let’s say you worked in a sales position and raised overall sales by 10 percent .

This is the kind of specific accomplishment you will want to list within your job description. 

As previously mentioned, you will always want to be as specific as possible when listing out your achievements.

Here are some examples of how to properly list your accomplishments within your work experience section:

If you have specific data to quantify an accomplishment, always provide specific numbers rather than generalized statements.

Incorrect: ‍

Increased productivity of staff immensely over the course of the position.

Improved staff productivity rates by 30 percent , leading to a reduction of labor costs by 45 percent . 

Awards are a type of achievement that can be particularly useful to include.

Keep in mind that a hiring manager may not be familiar with company-specific awards.

Thus, you should provide enough detail to explain the importance of the award. 

Earned the Departmental MVP Award in 2019.

Earned the 2019 Departmental MVP Award for increasing productivity and efficiency rates, as well as improving cross-functionality of the department. 

Depending on the quantity of achievements you have, it may also be beneficial to create a section devoted entirely to your professional accomplishments.

The key takeaway here, however, is that job descriptions are one the most useful places to showcase your job-specific achievements. 

Although certifications may not be direct work experience, they often times are major indicators to employers of how qualified the candidate is for a position.

To earn a certification, you will typically be required to complete an accredited course successfully.

It can be tempting to include every certification you have ever earned on your resume as a way to help add some extra detail and interest.

However, when you are including certifications you should still be keeping relevancy as your top priority.

As such, only the most relevant certifications should be showcased. For instance, let’s say you have a CPR and First Aid certification.

If you are applying to become a school nurse, these kinds of certifications are not only important but are likely required.

Comparatively, if you are applying to a position as a content writer, these certifications hold no relevance. 

If you have earned a certification as a result of working a previous job, then you would likely want to include that certification in that specific job description.

Otherwise, your certifications may be better suited in their own devoted section.

Additionally, working to earn relevant certifications that you can list in tandem with your work experience section can help you to greatly stand out from other job applicants.

Here is a quick list of a few well-known certifications that would be useful to include on a resume:

• PMP: PMP is a Project Manager certification and is given to professionals with a four-year degree, a minimum of three years of project management experience, and the successful completion of the PMP exam and hour requirements. 
• NCLEX-RN: The NCLEX certification is the required certification for nursing professionals put forth by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. 
• PHR: The PHR certification stands for Professional in Human Resources and is earned through successful completion of an exam upon confirmation of eligibility. 
• SERVSAFE: ServSafe certifications are used in the restaurant industry to certify that kitchen and waitstaff are following all proper food and drink protocols. 

For more information on how to best show certifications, check out our guide on listing certifications on a resume.

When you are writing your resume, you want the words you use to engage the person who is reading it.

Chances are that the hiring manager reading your resume will read hundreds of other resumes that all contain similar words, verbs, and phrases. 

When choosing which words to use in your resume, it is important to remember that you don’t want to tell the employer why you are a great candidate.

Instead, you want to use the words to show the employer why you are the best candidate. 

This is where strong action verbs come in.

In your job descriptions, rather than saying something boring like “ managed a staff of 50+ members ” —  instead use a stronger action verb such as “ delegated ” or “ directed .”

Here are a couple quick tips for using strong action verbs on your resume:

1) Always lead with your action verb

Don’t bury your action verbs or make them difficult to spot.

Start your sentences with a powerful action verb instead.

I helped senior executives with important administrative tasks.

Assisted senior executives with administrative tasks, including managing travel schedules and optimizing file organization systems. 

2) Make it contextual and supporting

While it is important to use action verbs, don’t just use any word that comes to mind.

The words you use should make sense in the context of how they are being used to describe a job. 

Prohibited operational costs from exceeding budgetary restrictions.

Maintained low operational costs according to budgetary restrictions. 

Though both of these statements essentially say the same thing, the latter is much more clear and better represents your professional achievement. 

For more ideas on which action verbs to include on your resume, check out our list of 350+ Action Verbs to Make Your Resume More Effective.  

If you have worked in a previous job for a longer period of time, chances are you have received a promotion or two along the way.

Keeping track of these promotions and showing your professionals growth is essential. 

There are a couple different ways to show promotions within a job description.

When showcasing different roles you have held within the same job or company, it is important to list your highest position first and work backwards from there.

As an example, let’s look at two different ways a job candidate could list their promotion from office assistant to office manager on a resume:

1) Stacking job promotions

Use stacked positions to show your growth over time, with the most recent and highest position at the top.

Office Assistant, Tennessee Valley Authority Nashville, TN • January 2015 – January 2016 ‍ • Promoted to current position of Office Manager in 2016.

Office Manager, Tennessee Valley Authority • January 2016 – November 2020 Office Assistant , Tennessee Valley Authority • January 2015 – 2016

This kind of stacked formatting is an easy way to show you growth within a company without having to detail each position.

This is a good format option for when you want to focus solely on the highest position you earned.

2) Listing job promotions as separate entries

This format is useful if you served in each position for several years with different responsibilities in each. 

Office Assistant and Manager, Tennessee Valley Authority January 2015 – November 2020

Office Manager, Tennessee Valley Authority January 2016 – November 2020 • Job Description & Achievements Office Assistant, Tennessee Valley Authority January 2015 – January 2016 • Job Description & Achievements

The choice to format promotions as two separate entries should be reserved for instances where most or all of your work experience has been in different positions within the same company

Otherwise, the stacked format allows you to feature other work experiences with different employers as well. 

In some cases, a job applicant may not have very much relevant work experience or they may have large career gaps.

If this is the case for you, it can be useful to consider utilizing different resume formats to help fill in those gaps. 

The worst thing you can do is try to hide these career gaps from hiring managers.

These are the types of details they will be looking out for, and signs of deception are likely to get your resume thrown out immediately.

Instead, you should consider the different resume formats that may be better suited to showcasing your skills rather than your experience.

Here are the three main types of resume formats and how we'd rate them from best to worst for addressing career gaps:

1) Functional (best)

Functional formatted resumes focus more on skills and unpaid experiences, making them well suited for applicants without a strong work history.

2) Hybrid/Combination (good)

Hybrid resumes will combine elements of both reverse-chronological and functional resumes, making them good to use when you have career gaps. 

3) Reverse-Chronological (worst)

‍ This format focuses on making the work experience section the main component of the resume so it won't be the best choice for you.

Though having limited work experience or large career gaps can certainly make the resume writing process more difficult, it is by no means impossible to create an effective resume in spite of this.

Check out our guide for writing a resume with no work experience for more advice on how to create a resume when you have limited experience or career gaps.

For some applicants, especially those who may still be in school or are recent graduates, you may lack paid working experience but have several good examples of volunteer work and internships. 

Generally speaking, your internship experiences can go in your work experience section, as these are still technically professional experiences you applied for and earned based on your academic credentials.

Volunteer work, comparatively, should often be listed in a separate section as this is not typically considered “professional experience.”

Nonetheless, volunteer work can still hold a good amount of value, especially if it is directed related to the job you are applying for.

For instance, an IT professional may have volunteered their time to work on a not-for-profit software development project.

Though this experience was unpaid, it provided the applicant with experience working directly with software developers.

This kind of experience will still be crucial to share with potential employers. 

Consider an Alternative Format

If your work experience is limited to internships and volunteer work, this may be another good opportunity to utilize the functional or hybrid resume formats.

This will allow you to showcase the unpaid experience you have, while also sharing the focus with other sections such as skills and academic accomplishments. 

How Far Back Should Your Work History Go?

We’ve covered the importance of timeliness and longevity when deciding which previous jobs to include in your work experience section.

The reality of how far back you should go ultimately depends on the position you are applying for.

For applicants who are applying to entry-level or lower-level jobs, keeping your work experience section concise and focusing on jobs you have worked in the past 1 to 5 years is likely to be preferable. 

Comparatively, if you are applying for a senior-level position, or for a position in the fields of science or academia, it is recommended to showcase more of your professional background.

For instance, applicants who are seeking positions in academic fields will likely want to use a CV format which typically will cover most – if not all – of both their professional and academic background. 

Not every job is the same, nor is every applicant the same, so how much you include on your resume will depend on the situation at hand.

Luckily, there are many resources to help, such as our guide on on writing the perfect resume.

By now you should feel a much greater sense of confidence for how you should be writing and formatting your work experience on your resume.

Here are five key takeaways to remember as you embark on your resume writing journey:

1. Relevancy is Key

When listing out your work experiences, keep in mind which of your previous jobs are the most relevant to the position you are now applying for.

You don’t want to weigh down your resume with too many jobs and job descriptions, so narrowing down to the 3 – 5 most relevant experiences is key. 

Do keep in mind the other three factors we discussed as well: timeliness , longevity , and position .

You want to showcase how your prior work experiences have given you the skillsets to make you highly qualified for the job you are seeking. 

2. Show, Don’t Tell

When writing your job descriptions, avoid using statements such as “I did this” or “I accomplished this.”

Instead, word your descriptions in a way that showcase your achievements and strengths within the position.

Employers don’t want to be told what you can do because words only mean so much without the evidence to back them up.

‍ Show hiring managers what you are capable of by providing clear and quantifiable examples of how you have excelled in your previous positions. 

3. Use Strong Action Verbs

Begin each of your bullet points in your job descriptions with strong action verbs that clearly represent the action or accomplishment you are showcasing.

The use of these verbs not only helps to clarify your work experience section, but also helps emphasize key points, tasks and achievements.

However, be wary of using these verbs just for the sake of using them.

Always make sure the verbs you are choosing relate back to the statement you are making so you don't not accidentally cause any confusion.

4. Keep it Simple 

Bullet points and simple sentences are your friend. Most hiring managers are not going to read through your resume in its entirety.

Thus, having bite size and concise descriptions that effectively represent your abilities, skills, and accomplishments is key. 

5. Determine Which Format is Best for You

If your work experience is limited, you may want to consider using an alternative resume format.

To help determine which format best suits your needs, take a look at our guide for choosing the correct resume format . 

Closing Thoughts

Your relevant work experience can make or break your opportunity for landing an interview with the job of your dreams.

Figuring out the best and most concise way to list your experience is, thus, crucial. 

To learn more about how to craft the best resume possible, check out our comprehensive guides and resume templates to get started making your perfect resume today. 

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Your journey to discovering your career path can be full of twists and turns. Sometimes, life circumstances can result in gaps in your work history. In this guide, we will teach you all about how to include and explain gaps in your employment to keep your resume looking and sounding strong!

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How to Show Your Work Experience on Your Resume: Full Guide

10 min read

When employers look at your resume, there are usually two main areas that they focus their attention on right from the start. The first is your skills section, as they try to determine whether you have the abilities that you’ll need to do the job. 

After you craft a stand-out skills section, you should spend quite a bit of your time ensuring that your resume work experience section conveys compelling information that resonates with the employers you’re targeting.

In this post, we will examine the resume work experience section in more detail and explain why work experience is such a critical component of any successful resume. We’ll also offer some advice that can help you learn how to show your work experience on your resume and provide some great examples you can refer to as you create your own.

What is resume work experience?

Prospective employers will always be looking for information that can confirm your qualifications for their open position. One key area of interest will be your resume work experience section. That section should contain relevant information about your work history that showcases your ability to achieve positive benefits for your employer.

Of course, that information needs to be presented in a clear and cohesive manner and provide vital details about your career trajectory. For each job you list, you need to include the company name, your job title, the dates of employment, and several key achievements.

This work experience can encompass both full and part-time employment, relevant volunteer work, and internships. Resumes now often include freelance work, side hustles, entrepreneurial pursuits, and even passion projects. It all comes down to relevance.

What is relevant experience on a resume?

Relevant experience is what will help an employer decide whether you are worth interviewing. You need to identify what the employer wants to see. Relevant experience can be measured by the number of years you’ve worked in an industry, but it can also be related to the skills you have or what you have accomplished in similar roles.

If you don’t have much professional work experience, consider your academic, internship, volunteer, and other learning opportunities. Compare the skills you gained to the skills included in the job description. If there’s a significant overlap, you can include the experience you gained before joining the full-time workforce.

How can you know when experience is irrelevant?

Irrelevant experience is anything that won’t help you land the interview. It may be experience from 15 years ago, or job titles before you earned a certification or degree that set you on your current career path. When you’re well-established in your career, you can remove entry-level positions from your resume.

That’s right! If you’ve been in your field for many years, you can be selective about what job titles you include on your resume. Remember, your resume is a marketing document to sell your best qualities and qualifications. If necessary, older positions can be moved to a separate Additional Experience section.

In general, consider these three things to determine whether your experience is irrelevant:

The experience is from a vastly different field

The experience is from 10 to 15 years ago, or you’ve had more than 4 job titles since then

You gained no value from the experience

To add an Additional Experience section, match the formatting of your Work Experience section, but don't add as much detail. In fact, this could simply be a heading and two lines of text with additional jobs you've held as in the example below.

Why does resume work experience matter?

While your skill section is important, the reality is that most employers will pay more attention to your resume work experience section – and with good reason. Anyone can say that they have a certain set of skills, but demonstrating those skills is another thing entirely. That’s where the experience section comes into play.

If you can successfully detail your work history in a way that showcases your abilities and value as an employee, you can separate yourself from the competition. Many job seekers create resumes that simply list their job roles and responsibilities. Employers, however, are more interested in achievements than responsibilities.

Why? Because every worker has responsibilities. The real question is whether they’re able to achieve anything of value as they execute those responsibilities. If you can craft a resume work experience story that showcases achievements with real value, that will make the right kind of impression on any hiring manager.

Tips you can use to show work experience on your resume

Below are some simple and straightforward tips that can help you learn how to properly showcase your resume work experience. Follow these tips step-by-step, and you should be able to create a compelling narrative that will make hiring managers want to learn more about you – which means they’ll be more likely to offer you an interview opportunity.

Use an understandable label for your work history section

Begin this section by deciding how you want to label it. There are two primary considerations, of course. First, you want to make sure that the section label can be understood by applicant tracking systems (ATS), so don’t get too creative with the terminology. Second, you want to make sure that you use a label that hiring managers will instantly recognize as they are scanning the document.

Refer to our guide on the Top 10 Tips to Get Your Resume Past ATS Scans.

The following labels are all good options if you want to ensure that your resume can be easily read by automated screeners and human hiring managers:

Work Experience

Work History

Employment History

Employment Experience

Professional Experience

Include the right details

Your resume work experience needs to provide the right type of information about each job. Most experts recommend listing every relevant job you’ve held over the last 10 or 15 years and trying to include at least three previous employers. Obviously, if the job posting indicates that the company is looking for even more experience than that, you may need to go back even further into your work history.

For each company that you include in this section, list the following details:

The full name of the company . This is important since your prospective employer may want to contact your previous bosses to confirm your resume details.

The company’s location . Again, this information is useful for both formal and informal background checks. Typically, listing the city and state in which the company is located is all you need to do.

The dates of employment . List both the start and end dates of your time with each company. If you have any significant employment gaps that can be glossed over by simply listing the years of employment, do that instead.

Your job title . Include your official job title. Spell out every word and try to avoid acronyms to avoid potential misunderstandings. Be as specific as possible.

Role description . It’s often helpful to include a brief, two or three-line description of your role that clearly defines the scope of your duties. This can help to set the tone for your list of achievements.

Quantifiable achievements . For each position you held, create three or more bullet point examples of measurable achievements. These can help show how you used your skills to provide quantifiable value to your employer. The key is to use real numbers to show that benefit. For example: Organized, developed, and implemented a new product tracking system that reduced inefficiencies by 17%.

Other information , including promotions that you earned, any notable awards, special projects, committee participation, and languages.

