How to Write Experience in Your Resume

by Faiz Alam Founder and Career Coach

When it comes to crafting an effective resume, one of the most crucial sections is your work experience. Your experience section provides hiring managers with valuable insights into your skills, accomplishments, and qualifications. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of writing your experience in a resume that highlights your strengths and maximizes your chances of securing an interview.

Format your experience section:

Start by organizing your experience section in a reverse-chronological order, listing your most recent position first. This format allows employers to quickly see your most relevant experience. Include the following details for each position:

Job title: Clearly state the position you held.
Company name: Mention the name of the company or organization.
Dates of employment: Include the month and year of your start and end dates.

Write concise and impactful job descriptions:

Use bullet points to outline your responsibilities and accomplishments for each role. Keep the following tips in mind:

Focus on achievements: Highlight your accomplishments and quantify them whenever possible. Use numbers, percentages, or other measurable results to demonstrate the impact of your work.

Tailor to the job description: Review the job description and align your experience with the specific requirements and skills the employer is seeking.

Use action verbs: Begin each bullet point with a strong action verb to convey your accomplishments and responsibilities effectively.

1. Include relevant keywords:

Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes for specific keywords. To increase your chances of getting noticed, incorporate industry-specific keywords throughout your experience section. Research the job description and use relevant terms that accurately describe your skills and experience.

2. Emphasize transferable skills:

Highlight transferable skills that are applicable to the position you are targeting. These skills can include leadership, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Provide concrete examples of how you applied these skills in your previous roles.

3. Showcase promotions and career progression:

If you were promoted within a company or experienced career growth, be sure to showcase it in your experience section. Clearly outline the different positions you held, along with the increased responsibilities and achievements at each level.

4. Quantify your achievements:

Whenever possible, quantify your achievements to provide a clearer picture of your impact. For example, instead of saying you "increased sales," mention that you "increased sales by 20% within six months." Quantifying your achievements helps employers understand the value you can bring to their organization.

5. Highlight relevant experiences:

If you have relevant experience outside of your professional work history, such as internships, volunteer work, or freelance projects, include them in your experience section. Focus on experiences that demonstrate skills or accomplishments directly related to the job you're applying for.

6. Proofread and edit:

Finally, ensure your experience section is error-free by proofreading it carefully. Check for spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and formatting inconsistencies. Consider seeking feedback from a trusted friend or mentor to ensure your resume presents a polished and professional image.

Conclusion:

Writing your experience section effectively is crucial for capturing the attention of potential employers. By following the tips provided in this guide, you can create a compelling resume that showcases your skills, accomplishments, and qualifications, increasing your chances of landing your dream job. Remember to tailor your experience section to each specific role you apply for, highlighting the most relevant aspects of your experience. Good luck with your resume writing endeavors!