Use the right format

There are three basic formats you can choose for your resume: the functional, hybrid, and chronological format. Most job seekers should use the chronological option – and specifically, the reverse-chronological format. This format is preferred by most employers, can be easily reviewed by ATS screeners, and offers a straightforward way to organize your resume information.

To use the reverse-chronological format, simply list each job in reverse order – starting with your current or most recent position. This enables the prospective employer to quickly review your most recent achievements while also seeing your overall career trajectory over the past decade.

How to write about your work experience

Once you have your framework of relevant experience, you can start filling in the details of your professional experiences. As mentioned in the intro of this guide, you can do much better than listing out the obvious tasks you performed. Hiring managers will be able to guess most of that from your job title.

Instead, you want to elaborate. You want to delight and impress your audience. You want to balance keyword-optimized text with eye-catching results. To manage these goals, you need to provide context, results, numbers, and skills to each line of your experience section.

Here are some questions you should ask yourself as you start to write your work experience on your resume:

What is this job looking for in a candidate?

How does my experience fit in with this job?

What are my key professional accomplishments?

What did I achieve in this role?

What skills have I gained through education, experience, and professional development?

What did my work result in?

Use your answers to write bullet points organized under the corresponding job title. If you're drawing a blank, refer to the examples in this guide (below) and check out these resources.

How to Use the STAR Method on Your Resume

Resume Bullet Points vs Paragraphs

10 Vital Skills to Put on Your Resume to Stand Out

Alternatively, if your resume's work experience section is already exceeding a page and a half, consider removing any irrelevant information in the resume. Hiring managers spend about six seconds on each resume, so you want to prioritize the information you include and how you organize it. Cap your resume document to two pages with your most impressive qualifications on the top of the first page.

Resume work experience examples

To get a better understanding of how these tips can help you create a truly professional looking resume work experience section, we’ve compiled some excellent examples you can use as inspiration.

Resume work experience listing for a Laboratory Assistant

This example only uses bullet points. Each bullet point is one line or less, and there are only six bullet points in total. These are important formatting tips because they help keep blocks of text to a minimum.

Notice that each bullet point of your resume starts with a strong action word . This trick makes the candidate appear active, engaged, and impressive.

This resume work experience example also incorporates a lot of skills common to the laboratory testing field: analyze, testing, measurement, and treatment. It also gives context to how this applicant displays soft skills like teamwork, communication, and collaboration. This is a great example of incorporating keywords through a resume.

Example of work experience for a Business Manager

This example uses both paragraphs and bullet points. The paragraph talks about overarching achievements, while the bullet points highlight specific accomplishments. It's a good balance of text and key points that is easy to visually scan for keywords and value.

The numbers in this example jump out and quantify how the candidate was able to provide value, promote sales growth, and earn recognition among a competitive talent pool.

View 200+ more professional resume samples for all industries, along with a guide to writing resumes from our career experts.

A stellar resume work experience section makes all the difference in the world!

Your work experience can be engaging and invite further conversation when written strategically. Given its important role in helping to convey your qualifications, you don't want it to be boring!

Fortunately, you can ensure that your professional history proves you're a great candidate by learning how to include resume work experience in a compelling way. Remember to focus on your results and accomplishments, provide numbers and context when possible, and use plenty of keywords.

Good luck with your job search!

Recommended reading:

7 Resume Sections and Headers You Need (+ Examples)

How Long Your Resume Should Be In 2020 (Expert Advice)

How to Choose Which Jobs To List on Your Resume (+Examples and Tips)

Marsha Hebert, Professional Resume Writer

Marsha is a resume writer with a strong background in marketing and writing. After completing a Business Marketing degree, she discovered that she could combine her passion for writing with a natural talent for marketing. For more than 10 years, Marsha has helped companies and individuals market themselves. Read more advice from Marsha on ZipJob's blog .

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How to Write a Resume Work Experience

Work experience is one of the most crucial resume sections. It shows recruiters you have the skills and experience to do the job. We’ll teach you to write a work experience section that wins interviews.

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As seen in:

Table of contents

• How to put work experience on a resume

How to make your work experience stand out

How to write a resume with no experience, resume work experience examples by job title, how to list other resume sections.

• Key takeaways from the article

How to list work experience on a resume

What is a work experience section, and why is it important.

Your resume’s work experience section shows employers the jobs you’ve held in the past, the type of work you performed in each role and your career progress. It’s a detailed overview of the career accomplishments that best demonstrate you have the skills and knowledge necessary to excel at a particular job.

Listing work experience is important as it gives hiring managers a clear idea of your strengths by showing off your career accomplishments and impact at past companies. Hence, tailoring or editing your work experience for every job application is crucial to landing a job interview!

How to write your resume work experience

This example shows you all the information recruiters need in your work experience section. Below, we’ll explain how to write each element of your resume’s work experience.

Resume work experience sample

Work Experience

Customer service representative 11/2022 – Present

Advanced Call Center Technologies, LLC | Reno, NV

• Reduced customer resolution time by 15% through effective issue identification and prompt resolution strategies.
• Increased customer satisfaction scores by 20% by providing comprehensive product knowledge, technical support, and tailored solutions to customer inquiries.
• Maintained 95% customer satisfaction rating, surpassing company expectations by 5%.

Call center operator 01/2022 – 11/2022

Mass Mutual Insurance | Reno, NV

• Reduced average call handling time by 12% through efficient prioritization and resolution of customer inquiries.
• De-escalated tense calls, demonstrating exceptional conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Handled a high volume of inbound calls efficiently, maintaining an average call handling time of under two minutes.

1 Include your job title or position.

Your resume work experience will include the jobs you’ve held in the past 10 years. These job titles should appear in reverse-chronological order, meaning you put your current or latest job first and work backward. State your official title since this gives the employer a clear idea of your responsibilities.

You might have seen the trend of changing your job title to make it seem unique or creative. This approach rarely works since it can throw off recruiters expecting to see traditional job titles and raise flags in applicant tracking systems (ATS) programmed to search for specific keywords. In conclusion, stick to the job titles the employer gave you.

2 Mention the company name and location.

For each job title you list, you must mention the company or employer’s name and location (city and state).

This information allows recruiters to research your previous roles and verify your data, so be honest.

3 List your employment dates.

Always list your employment duration dates so recruiters can understand how many years of experience you have.

You don’t have to worry about remembering the exact date; the month and year will be enough.

4 Add your achievements.

Last, you should include at least three bullet points describing your most relevant achievements under each job. Showcase accomplishments you’re particularly proud of. Remember to differentiate between generic responsibilities and actual achievements . Basic job duties will be virtually the same for every applicant with the same profession, but your achievements are unique to you.

Here’s an example of how to list achievements on a resume:

“Supervised 15 new hires and trained them in upselling techniques, which resulted in 23% increase of credit card applications at check out.”

Notice how this work experience description begins with an action verb . This one word already denotes this applicant worked in a supervisory role. That’s a valuable piece of information. Then, it mentions skills like training and upselling and concludes with a quantifiable achievement illustrating the impact of their efforts.

Stick to this formula: Action verb + key skills + quantifiable achievement = an excellent work history section .

Be consistent with tense when writing your work history descriptions. Write in the present tense when describing achievements in your current job, but use the past tense for all previous jobs. Doing so orients the reader in time and shows you have an eye for detail.

The resume work experience section will take up most of your time when writing your resume . However, you can write a professional resume fast with the help of our Resume Builder. Just type in your desired job title, and the Builder will generate personalized recommendations you can copy and paste onto your resume.

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What counts as work experience?

There are less traditional experiences you can showcase in your work experience that can still impress recruiters. After all, what matters most is showcasing your strengths and qualifications for the role.

The following are acceptable additions to your resume’s work experience section:

Internships

• Seasonal jobs
• Helping out at a family member’s business

Independent of the degree of formality of your work experiences, they can provide valuable skills and qualifications if you approach them correctly.

The most important thing to remember is never to lie or exaggerate the truth; it will come out eventually. You’ll also want to focus on achievements that best demonstrate you possess the skills and qualifications a specific role requires.

How to address gaps in your work experience

Life happens: you hit a rough patch, a family member gets sick, you want to focus on parenting or you go back to school. These are just a handful of valid reasons someone may have gaps in their work experience, and a good employer will understand this.

In fact, CNBC interviewed workplace experts who state that owning up to a career break can be your chance to flip the script to focus on the positive, such as new skills and renewed energy for work.

What’s crucial is being honest about the years you spent in a role and not “inventing” a job to make up for work gaps. Instead, you can provide a note in your resume stating: “From mm/yyyy to mm/yyyy, I was out of the workforce for personal reasons.”

Use your cover letter to explain briefly why you were out of the workforce. Although explaining gaps in your work experience isn’t mandatory, showing the skills and knowledge you gained is valuable.

How work experience sections vary by resume format

The length and detail of your work experience will vary based on your chosen resume format. There are three basic resume formats, each of which works for a different type of job seeker. Below, we explore the work experience section’s role in each resume format.

The functional resume is entirely skills-based, making it perfect for those who are just entering the workforce, have long work history gaps, or want to highlight skills and downplay their work experience for other reasons.

Combination

A combination resume will put your skills section at the top, followed by a detailed work history section, making this format a good choice for many job seekers, particularly mid-level professionals and career changers.

Chronological

A chronological resume is perfect for applicants who aim to showcase a long work history, an impressive career trajectory or significant professional achievements. You should have at least 10 years of experience if using this format.

1 Tailor your work experience to a specific job.

The best thing you can do to ensure your work experience compels recruiters to consider you for an interview is to tailor your work experience to the job’s requirements.

An easy way to achieve this is by pinpointing resume keywords in the job description. Resume keywords are skills, experiences or any type of qualification or professional requirement listed in a job ad. Write down a list of your keywords and skills and incorporate them into your work history.

Adding these keywords shows recruiters precisely what they’re looking for, and your resume is more likely to pass ATS scans.

2 Make regular job duties sound like accomplishments.

How you write about a task is critical. Changing a simple entry, like “Responsible for organizing the supply closet,” to “Spearheaded a major reorganization of office supply closets to simplify the monthly inventory process,” makes a big difference. The second version uses an action verb and helps hiring managers see the work task you completed, your leadership role, and the results your work generated.

3 Add metrics and numbers to show your impact.

Numbers are eye-catching and show a recruiter the positive impact of your work. Go back to the list of job duties and accomplishments you have listed and think about them in terms of numbers. Here are some ideas for using resume metrics:

• How many customer emails did you respond to daily?
• What percentage did sales increase during your tenure?
• How many followers did your company gain thanks to your social media skills?
• Where were you able to save the company money?
• How many cars did you repair each month?

Adding these metrics is a much more effective way to get a hiring manager’s attention than just a description of general duties because it quantifies your accomplishments in a way that is easy to understand.

If you’d like help finding the right words to describe your accomplishment, check out our Resume Builder . You’ll find dozens of content suggestions you can copy and paste onto your work experience.

Writing a resume with no work experience is possible if you choose the right format for your situation. You should always include the work experience section in your resume. Instead, draw from less traditional experiences such as internships, seasonal jobs, freelance gigs or personal projects to build your work history section.

However, if building a traditional resume feels out of reach with your level of work experience, you can opt for a different resume format that will highlight your qualifications.

Out of the three resume formats that exist, the combination and functional formats will be the best options for writing a resume without experience.

These two resume formats emphasize your skills while downplaying your work history. This approach is particularly beneficial if you aim to write a resume for a high school student without experience.

High school and college students can benefit from prioritizing the skills section, which the combination and functional resumes both do. You can learn how to write a no-experience resume step-by-step in our full guide on How to Write a Resume With No Experience .

Check out these work experience samples to see how to write a personalized work experience section for your particular career level and job.

Entry-level sales associate work experience sample

Sales Associate 11/2022 – 01/2023

Kohl’s | Tampa, FL

• Helped 50 customers complete purchases daily, locate items and join reward programs.
• Stocked and arranged merchandise in attractive displays to drive sales.
• Kept 50% of sales floor area clean and clear of merchandise to ensure a pleasant shopping experience.

Cashier 06/2022 – 08/2022

The Burger Stop | Tampa, FL

• Learned every menu preparation and 20+ smoothie and shake beverages to meet all customer needs, maintaining 97% customer satisfaction.
• Reconciled cash drawer at the start and end of each shift, checking for errors and resolving irregularities, reducing loss by 76%.
• Processed an average of 150 POS transactions, including checks, cash and credit purchases.

What this resume work experience gets right:

• Shares very diverse accomplishments that demonstrate the candidate is an expert in different areas of retail operations.
• Includes various quantifiable achievements to reflect the impact of the candidate’s efforts.
• Mentions keywords from the job description that ensure easy detection of job requirements by recruiters and ATS.

Mid-career marketing manager work experience sample

Associate Marketing Manager 04/2019 – Present

Zenith Media Group | Miami, FL

• Build effective relationships with sales managers and agency team leaders to expedite appropriate sales enablement of products and services according to market demand.
• Develop promotional campaigns by bundling products, increasing sales revenue by 54% with a projected year-on sales growth of $300K.
• Responsible for all aspects of projects, ensuring deadlines, supervising team, contingency planning, budgeting, campaign analysis, approval channels and more.

Marketing Assistant 03/2017 – 01/2019

Poof, LLC | Miami, FL

• Collaborated with product development team to create marketing materials for sales presentations and client meetings.
• Assisted in evaluating marketing copy, art comps and design drafts and comparing them with the marketing manager’s expectations.
• Assisted with over 40 sales presentations, proposals and contracts.
• Mentions innovative solutions to problems faced in previous roles, which is a sure way to attract a recruiter’s attention.
• Includes how much money the candidate helped their previous employer save, demonstrating business savvy and the possibility of replicating those results in the new role.
• Touches on critical skills relevant to the role, such as budgeting, campaign analysis and contingency planning.

Highly experienced software engineer work experience sample

Senior Software Engineer 07/2017 – Present

TechWorks, Inc. | New York, NY

• Supervise a team of 18 and kick off weekly discussions to deliberate ideas in software development and oversee changes made in existing programs.
• Lead large software deployments, including testing features and fixing code.
• Enhance 65% of system performance by making proactive corrections and solving bugs.

Software Engineer 02/2011 – 06/2017

• Worked with software development team of 12 to design and develop solutions to meet client specifications for functionality, scalability and performance.
• Trained and mentored seven junior engineers and taught them skills in SQL and Python, improving team performance by 48%.
• Created innovative integrated content management system using C#.
• Shares various experiences where the candidate executed a supervisor role, a highly attractive quality when applying for senior positions.
• Uses percentages to demonstrate how this candidate’s leadership improved team productivity.
• Mentions the number of colleagues the candidate supervised, providing employers with a clear understanding of the workload he’s used to managing.

Career-change project manager work experience example

Project Manager 01/2018 – Present

Unlimited, LLC | San Francisco, CA

• Implement Agile management standards by deploying exercises such as sprint planning and team-leading standups.
• Oversee project timelines and liaise with executive management and a staff of 15 to ensure progress.
• Update project scope, monitor cost and implement appropriate change management processes to keep projects on time and within budget.

Graphic Design Lead 05/2013 – 12/2017

Notesy | Reno, NV

• Led 12 team members in executing new designs and updates during sprint cycles, improving timely submissions by 28%.
• Collaborated with development and engineering teams to develop design solutions for designs while implementing correct application updates.
• Created landing and homepage designs for 5+ applications in line with engineering and development requirements promptly, 100% of the time.
• Shows the candidate’s career change from graphic design to project management by highlighting the achievements that led them there.
• Shares the various teams they’ve supervised in previous PM roles and as graphic design lead.
• Utilizes quantifiable achievements to provide accurate metrics about their impact on previous initiatives.

Teacher work experience sample

Senior English Teacher 08/2018 – Present

Hillside High School | Montgomery, AL

• Developed and implemented a comprehensive English curriculum for 11th and 12th-grade students, resulting in 15% improvement in standardized test scores over two-year period.
• Successfully integrated technology into classroom, utilizing educational apps and online resources, leading to 20% increase in student engagement.
• Established and led after-school literature club, fostering love for reading among students and improving critical thinking skills.

High School English Teacher 08/2012 – 06/2018

• Implemented a student-centered learning approach, resulting in a 15% increase in student satisfaction with the learning process.
• Utilized formative assessments to track student progress and adapted teaching methods accordingly, contributing to a 20% improvement in overall student performance.
• Introduced a classroom reward system that positively impacted student behavior, reducing disruptive incidents by 30% over the academic year.
• Provides detailed and specific information about the level of students taught, the subjects covered, and the duration of each position.
• Includes measurable achievements, such as test scores, increased student engagement and reduced disruptive incidents.
• Shows the teacher adapted teaching methods to address diverse learning needs, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to meeting students where they are in their educational journeys.

Cashier work experience sample

Head Cashier 05/2019 – Present

Target | Santa Monica, CA

• Successfully managed cash registers during peak hours, processing an average of 300 transactions daily with 100% accuracy.
• Implemented a customer service training program for the cashier team, resulting in a 20% increase in positive customer feedback.
• Introduced an efficient cash handling process, reducing cash discrepancies by 15% and improving overall register accountability.

Cashier Supervisor 01/2017 – 05/2019

ValueMart | Santa Monica, CA

• Led a team of 10 cashiers, providing training and ongoing support that resulted in a 25% decrease in checkout errors.
• Developed and implemented a system for tracking and reconciling cash shortages, leading to a 20% reduction in discrepancies.
• Collaborated with the store manager to streamline the checkout process, decreasing average transaction times by 10%.
• The descriptions emphasize the importance of customer service, including implementing training programs, receiving positive customer feedback, and contributing to a customer loyalty program.
• For roles involving supervision or leadership, the descriptions highlight skills such as team leadership, training and development, and collaboration with management.
• Each position includes specific, measurable achievements such as accurately processing a certain number of transactions daily, improving customer feedback, reducing errors or discrepancies, and meeting or exceeding sales targets.

Administrative assistant work experience sample

Senior Administrative Assistant 05/2018 – Present

Dynamic Payment Solutions | Coral Gables, FL

• Coordinated and optimized schedules for three senior executives, resulting in a 36% increase in meeting efficiency.
• Transitioned from a paper-based filing system to an electronic database, reducing document retrieval time by 41% and improving overall office organization.
• Successfully coordinated annual company retreats and quarterly team-building events, enhancing employee morale and team cohesion.

Administrative Coordinator 04/2016 – 05/2018

Multinational Insurance | Miami, FL

• Implemented a centralized communication system, reducing email response time by 50% and improving interdepartmental collaboration.
• Coordinated complex domestic and international travel itineraries, resulting in a 43% reduction in travel-related expenses.
• Implemented a vendor database, resulting in a 28% decrease in response time for vendor inquiries and invoice processing.
• Emphasizes improvements the candidate made in various processes, which showcases their ability to identify areas for improvement and implement solutions.
• Shares various administrative responsibilities, showing employers you have experience in various job areas.
• Mentions specific keywords like “invoice processing,” “office organization” and “vendor database,” which relate to crucial responsibilities for the role.

Software engineer work experience sample

Senior Software Engineer 05/2018 – Present

Tech Innovators | Silicon Valley, CA

• Engineered a modular backend system, reducing server response time by 29% and accommodating a 50% increase in concurrent users.
• Successfully launched customer-facing mobile app, achieving 1 million downloads within first three months and receiving 4.7/5 user satisfaction rating.
• Improved project delivery timelines by 25% and reduced the number of post-release bugs by 16% by implementing Agile development practices.

Software Engineer 01/2016 – 05/2018

Software Solutions Inc. | Seattle, WA

• Enhanced database performance, resulting in a 36% reduction in query response time and improving overall application speed.
• Reduced the time required for code integration by 44%, leading to faster and more reliable software releases.
• Contributed to a 22% improvement in data processing speed, allowing clients to derive insights more efficiently.
• Each position includes measurable accomplishments that prove the candidate’s impact as a software engineer.
• Shares job-relevant impressive achievements, such as deploying a successful app.
• Examples of the candidate’s leadership experience are crucial for lead or senior positions.

Babysitter work experience sample

Part-time Babysitter 05/2019 – Present

Smith Family | New York, NY

• During parents ‘ occasional evening outings and weekend events, provide attentive and nurturing care for two children aged five and eight.
• Engage children in age-appropriate activities, including educational games, arts and crafts and outdoor play, fostering their creativity and development.
• Prepare healthy meals and snacks, accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences, and encourage good eating habits.

Summer Nanny 05/2018-09/2018

Steinberg Family | Montauk, NY

• Cared for three children, aged three, six and nine, on weekdays during the summer break, organizing engaging and age-appropriate activities to keep them entertained and stimulated.
• Facilitated outdoor excursions, including trips to the park and nature walks, supervised playdates, and promoted physical activity and socialization.
• Managed light housekeeping duties, such as cleaning up after activities, washing dishes used during meals, and maintaining a tidy play area.
• The different babysitting experiences and caring for children of different ages show adaptability and the ability to handle different schedules and responsibilities.
• Communication with parents is emphasized, demonstrating the importance of informing parents about their children’s activities, milestones and notable occurrences.
• Highlights positive outcomes, such as developing strong bonds with children, receiving consistent service requests, and successfully managing a summer schedule.

Resume examples for great work experience sections

Find the resume example for your desired job title, and edit it in our Builder to get your personalized resume in minutes!

While your work history undoubtedly takes center stage on your resume, additional sections can help you paint a broader picture of your professional abilities.

In scenarios where candidates boast nearly identical work experience, adding extra information about your achievements and qualifications can be the deciding factor for a recruiter to choose you.

Below, we’ll teach you how to write key resume sections that can complement your resume work experience.

Certifications, licenses and courses

Including an extra section for certifications, courses or licenses can add legitimacy to your skills and knowledge. You’ll just need to include the title of your license, certificate or course, the issuing institution and the year you completed it.

Here’s an example:

Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)

Issuing Body: Project Management Institute (PMI)

Date Earned: March 2022

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

Issuing Body: Scrum Alliance

Date Earned: July 2021

A section for listing internships can be a great addition to your resume if you’re a current student or recent graduate with a limited job history. When formatting an internship section, include the company where you interned, the duration dates, and any achievements or skills you developed.

Check out this example:

Public Relations Intern | Big Reach Media, Miami, FL

Duration: May 2022 – August 2022

Key Achievements/Responsibilities:

• Assisted in developing and implementing press releases, resulting in increased media coverage and brand visibility.
• Monitored social media channels, engaging with followers and analyzing data to optimize content strategy.
• Contributed to coordinating events, ensuring seamless execution and positive stakeholder experiences.

Personal projects:

Personal projects in your resume can tell a lot about your skills and initiative. If you feel like your work experience is limited or isn’t as relevant — for example, when you’re changing careers — showcasing any personal projects related to your desired job or industry can significantly boost your resume.

Here’s how you would write this section:

Personal projects

Beyond formal education, my projects reflect a proactive approach to social media management, showcasing strategic thinking and a passion for fostering online communities.

Instagram Engagement Booster | Project InsightfulGlow

Objective: Boost brand visibility and engagement on Instagram.

Results: 30% increase in followers, 25% in post reach, 20% overall engagement growth within three months.

Twitter Chat Series | TrendTalks

Objective: Facilitate industry discussions on Twitter.

Results: Weekly growth of participants by 15%, sustained through strategic partnerships and topic optimization.

Key takeaways

• Your resume’s work experience should showcase all the jobs you’ve had in the last 10 years of your career, plus your main achievements in each one.
• Your resume work experience must be in reverse-chronological order, and each listed role should have its job title, company name, employment dates and top three achievements.
• Your resume work experience should showcase your unique achievements, not generic job responsibilities.
• Including quantifiable accomplishments is one of the best ways to grab a recruiter’s attention and show the impact of your work.
• When writing your work experience descriptions, you should stick to the past tense for previous jobs and the present tense for your current role.
• Your work experience descriptions must start strong with action verbs. For example, say “supervised” instead of “responsible for.”
• Never lie to hide employment gaps; instead, include a sentence stating that you were “out of the workforce from mm/yyyy to mm/yyyy for personal reasons.” You can also expand upon this in a cover letter.
• Constantly tailor your work experience to a specific job by including keywords from the job description.
• If you have little to no experience, you can opt for a functional resume with a minimal work experience section.
• You can complement your resume’s work experience with additional sections for internships, certifications, courses and personal projects. These resume sections benefit inexperienced candidates such as students or recent graduates.

Frequently asked questions

How to write a teenager's resume with no experience.

When writing a teenager’s resume with no experience, the first thing you should do is learn how to write a functional resume. Although it’s not the most well-known resume format, it will help inexperienced candidates share relevant qualifications without making it obvious they have little to no formal work experience.

The functional resume focuses on the skills section, where you can share achievements from any experience based on a specific skill instead of an actual job.

How to write a resume with no experience for a college student?

If you’re a college student needing a resume, you should first consider why you need the resume: Are you looking for a job or applying for an academic opportunity? If you’re applying for a non-academic job, you’ll want to write a functional resume, which is the best option for inexperienced candidates.

If you need a resume to apply for an internship, scholarship, fellowship or other academic opportunity, consider writing a curriculum vitae (CV) instead.

In both cases, including sections for projects, internships or student associations will be essential to make up for a limited work experience.

How many years of work experience should be on a resume?

There is no limit to the number of years of experience you can add to your resume. You should include one page for every 10 years of experience. However, when writing a resume for a specific job, you don’t have to refer to your first few jobs; you should only include the jobs related to your career.

Which work experience is listed first on a resume?

When listing your work experience, start with your current or most recent job and work backward in reverse-chronological order. This order allows recruiters first to see the most updated skills and qualifications and then they can evaluate your career progression.

When should you remove work experience from a resume?

You should never remove the work experience section from your resume. Recruiters will expect to see this section, so even if you have no “real” work experience, try to fill this section with internships, part-time gigs or even freelance work. Something is better than nothing. If your work experience is too limited, write a functional resume instead.

More resources

How to Write a Resume Summary

251 Resume Skills that Score Interviews

Avoid These 10 Resume Mistakes

About the Author

Gabriela Hernandez • CPRW, Career Advice Expert

Gabriela Hernandez is one of LiveCareer's resident writers. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a degree in Journalism. Throughout her career, she has tackled copywriting, blog articles, journalistic writing, academic writing, resume writing, and even prose and verse.

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How to List Work Experience on Your Resume – A Guide with Examples

In This Guide:

What is a resume work experience section, how do i add experience to my resume, where to list work experience on your resume, how to format your work experience (with template), how to describe work experience on a resume, how to choose the right resume format, how many years of work experience should be on a resume, what should i do if i have a gap in employment, tips on writing a powerful resume experience section, key takeaways.

R esume work experience almost always needs to be presented in reverse chronological order—starting with your most recent position and working backward.

Each entry needs to include the basics: company name and location; job title; start and end dates. It’s also essential to include bullet points describing your duties and responsibilities.

Finally, never underestimate the power of action verbs and quantifying your accomplishments.

Crafting the perfect resume experience section  can be challenging, especially when deciding how to describe work history  effectively. Almost everyone struggles with selecting the right work experience examples  that highlight their skills and accomplishments. The key is to showcase your professional past in a way that resonates with potential employers.

A we ll-structured resume work experience example s houldn’t only detail your previous roles but also emphasize the impact of your contributions. By accurately featuring yo ur work experience, yo u enhance your chances of catching a recruiter's eye and securing your next job opportunity.

We guarantee that by the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of this particular resume section and be able to do the following:

• Study and use a plethora of real work experience examples to help visualize your target.
• Easily produce an effective entry that conveys all the essential elements.
• Be able to recognize and correctly choose which format is best for the specific job you’re applying for.
• Understand what exactly needs to be included in your work listing.
• Tips on writing a more powerful and convincing experience section.
• How to properly describe and convey your achievements and responsibilities in an impactful way.

Let’s begin by looking at what exactly we are trying to craft.

Improve your resume experience section!

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

The work experience section is arguably the most critical part of a resume, serving as the focal point for recruiters and hiring managers alike. This segment outlines your professional history and highlights your achievements in previous roles. It encompasses paid and unpaid roles, including full-time positions, part-time jobs, internships, volunteer work, and freelance projects, essentially any role where you've applied and honed your skills in a professional context.

What to put for experience on a resume involves carefully  tailoring your selection  of relevant positions that illustrate your qualifications and readiness for the new role you're applying for. This means not just listing your duties, but focusing on quantifiable achievements and how you've contributed to past organizations.

For instance, highlight the wins you had, like projects you nailed, teams you led, sales records you broke, or any process you made better—outcomes that provide concrete evidence of your capabilities.

Including different types of work experience is all about painting a picture of how you've grown and what you bring to the table. It's not just about what you've done, but how you've made a difference, underscoring why the experience section plays such a pivotal role in your resume.

But what exactly should you include?

Experience is not what happens to you; it's what you do with what happens to you.

Aldous Huxley

Your resume work experience section refers to your professional background in employment.

For all professional experience sections, you need to include your previous:

• Role and responsibilities
• Skills and accomplishments
• Company names
• Dates you’ve worked

If you’re worrying about what to write in a resume for work experience, let us just quickly calm those nerves. Just remember to stick to reverse chronological order, presenting your most recent job first  to emphasize your career progression.

Also, try starting each point with action verbs  to animate your roles and achievements vividly—recruiters love that!

The ideal location for your work experience section is immediately following your resume summary  or objective statement . This gives it a prominent position that ensures it’ll catch the eye of the hiring manager.

Deciding which work experience is listed first on a resume is easy—it’s the job you just left or perhaps are still working at  and then you work your way back.

For a standout resume experience format , begin your entry by listing the company name, your position/title, employment dates, and the location. Including a brief company description is optional but can provide context, especially if the company isn't widely known—whatever you choose, be sure to be consistent.

The bullet points under each role are crucial; this is a job description  where you should focus on quantifying your impact and showcasing your achievements using action verbs. Aim for 4-6 bullets per position, starting each with a dynamic action verb.

Ensure that you quantify as many of your achievements as possible (e.g., "Increased sales by 20%") to provide concrete evidence of your impact. This approach not only makes your contributions clear but also demonstrates the value you brought to the position.

Remember, how to format work experience on a resume is about making your contributions and achievements easily accessible, so use concise, impactful language and keep your bullet points focused and relevant.

The best way to demonstrate this is by showing you a couple of examples. You can find below an example of an experience entry that you would do well avoiding. Check it out:

• • Duties included cashiering, helping customers, stocking shelves.

As you can see this work history section needs a boost. It would be a good idea to swap "Duties included" for lively action verbs like "Managed" or "Assisted." Also, adding some numbers to show off their impact, like boosting checkout speed by 30%, would drastically improve this entry. Another thing that they should’ve done is to be more clear about how they helped customers or improved stocking methods.

A few tweaks could definitely make this resume shine! Let’s rewrite it in a manner that could actually help the candidate land the job.

Here’s the new and improved work experience listing:

• • Managed transactions for up to 200 customers daily, ensuring a smooth and efficient checkout process.
• • Assisted customers by providing detailed product information and resolving inquiries, enhancing customer satisfaction.
• • Coordinated shelf stocking and organized product displays, contributing to a 15% increase in-store efficiency.

We transformed the work experience section by swapping "Duties included" for dynamic verbs like "Managed" and "Coordinated," highlighting proactive roles and leadership. By quantifying achievements—like handling 200 transactions daily and boosting store efficiency by 15%—and adding specific details on enhancing customer satisfaction, we've crafted a vivid, impactful snapshot of skills and contributions.

Here’s a template you can use to help guide you while listing your experience on your next resume:

Resume work experience section template:

[Job title]

[Company name in smaller font]

[Location - optional]

[Company description]

• [Bullet points detailing your accomplishments and job duties –– between 3 and 6 for each job you’ve held]

While writing your bullets, remember these four things:

Action verbs

• Use numbers and quantify
• Detail your achievements and responsibilities
• Be concise and impactful

Let’s continue with the topic of experience and achievements. Next, we’ll explore exactly how to format these sentences, use the right action words, and the best way to quantify your accomplishments.

When writing the work experience section of your resume, start each sentence with a strong action verb  to immediately capture the reader's attention. This approach showcases your role as an active contributor and leader in your previous positions. For example, instead of saying "Responsible for managing a team," you could say "Managed a team of 10, leading to a 20% increase in productivity." This not only demonstrates what you did (managed a team) but also quantifies your achievement (20% productivity increase).

Quantifying

Quantifying accomplishments provides concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your ability to deliver results. Try to include numbers, percentages, or other measurable outcomes whenever possible. For instance, "Increased sales by 15% through strategic marketing campaigns" gives a clear picture of your effectiveness and contribution.

For formatting sentences, aim for clarity and conciseness. Begin with the action verb, follow with the task you performed, and end with the result or impact of your action, quantifying the achievement. Keeping this structure consistent throughout your work experience entries will create a streamlined, easy-to-read section that clearly communicates your professional value.

Tailored content

When pondering how to write work experience in a resume, it's crucial to tailor your bullets to the job you're applying for, emphasizing the experiences and achievements most relevant to the position.

Prioritize work experience that aligns closely with the job you're applying for, highlighting roles where you've developed relevant skills or achieved significant accomplishments. This targeted approach  demonstrates your suitability and potential value to prospective employers.

How to decide what experience is relevant and what isn’t?

Determining if work experience is relevant  to your resume involves aligning your past roles and achievements with the requirements of the job you're applying for. Here are tips on how to tailor your resume effectively:

• Analyze the job description: Start by thoroughly reading the job listing. Note the skills, experiences, and qualifications that are emphasized. These are your clues to what the employer values most.
• Match your experience: Look at your own work history and identify which roles and accomplishments directly relate to the job description’s requirements. Focus on experiences where you've used the skills listed as necessary for the new position.
• Highlight transferable skills:  Some of your experiences may not be directly related but have transferable skills that are valuable for the job. For example, if you’re applying for a project management role and you’ve led a team or coordinated a project, even in a different industry, that experience is relevant.
• Use keywords from the job description: Incorporate language and keywords  from the job description into your resume. This not only shows that your experience aligns with the role but also helps your resume get past automated applicant tracking systems (ATS) that many companies use.
• Be selective:  You don’t need to list every job you’ve ever had. Focus on the roles that demonstrate you have the skills and experience to excel in the job you’re applying for.

Remember, a tailored resume is much more likely to catch the attention of hiring managers and show that you're a strong candidate for the position.

Deciding on the right resume format hinges on your career history, skills, and the type of job you're applying for. Among the main formats—reverse chronological, combination, and functional—each serves a distinct purpose, while all other formats are considered outdated in today's job market. Here's how to choose:

• Reverse chronological format :  This is the most traditional and widely accepted format. It lists your work history starting with your most recent job and working backward. It's ideal if you have a steady work history and want to emphasize your upward career trajectory. This format is especially beneficial when applying to roles that require extensive experience in a specific field.
• Combination or hybrid format :  This combines elements of both the chronological and functional resumes. It highlights your skills and achievements at the top, followed by your work history in reverse chronological order. This format is suitable if you're aiming to change careers, have gaps in your employment, or possess a diverse set of skills and experiences that are relevant to the job.
• Functional format :  This format focuses on your skills and experiences rather than your job history. It's organized by skill categories rather than employment history and is best suited for individuals with gaps in their employment, those changing careers, or if you're new to the workforce.

Your choice should strategically highlight your strengths and match the expectations of your target role, ensuring your resume stands out for the right reasons.

The work experience section of your resume should ideally go back 10 to 15 years . This timeframe allows you to showcase your most relevant and recent experience without overwhelming the reader with too much information. Older positions can be included if they are particularly relevant to the job you're applying for, but it's often unnecessary to detail every role beyond the last decade or so.

Also, choose how many jobs you list  wisely. Don’t include 15 different jobs—focus on positions that directly relate to the target role. Prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring each listed job adds value to your candidacy.

Handling employment gaps on your resume  can be tricky, but it's essential to approach them thoughtfully and strategically. Here's how to manage and communicate employment gaps:

• Don’t highlight gaps on your resume : Your resume is a marketing document meant to highlight your strengths. You don't need to explicitly point out employment gaps here. Focus on your experiences, skills, and achievements.
• Use a functional or combination resume format:  Instead of the traditional chronological resume, consider a functional or combination format. These emphasize skills and accomplishments up front, rather than the timeline of your employment history. This approach can help draw less attention to the gaps.
• Include other relevant experiences:  If you were doing something relevant during your gap period, such as volunteering , freelancing, studying, or undertaking any personal projects  related to your field, include these experiences on your resume. Present them similarly to how you would list a job, focusing on skills  gained and contributions made.
• Be prepared to discuss the gap in your cover letter and interviews: While you don't need to explain employment gaps on your resume, you can address them briefly in your cover letter  if it adds valuable context to your application. Be prepared to discuss the gap openly and positively in interviews, and focus on what you learned or how you grew during that time.
• Stay positive and focus on the future:  When discussing employment gaps, maintain a positive tone and focus on your eagerness and readiness to return to work. Emphasize that your experiences during the gap have prepared you for the next step in your career.
• Honesty is key:  If asked about an employment gap, be honest but succinct in your explanation. You don't need to go into personal details. A simple explanation like "I took time off for family reasons, but I'm excited to bring my skills and experiences to this role" is sufficient.

Employment gaps are more common than ever and are becoming less of a stigma, especially due to reasons like personal health, family obligations, or the recent global changes impacting employment. Most employers understand that career paths aren't always linear, so focus on demonstrating your value and readiness for the role you're applying for.

Here are some final resume tips  that could help you create that powerful, successful resume you’ve been hunting for:

Choose an organized template

Selecting a clear, professional template for your resume  can make a significant difference. It helps highlight your experience section effectively, ensuring that recruiters can easily scan through and understand your career progression and accomplishments. A well-structured template with distinct headings and a logical flow from one section to the next sets a strong first impression.

Address the needs of the employer

Tailor your experience section to meet the specific requirements and preferences of the employer. Closely read the job description and emphasize the parts of your work history that match with what they’re looking for. By mirroring the language of the job listing and focusing on relevant experiences, you demonstrate that you aren’t just qualified but also attentive and responsive to the employer’s needs.

Keep it brief

Aim to convey the essence of your roles and achievements without overwhelming the reader with too much information. For each position, include a few bullet points that highlight your key responsibilities and accomplishments, using quantifiable results whenever possible. This approach guarantees that your resume is digestible and impactful, making it easier for employers to see your value.

Check for grammatical and spelling errors

Before submitting your resume, thoroughly proofread it for any typos on your resume . Consider using tools like spell checkers or having someone else review your resume to catch errors you might have missed. A clean, error-free resume reflects your diligence and care, qualities that are highly valued in any role.

Now that we have thoroughly gone through all aspects of listing your resume work experience, you should be ready to start writing. Here are some takeaways from the article.

• Study real examples: Use real work experience examples to visualize and craft an effective experience section on your resume.
• Choose the right format:  Understand and choose the best resume format (reverse chronological, combination, or functional) for your specific situation, recognizing that all other formats are considered outdated.
• Highlight relevant experience:  Tailor your resume to address the needs of the employer by focusing on relevant work experience that showcases your qualifications for the job you're applying for.
• Use action verbs and quantify achievements:  Start bullet points with action verbs and quantify your accomplishments to clearly demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
• Organized template:  Choose a clear, professional template to make your work experience stand out effectively.
• Mind the details: Include essential information like company names, positions, dates, and locations, and aim for 4-6 bullet points per job that focus on your achievements and contributions.
• Address employment gaps thoughtfully:  Strategically manage and communicate any employment gaps, focusing on the positives and how experiences during these periods have prepared you for your next role.

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Work Experience Section on the Resume

How to demonstrate your career trajectory

Career Expert

The experience section is the core of any resume and the most important metric for explaining your career path to employers.

Listing work experience on a resume can be a tricky task. You may have never worked in your life or have had so many past jobs that you don’t even know which you should include.

In either case, there’s a right and wrong way to create this section.

So, which parts of your professional experience should you include? Which parts should you exclude

This guide offers tips on exactly  what experience to put on a resume  and how to write a work experience section that will attract a potential employer’s attention.

How To Show Your Professional Experience On Your Resume

This core part of your resume can be titled in a variety of ways. A few common examples are:

Most employers  deem the work experience section the most vital part of your resume , as your career path is often the clearest, most efficient way to explain your skills. It lists companies you’ve worked for, industries you are familiar with, skills you have acquired, and the contributions you’ve delivered along the way.

Here are some ideas for section titles:

• Work Experience
• Professional Experience
• Relevant Experience
• Work History

Choose a title that is most appropriate for your experience. For example, students may include internships or part-time positions, which qualify as “work” experience but are not related to their target roles.

A title such as “Work Experience” or “Work History” would suffice in this case, to show that you have consistently been employed.

As a cheat code try using an  online resume builder  which includes helpful examples and practical tips for adding the experience section on your resume.

What To Include In A Resume Experience Section

It’s best to collect all of your work histories first before starting to write your experience section.

For most job seekers, their work experience will be true professional jobs/positions. But for students or recent graduates, relevant work can also include:

• Internships
• Volunteer work
• Study abroad programs
• Leaderships in clubs or community teams

Next, it is time to detail your experience. Start with your most recent position and work backward.

Each job post should include the following elements:

• Employer/company name
• Location (City, State or “remote”)
• Dates of employment
• Details of your accomplishments and contributions

Some of these details are unnecessary in functional resume layouts. For example, in cases where you may have large gaps in your job history, a functional resume layout can help downplay the scattered timeline of your employment and highlight the skills you’ve learned and will bring to the next position.

Most importantly,  each job post should include a brief paragraph , or more commonly, a bullet-point list of your responsibilities. Each position listed should prioritize your achievements and contributions to the role. Do not simply list the “responsibilities” or “daily tasks” of the job.

Include quantifiable examples of your success, as  34% of recruiters won’t consider applications that are not specific to the role ,  according to CareerBuilder .

Keep your experience section as focused as possible and only list those statements which are relevant to your target jobs.  Forbes Magazine suggests  limiting yourself to five bullet points per position.

Action verbs can significantly increase the impact your resume content has on the reader, enticing them enough to reach out for an interview. Include a variety of action verbs in each of your bullet points.

Examples of effective action verbs to use on your resume:   launched; implemented; spearheaded; coordinated; directed; increased; restructured; acquired; grew; saved; cut; identified,  etc.

How To Write The Work Experience Section On Your Resume

One of the easiest ways to capture the attention of a hiring manager is to list your professional experience in a clear, concise, and visually interesting manner.

your work experience section should always follow a reverse chronological frame, regardless of the resume format you choose ( chronological ,  combined , or  functional ).

It’s essential to know exactly how to write experience in a resume. To start,  begin with the most recent position held  and work backward in time.

How you display this information is crucial. An inconsistent, out-of-order format will only confuse the reader and earn your resume a trip to the trash bin.

As with every section on your resume, make sure to  highlight information that explains your past accomplishments , successes, contributions, and learnings.

For example, these can be:

• Customer satisfaction percentage or score
• Total sales you made
• Clients attended to

Anything that you can show you were a success will look great.

The more your past triumphs can relate to the position at hand, the better.

What Is an Example of Work Experience?

You may be wondering how one of your former positions, duties, and accomplishments should look on a resume. It’s critical to not only get the right format but  not mention too much or too little info .

Here are some  work experience examples  you can use to boost your own resume:

Senior Project Manager, XYZ Corp, San Francisco, CA — June 2018-Present

• Led a cross-functional team of 15+ members to deliver 20+ high-value projects, each with budgets exceeding $1M, on time and within budget.
• Implemented Agile project management methodologies that improved team efficiency by 30% and cut project delivery timelines by 20%.
• Negotiated contracts with key vendors, reducing project costs by 15% and strengthening strategic partnerships.
• Introduced a risk management process that identified potential issues early, reducing project delays by 25%.

Project Manager, ABC Inc, San Francisco, CA — July 2014-June 2018

• Managed 10+ mid-scale projects with budgets up to $500K, consistently meeting key performance indicators.
• Coordinated with various teams including design, engineering, and marketing, ensuring seamless collaboration.
• Implemented a new project tracking system which increased overall project visibility and improved on-time delivery by 10%.
• Conducted regular project status meetings and provided updates to stakeholders, improving communication efficiency.

Junior Project Manager, DEF Co, San Francisco, CA — August 2011-June 2014

• Assisted in the management of 15+ projects, developing key skills in stakeholder communication, budget management, and team coordination.
• Created detailed project schedules and plans, contributing to an overall 15% increase in team efficiency.
• Developed and maintained project documentation, improving record keeping and accountability.

This section has it all. It effectively uses action-oriented language to depict the individual’s responsibilities and achievements.  Each achievement is quantified  to make it tangible and impressive.

Additionally, the roles exhibit  a clear progression in skills , showing off the candidate’s career growth and capability to handle higher-level responsibilities.

Tips For Writing Your Previous Work Experience

We’ve amassed a list of easy-action tips for including your past positions on a resume to help you get started.

• Write in the present tense for your current work positions only  and past tense for all prior experiences.
• Tailor your work entries for each job,  mentioning the most relevant and appropriate experience. This may include creating one or more versions of your resume if you are targeting different career sectors.
• Explain gaps in your work history briefly.  Most reviewers appreciate additional context explaining your gap in professional work. A quick sentence is all that is needed to detail full-time parenting, study leave, traveling, family complications, relocations, etc.
• Include internships and education/professional development courses  in your resume, either in your work history or education section.
• Include voluntary or part-time work  where appropriate, especially when you have little on the job experience or are changing careers.

These tips on how to complete a work experience section on a resume should help you get started. You can also use our AI-powered suggestions in our resume builder and come up with more ideas to show off your past jobs and achievements in different ways. 

How Far Back Should Experience Go on a Resume?

If you had a  job from what feels like ages  ago you may be wondering if it’s worth adding to your resume. While there is no strict rule, it’s generally recommended to focus on the  most recent 10–15 years  of your work history.

If you have any doubts about  omitting jobs from your resume , keep the following in mind:

• Relevance:  Prioritize recent experiences that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Focus on showcasing your current skills and qualifications.
• Career Progression:  Highlight positions that demonstrate career growth, increased responsibilities, or promotions.
• Industry Norms:  Research industry standards to gauge how far back professionals in your field typically go with their experience. Tailor your resume accordingly.
• Early Career Highlights:  If you have exceptional early experiences highly relevant to the position, include them, even if they fall outside the recommended timeframe.
• Resume Length:  Keep your resume concise and focused. Including extensive work history can result in a longer resume that may remove the impact of recent experiences.

What Do You Put on a Resume With No Experience?

Are you a recent college grad looking for your first job? Or are you changing your profession? In either case, building a resume with limited professional experience can be challenging.

However, all is not lost!

By taking advantage of any relevant experiences, high grades in related coursework, and transferable skills, you can create a compelling resume.

If you’re an entry-level candidate you should remember to add:

• Relevant coursework in your education section
• Transferable skills
• Experience with relevant duties

Internships and past jobs look great if you can find ways to relate them to the job you are applying to so don’t be scared to apply for a new position.

What you shouldn’t do is:

• Add irrelevant experiences
• Include generic statements
• Forget to mention relevant positions or courses

By adding the most relevant information and your transferable skills you can give yourself a good chance of landing an interview and a job without any experience.

How To Format The Experience Section On A Resume

You may do everything in your power to write a work experience section that wows, but if it is not formatted correctly, your resume could end up in the “no” pile. Consistency throughout your resume is key for allowing readers to digest your information quickly.

Here are a few tips to  ensure this section is formatted properly .

• Format each work entry the same.  List the details: job title, company name, location, dates of employment, and list of responsibilities.
• Use the same font throughout the resum e  and no more than two styles (i.e. one font for job titles and another font for the contextual information.
• Align each section equally in a consistent manner  (i.e. job titles and company name left-aligned and employment date ranges right-aligned)
• Align each section header the same using one font and a consistent method for implementing bold, italics, and underline  effects. This will ensure the highest level of readability.

If you have any doubts about how to format work experience on a resume you can use  handy online templates . These tools can save you lots of formatting time, as these resources usually have a preset document structure already in place.

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Work Experience on a Resume: Job Description Examples & Tips

A resume job description is a resume section where you list your professional experience, usually in reverse-chronological order. It means you start with your most recent position and proceed backwards. Each entry should contain 3-6 bullet points. It is recommended to include 10-15 years of work history on your resume.

Well-written job descriptions in your resume work experience section is what recruiters crave. Why?

This is critical: employers ask for resumes to review your work history.

Maybe you’re the most qualified candidate for this position. But, you still might fail to land the job if your resume work experience section isn’t top-notch. Here’s how to make sure they like what they see. This guide will show you:

• Sample job descriptions for a resume that you can copy, adjust, and use today.
• Research-backed strategies to dramatically improve the performance of your resume work experience section.
• How to describe your work experience better than 9 out of 10 other candidates even if you barely have professional experience at all.

What does a perfect resume job description look like? See below—

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Looking for more guides on writing effective resumes? Explore our guides:

• 2-Page Resume Guide
• Adding Relevant Coursework to the Resume
• Address on a Resume
• How to Write a General Resume That's Not Generic?
• Proper Resume Layout Guide
• Proper Resume Length
• Should You let AI Write Your Resume?
• Summary of Qualifications on a Resume
• Volunteer Work on a Resume
• What a Great Resume Looks Like

To begin with, meet Amelia—

She’s applying for the position of Head of Digital Marketing at a major financial institution, XYZ Company. Below, you’ll see her sample resume work experience section.

Sample Resume Job Description—Work Experience

Digital Marketing Manager Acme Corp, NYC, NY 2014–2018

• Supervised a team of 9 employees in all technical and creative aspects of digital advertising campaigns with budgets over $300,000.
• Enhanced open rates of transactional email campaigns by 38%. Boosted the click-through rate by 44%.
• Trained 3 online marketing interns to reach permanent, full-time junior positions.
• Devised a new system of internal feedback and quarterly reviews to raise employee satisfaction by 30%.

Most relevant accomplishment : Grew the company blog from 0 to 700,000 organic users per year in 14 months.

Product Manager Pfitzer, Newark, NJ 2011–2014

• Spearheaded all stages of collaboration with external digital marketing agencies.
• Received the company-wide Annual Innovation Award for integrating Virtual Reality technology with sales representatives’ promotional materials in
• Led sales team of 42 regional sales reps to exceed sales targets by over 10% each year.

Most relevant accomplishment : Supervised the design of 2 flagship product websites increasing online sales by 231% in 6 months.

Freelance Online Marketing Consultant Self-employed, NYC, NY 2008–2011

• Consulted and assisted 9 clients with their online marketing challenges.
• Grew a Facebook fan page for a local tech startup from 0 to 25,000 fans in 4 months.
• Designed graphics and contents for social media posts: 20 per week on Facebook, 30 per week on Instagram, 1 per week on LinkedIn.

Wow, right? Amelia can sit back, relax, and wait for her interview invitation.

Don’t have work experience at all and feel at a loss as to what you should write? Fret not. See: Complete Guide to Writing the First Resume with No Work Experience

Think it’s hard to write an equally professional work experience section for on your resume?

Nope. It’s easy. All boils down to three key strategies. Here they are:

1. Use the Proper Template and Format for the Resume Work History

This study by The Ladders found that recruiters spend, on average, just 7 seconds on each resume they get.

Here’s the twist: it applies mostly to resumes that have poor formatting and are difficult to follow.

Legible formatting of your resume work history is key to earning more eye-time.

Here’s what you need to do to present the work experience on a resume the way recruiters expect:

Work Experience on a Resume: Layout

1. Name the section “Work Experience,” “Work History,” or “Professional Experience.” Write the section heading in bold and make it slightly larger than the rest of the contents.

2. Use reverse-chronological order . Start with your current or most recent job, follow it with the one before it, and so on.

3. In each entry heading, list, in the following order: your job title, the name of the company, and dates worked.

4. Underneath each job add up to 6 resume bullet points  describing your duties and professional work achievements .

5. At the bottom of each entry add a subsection named “Most relevant accomplishment” or “Key achievement.” Present your proudest professional win.

6. Focus on your most recent work experience. Make your job descriptions briefer and briefer as you go back in time.

Expert Hint : Make sure you include one or two of the most relevant work achievements in your resume profile ( professional summary , or resume objective ). This is a surefire way to make your resume stand out to recruiters.

2. Make Your Resume Job Descriptions Relevant to the Opening

Recruiters don’t care how successful you’ve been so far, in general.

They want to know if you’re familiar with the duties and responsibilities that come with the advertised position.

If there’s just one takeaway I want you to get out of reading this guide, it’s this :

Personalize every work experience entry on your resume to the position you’re trying to land.

Remember Amelia, the candidate from our sample resume job description?

She’s eyeing the Head of Digital Marketing position. Her most recent job has been a managerial role in digital marketing, but—

Before that, she worked as a Product Manager. So, what did she do? In her resume work history, she described responsibilities that were relevant to digital marketing .

Have a look:

Work Experience on a Resume: Sample

• Spearheaded all stages of  collaboration with external digital marketing agencies .
• Received the company-wide 2013 Annual Innovation Award for  integrating Virtual Reality technology with sales representatives’ promotional materials .

Most relevant accomplishment : Supervised the  design of 2 flagship product websites increasing online sales by 231%  in 6 months.

• Product manager for a high-volume pharmaceutical company.
• Met over 110% of revenue goal all four years.
• Implemented Agile ideation plan, boosting idea implementation by 34%.
• Developed quarterly reports requiring a high level of qualitative and quantitative data analysis.

Don’t get me wrong. The bad example isn’t “bad” as such . It’s just not right for this particular post.

How to make your professional experience resume section relevant?

• Read the job description carefully. Jot down all responsibilities described.
• Ask yourself: how many of these duties and tasks have I performed?
• Quite a few, right? Focus on these when describing your work history.
• For bonus points, pick exact phrases from the job ad and use them on your resume: it will help you outsmart the Applicant Tracking Software (ATS).

Need more in-depth guidance on personalizing or tailoring your resume to the job description? Go here: How to Tailor Your Resume to the Job Description to Get More Offers

Making a major career change but having actually no relevant experience ? See: Career Change Resume: How to Make Sure It Land You the Job

Being relevant in your resume job description isn’t just about what you write. It’s also about how far back your resume work experience should go and what you choose to omit.

How many years on a resume work experience section?

Here's how far back a resume should go : 

• No more than 15 years of relevant work history for senior-level candidates.
• Junior to mid-level candidates? All relevant paid positions and internships you’ve had.
• Entry-level candidates and applicants with no experience whatsoever should list all paid and unpaid work including volunteering, part-time jobs, and practicums.

Expert Hint : If you’re not a seasoned pro yet, make sure to include internships in your resume work experience. Research has shown that internship experience increases the interview rate by 14%.

And is there any sort of work experience you should leave out no matter what?

Yes—and, again, there’s science behind it.

Unless you’re fresh out of college, don’t put low-level interim jobs on your resume. They can hurt your callback rate by as much as 15%.

And, yes , according to the same data, it’s better to leave employment gaps on a resume (no variation in callback rates by the duration of unemployment!) than list interim blue-collar gigs.

Alright then.

You know how to lay out your experience for greatest impact and you’ve learned how to personalize every job description.

Now, for the final part: time to learn how to showcase your strengths , not just everyday responsibilities—

The ResumeLab builder is more than looks. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Easy. Improve your resume in our resume builder now .

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Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, and highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You're the perfect candidate, and we'll prove it. Use our resume builder now .

3. Show How Well You Did Your Job Instead of Just Describing Duties

Some food for thought:

People don’t drink diet Coke because of low calorie . They do it to look better than that coworker they hate at the end-of-year party.

The same goes for employers: they won’t hire, say, an “experienced customer service rep,” a “project manager skilled in Agile and Scrum,” or a “developer with extensive knowledge of PHP and R.”

Instead—

They’ll go with someone who’ll raise their revenue, cut costs, or optimize processes. In your resume work experience, show them you’re that person .

Provide proof of your achievements , don’t just list your responsibilities and “features.” Focus on benefits for your future employer.

There are three steps:

1. Start each bullet point in your job description with an action verb.

No more “responsible for the development of … .” Go with “developed.”

Use action verbs  and resume keywords that highlight your initiative. See the examples below.

Resume Action Words for a Resume Job Description: Examples

2. use the problem-action-result (par) formula to highlight your achievements..

Resume Job Description Sample: PAR Formula

• Designed new phone survey scenarios to enhance customer retention by 32%.

Problem? Phone surveys were bad for customer retention.

Action? So I designed new survey scenarios.

Result? Customer retention raised by 32%.

3. Quantify whenever possible.

Forget about “significantly boosting sales.” Say how much exactly. Demonstrating results with numbers in the work experience on your resume enhances your hireability by 40%.

I know, I know.

Not everyone works with hard numbers and sometimes it’s difficult to measure your results.

But still—there are other ways to back up your performance with quantified data. Here are some useful questions to ask yourself:

• How many people were on your team?
• How many people from other teams did you collaborate with?
• How big were your budgets?
• How often did you perform certain tasks?
• How much work were you able to get done in a week or a month?
• Which kind of skills make you truly stand out from the crowd (for example, you could include outstanding  computer and software skills  relevant to the position)? 

That’s right: answers to these should appear in the job descriptions on your resume.

Expert Hint: “ Does a resume need a cover letter ?” It certainly does. Just like 83% of hiring managers who admit that a candidate’s cover letter is an important factor when making a hiring decision.

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER NOW

Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here .

Here’s how to write your resume  work experience section right:

• Use the proper resume format. List your past jobs in reverse-chronological order. (Reading from outside the US? Check out  US resume format guide ). 
• Personalize every resume you send. 
• Be selective with what you include in the resume and mention only work experience relevant to the job you’re targeting.
• Focus on your achievements instead of responsibilities.
• Use action verbs at the beginning of each bullet point.
• Don't list responsibilities and skills for the job , show it with examples and quantify your key results whenever possible. 

All check? Keep your phone charged and ready. You’re in for some job interviews!

Questions? Concerns? I’m here to listen and answer. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below and I’ll get back to you right away.

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines , ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets . Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

With vast expertise in interview strategies and career development, Michael is a job expert with a focus on writing perfect resumes, acing interviews, and improving employability skills. His mission is to help you tell the story behind your career and reinforce your professional brand by coaching you to create outstanding job application documents. More than one million readers read his career advice every month. For ResumeLab, Michael uses his connections to help you thrive in your career. From fellow career experts and insiders from all industries—LinkedIn strategists, communications consultants, scientists, entrepreneurs, digital nomads, or even FBI agents—to share their unique insights and help you make the most of your career. Michael has a degree in Liberal Arts and specializes in personal and professional storytelling.

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How to Describe Your Work Experience on a Resume? [+Examples]

Your work history section is the most important part of your resume. It's also the most difficult part of your CV to address. Keep reading to find out how to properly describe your work experience on your resume. 

Because while a well-written work experience section can land you a job, a badly written one can easily sabotage your chances of getting an interview. You must know how to write it and what to include in it. 

And that's what this guide is for! It will show you:

What is a work experience section?

• Why bother writing it?
• Where to put the work experience section on your resume?
• …if you’re a student or a fresh graduate?
• …as an experienced professional?
• …if you’re an artist or creative?
• …if you’re changing careers?
• How to overcome an employment gap?
• How to address maternity leave?
• Plus some final tips and tricks

Too long, don't wanna read? Watch this 60sec video guide

The work experience section or employment history is a detailed summary of your past work experience . In other words, a comprehensible report of all jobs you’ve held in the past.

Depending on your background, you can include full-time positions, part-time jobs, temporary roles, internships, or even volunteer work.

In the work history section, you should list key information such as: 

• names of companies
• positions held
• dates of employment
• responsibilities you've held

But more importantly , it should highlight your main achievements and provide specific examples.

Side note: The experience section often goes under other names. Some people call it Employment history . Others refer to it as Work experience or Work history. All of these terms are interchangeable and all of them are correct. So you don't have to worry about picking the right one. 

Oh, and if you have a LinkedIn profile filled with all the important details, including your work experience, academic background, skills, and qualifications, you can easily  turn it into a polished resume with just one click.

Why should you include the work experience section?

We hate to use the word “important” , but…

… work experience is super important, if not a key section of your resume. 

When you think “resume ”, the work experience section is probably the first thing that comes to your mind. And you’re not alone. Based on this section employers determine whether or not you have what it takes for the job.

It provides an overview of your experience. A well-written work experience section is a crucial element because it shows that you have the necessary qualifications.

Where to put your work experience on a resume?

In most cases, your work experience section should come right after your contact info and professional summary.

But this isn't always the case. In some situations, you want to put your key skills, key achievements, or education section first.

For example, place your education first if you’re a student, fresh graduate, professional who recently went back to school, Ph.D. researcher , doctor, or another profession where the educational background is very important. Or if you’re writing an academic CV.

Generally speaking, the role and importance of your employment history section depend on where you're in your career and the type of resume you choose to write.

You can choose to write either a chronological, functional, or combination resume:

A chronological resume  

The most common resume type . 

It’s built around the employment history section. This makes it great for seasoned professionals with several years of work experience. It presents information in reverse-chronological order, with the most recent events being placed first.

Order of sections in chronological resume usually looks like this: Contact Information > Professional Summary > Work Experience > Education > Skills > Others .

A functional resume

This resume type draws attention to and puts forward your skills , accomplishments, job traits, and personal characteristics. 

It works best for fresh graduates, students, people returning to work after parental leave, and people who are changing careers — in other words — for those who might already have the skills but lack experience (or have an employment gap in their resume).

Order of sections in functional resume usually is the following: Contact Information > Professional Summary / Resume Objective > Skills / Projects > Work History / Education > Others .

A combination resume  

A combination resume contains elements of both the chronological and functional format. It does so by including your relevant skills and accomplishments first and then detailing your employment history and education. 

It's great for students, fresh graduates, or career changers who don’t really fit elsewhere. 

A combination resume also gives you a chance to order sections in a way that works best for your unique career path. You can, for instance, place the key achievement section first if there's a success that you truly want to highlight. 

How to write a work experience section?

In summary, you should begin with listing your current (or most recent job) and then continue with the previous ones. Your first job should close the section. 

The description of your most recent job position should include the following information:

• name of the company
• responsibilities and achievements

The more recent the job, the more detailed information about it you want to offer. On the other hand, you don’t really want to waste space on jobs that took place years ago. So, don’t go into too much detail. 

Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? Despite that, the employment history section is probably the most difficult to write. Why though?

The answer is quick — the main challenge of describing your work experience on your resume is the sheer amount of information you have to include in this section. You have to choose wisely what to include so you won’t overwhelm the recruiter. 

Another problem arises once you stop writing it. You look back to your finished work history section and you may wonder:

Is your work experience section too short? Is it too long? Does it look somewhat chaotic? 

There’s no reason to worry though. We’ve got you. Here are some tips on how to make your job history section more orderly and appealing: 

• Use action verbs. As opposed to buzzwords, there are some powerful words you DO want to use. These include expressions such as “achieved,” “advised,” “negotiated” and others. See the pattern there? Instead of adjectives, use verbs you can support with evidence.
• Tailor it to a specific opening. Your accomplishments should match the employer’s needs and priorities. This is one of the quickest ways to get noticed and invited to an interview. Do your research and re-arrange your bullet points to show exactly the type of experience they want.
• Keywords. Reread the advertised job description and carefully pick the most important keywords. These are the words that best describe the position you’re applying for. Pack your resume with these keywords. Not only will it help you get past applicant tracking systems (ATS), but it will also leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager.
• Show your problem-solving skills . In the end, hiring managers want to know how effective are you when it comes to solving real problems. There’s no better way to prove your problem-solving ability than to briefly describe how you solved difficult problems in the past. Follow the PAR scheme: What was the Problem? What Action did you take? What was the Result?
• Quantify your past results. Managers love measurable results. A single number is often worth a thousand words. Don’t say you “increased the company’s revenue by, like, a lot”. Instead, don’t be afraid to brag about “increasing the company’s revenue by 20%.”
• Use bullet points. Bullet points help you structure your sub-sections. It also takes next to no effort on your part. Use them in combination with short paragraphs. First, describe the scope of your responsibilities, then use bullet points to list your top contributions for each job. Add 2-4 bullet points for each job.

Then, there are also common work experience section mistakes that you should avoid: 

• Don’t include the job description. Wait, what? Isn’t that the whole point? Well, no, employers usually know what the job should entail. Instead of listing what you were supposed to do, tell your potential employers what positive results you were able to bring about.
• Avoid buzzwords. Some phrases have been used so much in resumes that they became meaningless. Avoid words such as “thinking outside the box,” “creative,” or “problem solver.” These words always sound insincere. You want to inspire confidence. If you're using too many buzzwords, try to rephrase your content to make it more results-focused and skill-based.

Christy's word of advice

When it comes to the Work Experience sections, many resources say you should only highlight achievements and omit duties. What's your take on this?

“ I usually say have both. I recommend putting a few most important duties first because that's adding the context, and then the achievements. You can maybe get away just with the achievements if you're in an achievement-focused role, for instance, sales. But in general, I'd recommend having a mix — context plus impact. ” — Christy Morgan , Kickresume's Resident HR Expert

How to list work experience if you’re a student or a fresh graduate?

Naturally, you don’t have tons of experience if you’ve just finished school. Yet, being young is no obstacle. It comes down to how you present the experience you already have.

As a student or fresh graduate, you should place your work experience after the education section. Then list key skills, volunteer experience, and other voluntary sections.

Why list education first? Because your education and educational results are your strongest weapons right now.

Also, try to think of any job-relevant experience that you could put on your resume. Do you have any related experience at all when you worked as an intern? Have you done some volunteer work for a local charity? Or attended a conference? 

All of these things belong on your resume. Treat your internships and extracurricular activities as regular jobs.

These activities can showcase your motivation and skills. They also help recruiters gauge your professional aptitude. Each one of them should come with a few points that detail your responsibilities and accomplishments.

Here’s what you can include in your employment history section:

• Part-time jobs. If you’re fresh out of school (or still studying), part-time jobs are probably your primary type of experience. Even if the job isn’t super-relevant to the job you’re applying for now, there are valuable transferrable skills you’ve acquired in that job. Highlight them.
• Internships. Paid and unpaid college internships are one of the best weapons against the “experience required” line in a job posting.
• Volunteering . Most recruiters look at volunteer experience similar to paid work experience. Just because you didn’t get paid doesn’t mean you didn’t do a good job. Go ahead and list your volunteer roles as you would a full-time job. Detail the length of time you volunteered, relevant tasks you undertook, and the skills you gained through the experience.
• Extracurricular activities. If you’re applying for copywriting job, for example, recruiters will be more impressed to hear that you wrote a handful of articles for your student newspaper than that you had a summer job in a local fast-food restaurant.
• Leadership roles: Any leadership roles, even from clubs or sports teams, can demonstrate leadership skills and teamwork — both of which are highly valued by employers. 

How does this look in practice? Take a look at this fresh graduate sample below! 

How to list work experience if you’re an experienced professional?

Even if you’re an experienced professional, the hiring manager is going to put your work experience section under scrutiny. Because of that, you want to make sure your work experience section is tight.

To help employers navigate this section, list your work history in reverse chronological order. Put the most recent — and therefore the most relevant — items first.

Side tip: If you’re working a full-time job and freelancing at the same time, it’s only up to you to decide where you want to draw attention first.

Most importantly, don’t just state where you worked and what was your job title. Rather, also use 2–4 bullet points for each job to describe your duties and specific achievements. 

Here’s an example of how to do it:

Work Experience Section Example

Automotive Technician, Icahn Automotive, Rotorua, New Zealand (03/2017 – 09/2019)

• Repaired various cars and trucks. Troubleshot and diagnosed vehicles. Repaired or replaced defective parts. Ensured that everything was in compliance with the company’s high standards and clients’ needs.
• Awarded Employee of the Month for increasing customer satisfaction with provided services from 87% to 95% within one year.

Mind the length

Executives can use more than one page of their resume to present their extensive work experience. But that doesn’t mean that you should let your resume become a 700-page-long autobiography.

You may be wondering how to filter the information then. Especially if you have years of substantial experience. 

Well, as we already said earlier, if something’s recent, it also means it’s more relevant. That’s why you should describe more recent jobs in greater detail . Older ones will do with a brief description, allowing you to save some valuable space for more important details to put on your resume.

Finally, remember that you should never ever make your resume longer than two or three pages. Recruiters are busy and they can easily get overwhelmed by an overly long document. It would be sad if only this killed your chances of getting called for an interview . 

How far back should your employment history go?

Generally, it’s okay to include up to 15 years of experience, but try to avoid going further back in time than that. An exception would be a truly unique experience – such as being the one who started a successful company. 

Or, if a job requires 20 years of experience, then you should also definitely include more than 10–15 years of experience on your resume. 

However, most industries change a lot in 15 years, rendering any experience older than that obsolete.

If you have been working for less than 8-10 years, go back to the beginning of your work history and try to tailor your resume to be relevant to the job you’re applying for now.

Avoid writing about every single job you’ve ever held. This can easily overwhelm an employer and make them lose interest. Instead, only use previous work experience at least a bit related to the opportunity you want.

If you’ve worked more than 10 years as an executive, consider starting your work history at the point you became a manager. Most hiring managers don’t care what your first job was. They want to see how you progressed since you started as a manager.

How to write a work experience section if you’re an artist?

If you’re an artist, you know that your life and your job are a little different from the rest of the people. Because of that, it probably comes as no surprise that your work experience section should be different, too.

In short, as an artist, you should say goodbye to wordy descriptions and focus almost entirely on your portfolio . 

Consequently, your artist resume can be quite short and mostly focus on listing your training or education, courses you've taught, or artist residencies that you've been accepted to. 

See the sample below for what a good artist's resume should look like. Also, notice the fun creative resume template ! 

Finally, don't forget to polish up your social media profiles , as this is one of the most convenient ways of finding new clients today. Create your own website, and make sure to upload your portfolio to sites like Behance or Dribble. 

How to list experience if you’re changing careers?

If you’re pursuing a career change, your resume shouldn’t revolve entirely around your employment history. After all, that’s all in the past now. 

Instead , you should highlight your transferrable skills. You need to show how you can use the skills from your previous career in the new one.

Because of that, the hybrid resume format is the way to go.

How to do this? 

• In the employment history section, briefly outline your work history. Only mention those positions where you acquired skills that are relevant to the new position. You can also mention any relevant volunteer work.
• Try to find any keywords that relate to your experience. Look closely at the qualifications in the job description and tailor the bullet points in your work history to highlight that applicable experience.
• Focus less on the duties and more on your transferrable skills . These are any skills that you can transfer from one career to another. For example, if you have a background in journalism and want to apply for a copywriting position, the obviously shared keyword here is writing . Even though you don’t have any copywriting or marketing experience, you do have expert-level writing skills that you can use in the new field. That's a transferable skill. Try including these in your work experience section.

How to overcome an employment gap in your work history?

While many see a gap in their resume as an issue that's hard to overcome, that isn't necessarily the case. You just have to know which gaps should be addressed and which can be ignored.

If the resume gap is worth addressing, you can also learn how to give your resume gap a little “glow up.” 

Generally speaking, there are two basic criteria you need to consider when thinking about the seriousness of an employment gap on your resume: its duration and how recent it is.

• Short gaps don’t matter. Work gaps don’t generally become red flags unless they lasted for more than six months.
• Old gaps don’t matter either. Recruiters are interested in recent history and won’t investigate things that no longer have an impact on the present.

If your resume employment gaps are recent and quite long, what can you do?

• Change the way you write dates. Simply exclude months and the gap might disappear. So, instead of writing (October 2017 – August 2019), (September 2014 – January 2017) , you write (2017 – 2019), (2014 – 2017). Obviously, this technique works best for employment gaps that took place within a single calendar year.
• Consider changing the format of your resume. You should use the functional resume format. It shifts attention to your strengths and job-relevant skills rather than your work history.
• Make the most of your employment gap. Starting a business, freelancing, studying, volunteering, taking a purposeful sabbatical — all of these count as valuable experience. List these experiences along with other positions you held in the work experience section. Describe how you expanded your skillset.
• Boost your credibility with references . Ask your former employers, ex-colleagues, and other industry professionals if they’re willing to vouch for you. Include their names and contact information directly in your resume or attach an additional page to your resume.

How to address a maternity leave on your resume?

A very specific type of employment gap is maternity/parental leave. 

If you find yourself in the situation when you're trying to enter the work world after you took some time off to give birth or take care of your offspring, you may be a little worried about how to address it in your resume. 

The best thing to do is to use the functional or combination resume format , rather than chronologically list your previous work experience. 

Both formats allow you to attract the employer’s attention with your skills before addressing the elephant in the room.

Once you’ve done that, briefly mention that your career gap was due to the maternity leave. You can do it like this:

Example: How to address maternity leave in the work experience section

Maternity leave (January 2019–present)

That's it. You don't have to go into great detail. After all, you're not the first person in the world who has ever taken a parenting leave.

You just have to make sure to emphasize the work you did before you took some time off. Write about it as if it were yesterday and you still remember the details of the projects you worked on. Recall your accomplishments and the projects you're proud of from that period of your life. Time doesn’t devalue those experiences and skills that you've learned in the past.

Alternatively, if you've volunteered or completed a course during your leave, don't forget to mention it! Make sure to write about any relevant community service or voluntary work that you engaged in during your time away. Any freelancing projects or short-term gigs work as great resume enhancers.

See the example below: 

Example: How to update the work experience section after maternity leave 

During my maternity leave, I focused on maintaining and enhancing my skill set. That involved enrolling in an online course, continuing my education, and participating in a sales conference to ensure that I remained up-to-date with industry happenings.

Sales Success Summit, Boston (June 2019)

• Joining fellow sales leaders, trainers, and enablement professionals to learn expert secrets about sales and marketing.

The Art of Sales: Mastering the Selling Process (Northwestern University) – Online course (March 2019 – June 2019)

• Coursework focused on standing out in the crowd, attracting customers, and building support for initiatives within one’s company.

If you'd like more tips on how to do this, go and read our article on how to tackle maternity leave on your resume.

Final resume tips

• Don’t be afraid to use bold whenever you want to highlight important bits of information within the section.
• Include key achievements subsection. Pick the biggest achievement from each job and highlight it in a subsection. You can also write it in bold. This will catch the attention of the hiring manager in an instant.
• Keep it simple and easy to read. Don’t overdo it. Pick 1-2 colors maximum, 1-2 fonts, and 1-2 heading sizes.
• Remember it’s not only about you . It’s also about your future employer. Look at the job description again and determine what are his needs. Address these in your work experience section.

FAQ: How to describe your work experience on a resume

1. Is it ever ok to change the title of my past jobs a little bit?

While we always advise against lying on your resume, slightly altering the name of your past position shouldn't hurt you. Especially, if the name of the position didn't fit your responsibilities (which happens more often than you'd think). 

Additionally, if your boss thought they were being original but you ended up with a stupid-sounding work position name, you've also got the green light to change it in your resume.

2. What should I not include in the work history section of my resume?

• A wall of text. Always opt for bullet points.
• Too much information. Keep it brief. 
• Personal information. Your age, relationship status, or sexual orientation are all private information (and should stay that way during the recruitment).

3.   Should I include a job that I was fired from in my resume? 

Yes, if it's relevant to the prospective job position, there's no reason not to mention it. Even if you were fired (for various reasons), you've managed to get the job in the first place and you've learned some valuable skills. 

This article was recently updated. The original article was written by Nikoleta Žišková in 2021 .

While we always advise against lying on your resume, slightly altering the name of your past position shouldn't hurt you. Especially, if the name of the position didn't fit your responsibilities (which happens more often than you'd think). 

• Too much information. Keep it brief. 

Yes, if it's relevant to the prospective job position, there's no reason not to mention it. Even if you were fired (for various reasons), you've managed to get the job in the first place and you've learned some valuable skills. 

As a rule of thumb, you should include your GPA if it's 3.0 or above and you're a recent graduate. If you're further along in your career, recruiters typically care more about your work experience than your academic performance.

Usually, once you have a college degree or higher, you don't need to include your high school education in your resume.

Kaja Jurčišinová

Kaja Jurcisinova is a fresh graduate and a junior copywriter at Kickresume. Kaja completed her undergraduate degree in Art History at the University of St Andrews in 2018 and graduated with a Master’s in Arts and Culture from the University of Groningen in 2021. She was an intern at multiple cultural institutions across Europe, including the Dutch Museum Association in Amsterdam, the Matter of Art Biennale in Prague, and the European Cultural Centre in Venice. At the moment, she resides in Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland.

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Highlighting Writing Skills on Your Resume

11 min read · Updated on April 16, 2024

Do you know how to prove your writing skills in a resume?

In today's competitive labor market, it can sometimes be difficult to differentiate yourself from other job candidates. To successfully compete, you need to make sure that your resume delivers a powerfully compelling message that makes a positive first impression on hiring managers. One way to enhance your resume narrative is to include your relevant writing skills.

In this post, we will explain the following: 

Why writing skills are important in so many different industries

We'll examine the different types of writing abilities that employers may be looking for

We will also help you learn how to match your skills to your desired job role

We'll show you how to use achievements to highlight writing skills in your resume

We'll provide some examples showing you how to include writing skills in a resume and offer some tips you can use to enhance your writing ability

What are writing skills, and why are they important?

Many job seekers assume that they only need to include writing skills in a resume if they're seeking a job that involves a lot of writing. Obviously, the ability to communicate through the written word is an essential skill for people who create marketing presentations, reports, legal briefs, and similar documents. At the same time, though, those same skills are invaluable assets in many other fields as well.

That's because writing skills enable you to communicate ideas in a convincing way. People who possess these skills are often proficient in a wide array of communication styles, including everything from persuasive writing to the use of descriptive, technical, or creative writing. Effective writers also tend to excel in the use of good writing structure, grammar, punctuation, and messaging tone.

Employers who see writing skills on a resume will recognize you as someone whose communication skills can provide real value to any team. That's true whether you're seeking a job as a copywriter or pursuing a role in marketing, accounting, or management. 

The bottom line is clear: even if you're not seeking a job that regularly requires great writing skills, highlighting them in your resume can help set you apart from rival job seekers.

Types of writing skills for a resume

At this point, you might be wondering just how detailed you should be when describing your writing skills in your resume. The reality is that there are a host of distinct writing skills that can benefit you in various job roles. Let's take a moment and review some of the most common writing skills that employers might want to see:

Fundamental writing skills like grammar, punctuation, etc.

Business writing

Creative writing

Content writing

Technical writing

Email composition

Report writing

Grant writing

Collaborative writing

Media content creation

Social media writing

Presentation writing

Brand management

How to identify the right writing skills for the job

Before you just start listing different writing skills on your resume, it's important to ensure that you're aligning those skills with the employer's needs. The easiest way to do that is to use your research skills to examine the job posting and any role description you can find. 

Which specific writing skills are listed as required qualifications? 

What terms are used to describe those abilities? 

Create a list of all those skill requirements and focus on including them in your resume's skill section.

It can also be helpful to search the Internet for similar job resumes to see which skills are typically listed as core competencies. That can provide useful insight into what employers want to see from candidates in your field.

It's also vital to make sure you're using the same terms the employer used in their job posting since those terms may be keywords needed to satisfy applicant tracking systems, or ATS. 

You'll want to include those keywords throughout your resume to ensure the ATS software finds them during the automated screening process. That can improve your resume's chances of being seen by a hiring manager.

Use achievements to demonstrate your writing skills on a resume

As you create your list of writing skills, always focus on skills that you can demonstrate by referencing specific experiences and accomplishments. Employers understand that anyone can claim to possess certain skills. However, only truly skilled individuals will be able to back up those claims with real-life achievements. By citing those skills in the summary and work experience sections of your resume, you can more effectively demonstrate how your writing skills create real value for employers.

The following tips can help you create powerful achievement statements that demonstrate your writing skills in your resume.

Select writing skills that have achieved real results

Make sure that you include achievements that show how the writing skills in your resume were used to produce real results for employers. Your focus should be on using achievements to prove your skills. For example, if you've used those abilities to create client presentations that helped close deals, create an accomplishment statement that highlights that achievement.

Quantify the value your skills have provided

It is also vital that you quantify your achievements by including real numbers that reflect the value your skills can bring to any organization. Those numbers can demonstrate the amount of revenue that your writing skills helped to generate, increases in online engagement, time savings, cost reductions, or any other measurable achievement that contributed to your employers' profitability, productivity, and operational efficiency.

Create achievement statements

If you really want to make sure that employers understand the value of your writing skills, you can highlight those abilities throughout your resume. Obviously, you'll want to include some of the most prominent writing skills within your core competencies section, and in the bullet point achievements that you include in your professional experience section. For maximum impact, you can also include an achievement statement in your summary that emphasizes those skills.

Below, we'll show you how to highlight your writing skills in each of those key sections.Writing skills in your core competencies section

As you might imagine, your core competencies, or skills section, can be a great place to highlight these writing abilities. You can include some of your core writing skills in this section, along with other key technical abilities and relevant soft skills. Remember to use bullet points for your list and use two or three columns to format the section. 

Some of the key soft skills that complement writing expertise include:

Communication

Search engine optimization

Adaptability

Research techniques

Time management

Social media management

The ability to connect with audiences

Try to include a mix of these hard and soft skills. That will help employers understand that you not only have the technical abilities to perform the job but also possess the interpersonal skills you'll need to work effectively with others.

Related post : Soft Skills Explained - and the Top 7 for Your Resume

Writing skills in your resume summary

Your resume summary is another fantastic place to highlight writing skills in your resume. Obviously, it's one of the first things many employers read, and serves as your introduction to the reader. If writing skills are an important part of your resume narrative, you need to include some mention of them in this vital summary paragraph. 

The best way to do that is to add an achievement statement that demonstrates those talents. For example:

Dynamic Marketing Manager with 9 years of experience in strategic campaign development, team building, and project implementation. Skilled content creator with proficiency in online branding, search engine optimization strategies, and increased website traffic and sales engagement. Created multi-tiered email and social media content that reached 20,000 new customers monthly, increasing customer engagement by 22% and leading to a 17% boost in sales.

In that sample summary statement, the last sentence highlights the candidate's writing skills, providing hard numbers that quantify how their content provided real benefits to the employer. If you can create solid achievement statements that demonstrate this type of value, your accomplishments will help to convince employers that you have the skills you claim to possess.

Related post : Resume Profile Explained (with Examples)

Writing skills in your work experience section

It will come as no surprise that the best place to highlight and prove writing skills on your resume is in your work experience section. Here, you will want to use bullet-point achievement statements that quantify your results. For each job title you've included in this section, add between four and six of these bullet-point accomplishments using real numbers that demonstrate your value proposition.

Related post : 47 Accomplishment Examples for Your Resume: Expert Picks

How to list writing skills on a resume: examples

Below are some examples of the types of achievements you can include in these bullet point statements.

• Wrote ABC Corp. Sales Training Manual, revising onboarding and training techniques to reduce onboarding time by 17%; improved new salesperson sales results by 22% in their first six months on the job.
• Created presentation content for Alpha Bank proposed merger, helping overcome M&A negotiation barriers and facilitating $100 million acquisition.
• Crafted more than 500 blog posts, website landing pages, and email campaigns in two years, credited with 130% increase in customer online traffic and 12% increase in sales revenue.

You get the point. The key is to focus on your writing contributions, describing the challenge you faced, what you did to overcome that obstacle, and defining the results. 

If you find yourself struggling to condense those narratives into brief achievement statements, check out a related post: How to Create an Effective STAR Method Resume (With Examples) .

Tips to improve your writing skills

You may find it interesting to know that even professional writers actively work to further develop their writing skills. The reality is that everyone can benefit from continuing to develop their written communication skills, and that includes those who only use these skills on an occasional basis. 

So, how can you develop your writing skills to ensure that you have the abilities needed to make a great impression on employers? Below are some tips to guide you in that question.

1.     Return to the basics

Spend some time reacquainting yourself with writing fundamentals like grammar, spelling, and punctuation. You can find free resources online or take a class at a local community college if you need additional help.

2.     Read more

Believe it or not, regular reading is one of the biggest secrets to effective writing. Immerse yourself in the written word and pay attention to how other writers communicate to their audiences.

3.     Learn to use outlines

Another secret to effective writing is to learn how to create outlines. Before you begin to write any complex document, always start with an outline that provides a clear structure for your narrative.

4.     Practice writing

This cannot be emphasized enough: if you want to be a better writer, you have no choice but to write. Write something every day to ensure that your skills are constantly being used. Practice won't make you perfect, but it will make you better.

5.     Get used to creating drafts

Never assume that the first words you write will be your finished product. Instead, take your ideas and get them out of your head and into your document to create a first draft. Once that's done, you can go back and revise that content as much as needed to create the right message.

6.     Always do your homework

Don't underestimate the power of research. By doing your homework before you start writing, you can ensure that you write with conviction and authority. Readers are drawn to authentic content.

7.     Don't be afraid to delete unnecessary content

Never be afraid to delete words, sentences, or entire paragraphs that contribute little to your narrative. The best writers are always willing to abandon content that isn't achieving their goals.

Enhance your job search by including writing skills in your resume

When you want to highlight your writing skills on a resume, it's not enough to just say that you possess those abilities. Instead, you need to demonstrate those skills by providing real examples of measurable achievements. If you can do that, you'll have an easier time proving those writing skills to employers – which can help differentiate you from rival job seekers and improve your odds of landing an interview and job offer!

Want to make sure that the writing skills in your resume effectively convey your writing talent? Get a free resume review from our team of experts today!

Recommended reading:

Seven Key Resume Sections and How to Organize Them

11 Key Things to Put on Your Resume

17 Resume Tips to Get Seen and Hired Faster

Related Articles:

11 Best IT Skills for Your Resume + Examples

How to Add Dean's List on Your Resume + Examples

How to Add an Internship on a Resume + Examples

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10 essential resume skills to showcase your value to employers

by YouScience | Apr 16, 2024 | Blog

Writing a compelling resume involves more than just listing your work history and education. You also need to highlight your skills effectively to stand out to employers. It can be difficult to know what skills to put on a resume, especially if you don’t have much work experience. Below, we discuss 10 essential resume skills and advice for proving your value to potential employers.

What are good skills to put on a resume?

The best skills to put on a resume include a mix of hard and soft skills. Focus on skills that are most relevant to the position you want. Here are some resume skill examples you could include:

Communication skills

Effective communication is a fundamental skill required for almost every type of job. Communication skills include being able to articulate your ideas clearly and listening to others while understanding their perspective.

Active listening skills

Active listening requires paying close attention, asking clarifying questions, and showing empathy to ensure you thoroughly understand what someone is trying to say.

• Interpersonal skills

These skills refer to how well you work with other people. They include collaboration, conflict resolution, and the ability to build connections with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.

Leadership skills

Even if you’re not in a leadership role, showcasing your leadership qualities on your resume can set you apart from other candidates. Examples can include taking initiative, motivating others, and showing accountability.

Problem-solving skills

Employers value candidates who can think quickly to solve problems. Include times when you’ve identified issues, developed solutions, and implemented effective strategies to overcome challenges.

Computer skills

Nearly every job will require the use of a computer, so experience with computers and software is essential. Make sure to include any specific programs or tools you’re proficient in, especially ones directly related to the job you’re applying for.

Customer service skills

Even if you’re not applying for a customer-facing role, including customer service skills on your resume can still be valuable . These skills demonstrate your positivity, adaptability, communication skills, and attention to detail.

Transferable skills

These are skills that can be used in several different positions and industries. Transferable skills may include teamwork, adaptability, organization, or any other qualities all employers are looking for.

Management skills

Highlighting your management skills is crucial if you’re applying for any management role overseeing projects or teams. Management skills can include examples of delegation, decision-making, and conflict resolution.

Time management skills

Efficient time management shows your ability to prioritize assignments, meet deadlines, and maximize productivity. Employers want to hire disciplined employees who can tune out distractions during work hours.

Hard resume skills vs. soft resume skills

Skills for resumes are either hard or soft skills. Employers typically look for both types of skills on candidates’ resumes.

• Hard skills are specific skills needed to perform the job. These can include technological skills, field-specific education, or credentials related to the job.
• Soft skills include your personality attributes and interpersonal skills. These may include communication skills, leadership qualities, stress management, and problem-solving abilities.

How to list skills on a resume per job type

Tailor your skills to the job you’re applying for to show employers you’re suitable for the job. Here are some hard and soft resume skills examples for different positions:

Digital marketing specialist

Hard skills

• Google Analytics
• Project management systems

Soft skills

• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Analytics thinking

Financial analyst

• Financial modeling
• Data analysis
• Attention to detail
• Creative thinking
• Collaboration

Data analyst

• Python and other statistical programming languages
• Data visualization
• Statistical analysis
• Machine learning
• Time management
• Adaptability

How YouScience helps with building a resume

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Check out these articles for more helpful information on optimizing your resume. 

Resume tips for high school students

Resume writing down to a science: How to build teenage girls’ confidence

Getting hired: Five resume tips for students

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How to Craft a Winning Resume: Step-By-Step Guide

A standout resume showcases your fit for the role and reflects your professional narrative and brand, emphasizing your qualifications, experience and the unique value you bring to the position.

Quality Verified

Updated: April 5, 2024

On This Page:

• Why Your Resume Matters
• Step 1: Job Description
• Step 2: Format
• Step 3: Objective
• Step 4: Work Experience
• Step 5: Skills
• Step 6: Education & Credentials
• Step 7: Optional Sections
• Step 8: Proofread

Additional Resources

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

An effective resume is much more than a simple list of skills and career history. Your resume often makes the first impression on potential employers and is vital to securing an interview during a job search . When crafted correctly, it's a tool that reflects your qualifications, experiences and compatibility with the position you're applying for.

Importance of a Well-Crafted Resume

A well-crafted resume does more than state your work history — it's a strategic way to present your professional narrative in the most compelling light. Here's why a resume is vital in your job application process:

Step 1: Carefully Read the Job Description

The first step in crafting a compelling resume is a thorough understanding of the job description. It sets the direction for how you'll customize your resume to meet the specific needs and requirements of the role. Here's how to approach it:

Read Attentively

Begin by reading the job description carefully. Pay attention to the language used and the listed responsibilities and requirements. This will give you a clear idea of what the employer values most.

Highlight Key Skills and Qualifications

As you read, underline or highlight the essential skills and qualifications mentioned. These are usually listed under sections titled "Requirements," "Qualifications," or "Skills."

Match Your Skills

Compare your experiences and skills to those in the job description. Identify where your background aligns with the job requirements. This step is crucial for tailoring your resume to show you're an ideal fit.

Incorporate Keywords

Integrate keywords and phrases found in the job description throughout your resume. Use them in your summary, work experience and skills sections. This shows that your qualifications match the role and helps your resume get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which screen resumes based on specific keywords.

Step 2: Choose the Best Resume Format

Choosing the right resume format ensures that your application captures the attention of hiring managers by presenting your background in the most effective and relevant way. Below are the three most commonly used resume formats, along with guidance on who should use each and why:

Chronological Resume

This format arranges your work experience in reverse chronological order, beginning with your most recent job at the top. It's ideal for individuals with a solid and steady work history. The chronological resume highlights career progression and is particularly effective for those looking to advance in the same field.

Best for: Seasoned professionals with consistent employment in their field.

Example: A marketing manager with 10 years of experience seeking to become a marketing director.

Functional Resume

This format emphasizes your skills and abilities rather than the chronological chronology of your professional experience. It's beneficial for those with career gaps in their employment, newcomers to the workforce or career changers, as it allows them to highlight how their skills transfer to the position they're applying for.

Best for: Career changers, individuals with employment gaps or those with diverse skill sets not tied to specific roles.

Example: A professional transitioning from a teaching career to a corporate training position, emphasizing skills in curriculum development, presentation and educational technology.

Combination Resume

A hybrid of the chronological and functional formats, this style allows you to showcase your relevant skills and work history. It's perfect for those with a solid employment record who also want to highlight specific skills that are particularly relevant to the job they're applying for.

Best for: Professionals with a robust work history and specific, transferable skills directly applicable to the job opening.

Example: A software developer with extensive experience in project management looking to focus on agile project management roles.

Step 3: Write a Compelling Resume Summary or Objective

Your summary or objective should introduce your resume and encapsulate your professional identity and value proposition, making a compelling case for why you're the ideal candidate for the position. Here's how to differentiate between the two and write them effectively:

Resume Summary

Ideal for experienced professionals, a summary provides a concise overview of your career achievements and key strengths. It highlights your experience, major accomplishments and the value you bring to a potential employer.

Example: "Customer Service Manager with over seven years of experience specializing in improving customer satisfaction and team performance. Achieved a 30% increase in customer satisfaction at XYZ Co., demonstrating proficiency in CRM software and effective team leadership."

Resume Objective

Best suited for those at the entry level, career changers or applicants with gaps in employment, an objective focuses on your career goals and how they align with the company's needs, emphasizing your enthusiasm and potential contributions.

Example: "Recent Computer Science graduate passionate about software development and problem-solving. Aiming to apply academic knowledge and innovative thinking in a Junior Developer role. Awarded university prize for excellence in project development, showcasing strong technical skills and creative solutions."

• Be Concise: Keep your summary or objective brief, targeting three to five lines.
• Showcase Your Value: Mention specific skills and experiences that align with the job description, indicating how you can solve problems or add value to the team.
• Use Active Language: Start sentences with action verbs and use the active voice to convey dynamism and proactivity.

Step 4: Detail Your Work Experience

The work experience section of your resume is where you showcase your professional journey and demonstrate your value to potential employers. Here's how you can effectively list your work experience:

Chronological Order

Begin with your most recent position and proceed backward in time. This format allows employers to quickly understand your current level of responsibility and track your career progression.

Dynamic Action Verbs

Initiate each bullet point with a strong action verb (e.g., led, developed, increased, optimized) to capture attention and actively convey your role in each achievement.

Quantify Achievements

Wherever possible, use numbers, percentages and specific outcomes to quantify your achievements. This approach provides tangible evidence of your contributions and impact on your roles.

Beyond Duties

Focus on your achievements in each position rather than simply listing job duties. Describe how you added value, solved problems or improved processes. This distinction helps employers gauge your potential impact on their organization.

Tailor to the Job

Select experiences and accomplishments most relevant to the position you're applying for. Tailoring this section to the job description ensures you highlight the skills and experiences that align closely with what the employer is seeking.

Step 5: Highlight Your Skills

The skills section can be an opportunity to respond directly to the job description's call for specific competencies. Follow these steps to make your skills section stand out:

Inventory Your Skills

Compile a comprehensive list of your skills, including technical skills and interpersonal skills. No skill is too small to consider.

Prioritize Relevant Skills

From your inventory, select the skills that most closely match the job description. These are the ones you should highlight in your resume.

Balancing Hard and Soft Skills

A well-rounded candidate possesses hard and soft skills . Hard skills demonstrate your specific qualifications for the job, while soft skills illustrate how you interact with others and approach your work.

Presenting Your Skills

When listing your skills, consider using bullet points for clarity and ease of reading. Provide brief examples of how you've applied each skill in a professional setting, either within the skills section itself or elsewhere in your resume.

Integrating Soft Skills Throughout

While it's important to list soft skills, you can also integrate them into your work experience and achievements.

Step 6: Include Your Education and Credentials

This section should highlight your academic achievements and underscore your commitment to professional development. Consider the following tips to showcase your education and credentials effectively:

List Your Highest Education First

Begin with the most advanced degree you've earned, followed by others in reverse chronological order. For each, include the degree type, your major, the name of the institution and your graduation year (or expected graduation year if you're currently enrolled).

Certifications and Licenses

List any professional certifications or licenses you hold, especially those directly relevant to the job. Include the name of the certification, the issuing organization and the date of attainment or expiration, if applicable.

Relevant Coursework, Honors and Awards

Mention any courses, honors or awards directly relevant to the job or that showcase exceptional achievement. Place these details under the appropriate educational entry, keeping the descriptions brief yet descriptive.

Formatting for Clarity

Use bullet points for each element to ensure the section is easily scannable. This helps potential employers quickly grasp your academic and professional learning achievements.

Prioritizing Information

Your educational background will be particularly important if you're starting your career or a recent graduate. In this case, consider placing your education section above your work experience. For those more advanced in their careers, education can follow the work experience section, focusing more on degrees and certifications than on coursework or honors.

• Master of Science in Data Analytics – XYZ University, 2023
• Specialization: Big Data Processing and Visualization Technique
• Honors: Received the Dean's Award for Outstanding Graduate Research

Certifications

• Certified Data Analyst – Data Science Institute, 2022

Step 7: Consider Optional Resume Sections

In addition to the essential components of your resume — such as your career summary, skills, work experience and education — consider including optional sections to further develop your brand, showcase a comprehensive skill set and stand out from other candidates. Select optional sections that add value and are relevant to the position you're applying for. Here are some possibilities:

Volunteer Work

Highlight significant volunteer roles and community service activities. These experiences can illustrate your commitment to social causes, leadership abilities and application of professional skills in a volunteer setting.

Detailing relevant certifications underscores your dedication to professional development and expertise in your field.

Share hobbies that reflect positively on your personality and offer insights into your soft skills, such as teamwork, creativity or leadership. Choose hobbies that are relevant or could contribute uniquely to the job.

Awards and Honors

Include professional or academic recognitions to emphasize your commitment to excellence and achievement in your career or field of study.

Listing language proficiencies can demonstrate your ability to communicate in diverse environments, an essential skill in many global or multicultural roles.

Professional Affiliations

Show your engagement with the professional community through memberships in associations, which can indicate a broader network and up-to-date industry knowledge

Step 8: Proofread and Format Your Resume

Errors, typos and inconsistencies in formatting can significantly detract from your professionalism and attention to detail. Here are some strategies to ensure your resume is polished and professional:

Be Consistent

Use a consistent format for headings, bullet points and fonts throughout your resume. This uniformity helps maintain a clean, professional look.

Choose a Professional Font

Use a professional, easy-to-read font such as Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman. Maintain a font size of 10 to 12 points for body text and slightly larger for headings.

Bullet Points

Use bullet points to list achievements and responsibilities, improving the document's readability and making it easier for employers to scan.

Margins and Spacing

Set your margins to 1" on all sides to create a balanced, uncluttered layout. Adequate spacing between sections further enhances readability.

Multiple Rounds of Proofreading

Go beyond a cursory spell check. Read your resume several times, each focusing on different elements — first for typos and grammar, then for consistency in formatting and finally for overall flow and persuasiveness.

Get a Second Opinion

Having someone else review your resume can provide valuable insights and catch errors you might have missed.

Use Digital Tools

Leverage grammar and spell-check tools like Grammarly or Microsoft Word's Review features for an additional layer of error checking.

Here's a list of valuable resources for crafting a standout resume that effectively navigates modern job application processes. Each offers unique insights and guidance tailored to different aspects of resume writing and job search strategies:

• GCFLearnFree.org : Features a wide range of guides, including formatting resumes for Applicant Tracking Systems and tailoring resumes to specific job applications​​.
• U.S. Department of Labor : Shares tips for writing a federal resume, including tailoring your resume to the job's requirements and selecting the right format​​.
• Workshops for Warriors : Provides targeted advice for veterans transitioning to civilian work, focusing on showcasing military training, certifications and soft skills​​.

About Nathan Paulus

Nathan Paulus is the Head of Content Marketing at MoneyGeek, with nearly 10 years of experience researching and creating content related to personal finance and financial literacy.

Paulus has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of St. Thomas, Houston. He enjoys helping people from all walks of life build stronger financial foundations.

10 tips to write an impressive resume

I n the highly competitive job market, a captivating resume serves as your golden ticket to leave a lasting impact on potential employers. With the evolution of more sophisticated hiring processes, it's imperative to transcend the fundamentals and compose a resume that distinguishes you from the masses. Here are 10 expert suggestions to guide you in creating an impressive resume that effectively showcases your skills and experiences:

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Customize your resume for each job

Tailoring your resume is paramount. Scrutinize the job description and align your resume with the specific prerequisites of each position you pursue. Spotlight the skills and experiences most pertinent to the job, underscoring your suitability for the role.

Commence with a robust summary or objective

Initiate your resume with a succinct and impactful summary or objective statement. This segment should offer a snapshot of your professional background, accentuating your key strengths and career objectives.

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Opt for a clean and professional format

Ensure your resume is visually appealing and easily digestible. Adopt a clean and professional format featuring consistent fonts and bullet points. Contemplate utilizing a contemporary template to impart a polished appearance to your resume.

Highlight achievements, not just responsibilities

Rather than merely cataloguing job duties, concentrate on quantifiable achievements. Illuminate specific accomplishments, employing metrics when feasible, to demonstrate your impact in prior roles.

Prioritize relevant experience

Position the most pertinent work experience prominently in your resume. Tailor the details of each job entry to underscore how your previous roles have equipped you for the specific position you are seeking.

Spotlight key skills

Devote a dedicated section to list both hard and soft skills relevant to the job. Integrate keywords from the job description to ensure your resume successfully navigates applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Integrate professional development and certifications

Manifest your commitment to continuous improvement by incorporating relevant professional development courses, certifications, or workshops. This signifies your dedication to staying abreast of developments in your field.

Quantify your achievements

Numbers carry weight. Whenever feasible, quantify your achievements to furnish tangible evidence of your impact. Whether it involves increasing sales, reducing costs, or enhancing efficiency, numerical figures bolster credibility.

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Showcase volunteer work and extracurricular activities

Infuse pertinent volunteer work and extracurricular activities to underscore your commitment to community involvement and your adeptness at managing diverse responsibilities.

Proofread and edited rigorously

A polished resume reflects your meticulous attention to detail. Scrutinize your document meticulously to catch any grammatical errors or typos. Enlist the input of peers or mentors for additional perspectives on refining your resume.

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10-Minute Transformation: Give Your Resume A Power Punch!

Writing your resume is hard! As if being unemployed wasn’t enough of a morale-buster, you’re now pressured to put the best version of yourself on paper. An experienced writer balks at this task! But I’ll let you in on a secret: you already have more than you think you do.

Related: Top 100 Most Powerful Resume Words

Here are some quick ways to take whatever you’ve got (blank screen, job description, old resume, first draft) and transform in with a 10-minute power punch! The hiring manager has already given you a blatant ‘edge’ over your competition, but so few applicants take advantage of it! The posting you read online contains a secret giveaway of what the employer considers an ideal candidate. Your ten-minute task is to make yourself fit that bill. With this 10-minute transformation, you can give your resume a power punch!

Grab Your Cheat Sheet

Delete the obvious, insert personality, active voice, quantify everything.

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Spring Cleaning: 4 Ways To Fix Your Job Search

Is your job search turning into a grind with no end in sight? It may be time to take a step back and reevaluate your entire approach.

In cold weather climates, the beginning of spring is a time to clean the house and get organized—a practice known as spring cleaning. Through the years, spring cleaning has taken on a larger meaning with people using the time to organize and declutter things in their lives.

For professionals on the job hunt, a little spring cleaning (metaphorically speaking) could be a great way to reinvigorate your job search. Here are a few strategies your job search spring cleaning should include.

Reevaluate Your Job Search Approach

Make a list of the last handful of jobs you applied for and see if you can identify any positive or negative trends. Consider things like:

• How did I learn about this job?
• How did I apply for the job?
• Did I earn an interview?
• What was the ultimate result?

A lot can be learned about your job search approach just by answering these questions and identifying patterns. For example:

Negative Trends

You discovered five jobs through job boards, applied to all of them via the job boards, and never heard back from any of them.

The common pattern here is applying through job boards. This isn't to say that job boards don't serve a purpose in the job search process, but they have their limitations , and you can't run your job search entirely off of them. When you apply through a job board, there's a good chance that your materials will never get past the applicant tracking system (ATS) and never be seen by an actual person.

One simple fix is to research who the hiring manager or recruiter is that posted the position and email your materials to them directly.

The more efficient fix would be to take a proactive approach by putting together a bucket list of companies that you want to work for and start making connections on LinkedIn with people who work at those companies. You may already know some people who work there or have connections that can refer you to some individuals.

This is a great way to network your way onto a company's radar.

Positive Trends

You applied to three jobs via referral, were invited to two job interviews, and made it through multiple rounds of interviews for one of the jobs before being passed over for someone with a little more experience.

The pattern here is that getting referred to a job by a professional acquaintance is a great way to land a job interview . This indicates that you're leveraging your network well and you should continue to focus on your networking efforts.

The next step is to review the interview process and determine what went well and what needs to be improved. Sometimes the interviewer will provide feedback , and that feedback can be valuable. However, not everyone is comfortable with giving feedback.

Chances are you probably have a good idea about areas of improvement and the skills you need to gain. Put together a plan for addressing those shortfalls.

The good news in making it deep into any interview process is that it indicates that the company likes you as a potential employee (even if the timing just wasn't right) and the experience could be a roadmap to a job with that company at a later date, or another similar opportunity elsewhere.

Give Your Resume & Cover Letter Some Much-Needed Attention

Are you continuously sending similar resumes and cover letters to each job opening with only minor adjustments? If so, your strategy needs some serious spring cleaning.

Let's start with resumes!

Every resume should be tailored to the position in order for it to stand out to recruiters and hiring managers . It may seem like a lot of work, but it's actually less work than submitting the same resume over and over again and never hearing back.

The reason why it's so important to tailor your resume is that throughout your career, you acquire numerous skills, but the job you're applying for may only be focusing on 6-8 of those skills. In that case, those skills must rise to the top of the resume with quantifiable examples of how you successfully used those skills at previous jobs.

Remember, recruiters go through hundreds of resumes. They need to be able to tell from a quick glance whether or not you're a potential candidate for the position.

While updating your resume, you could also spruce up your LinkedIn profile by highlighting the skill sets that you want to be noticed for by recruiters.

As for writing a good cover letter , the key to success is writing a disruptive cover letter . When you write a disruptive cover letter , you're basically telling a story. The story should focus on how you connect with the particular company and job position. The story could also focus on your personal journey, and how you got to where you currently are in your career.

If your resumes and cover letters aren't unique, now is the time to clean things up and get on track.

Build Your Personal Brand

Just because you're looking for work doesn't mean that you don't have anything to offer. Use previous career experiences and passions to build your personal brand .

Ask yourself, "How do I want other professionals to view me?"

Pick an area of expertise and start sharing your knowledge and experience with your professional network by pushing out content on your LinkedIn and social media accounts. Good content can include blogs, social media posts, and videos.

By sharing content about your experiences and passions, you slowly build your personal brand, and others will start to notice. The content could lead to good discussions with others in your network. It could also lead to reconnecting with connections that you haven't spoken to in years, or making new connections.

You never know when one of these connections could turn into a job lead or referral. The trick is to get on people's radars. So, when you're cleaning up your job search, be sure to build a plan for personal branding.

Maintain Healthy Habits During Your Job Search

Your job search is important, but it's even more important to know when to pull back and focus on personal health and spending time with family and friends.

There are actually things that you can do for your own enjoyment that could help your job search in the long run, such as:

• Grab coffee with a friend - It's good to engage in light conversation with friends during challenging times. And if your job search does come up, remember that most people have been through it themselves and you never know when a friend may provide you with a good idea or lead on a job.
• Volunteer - Volunteering is a great way to get involved in the community and help others. In addition, if you develop a little bit of a career gap while looking for a job, you can always talk about how you filled that time volunteering, if you're asked about it during a job interview.
• Continue to focus on other passions - Are you a fitness nut? Blogger? Crafter? Continue to do the things that bring you happiness. And if you're in a position to profit from your passion through a freelance job or side hustle , even better!

Spring is the perfect time to clean up and improve your job search so you can land the job you want. If you're struggling to find a job, follow the tips above to reinvigorate your job search—and watch your career blossom!

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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