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Crafting a standout resume is essential in today’s competitive job market, and one of the most important sections of your resume is the Work Experience portion. This section shows recruiters what you’ve done, how you’ve grown, and how you might perform in the future. The way you present your experience can be the difference between getting an interview or getting passed over.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate starting out, learning how to list your work experience correctly will help your resume make the best impression. In this guide, we’ll break down the process into easy-to-follow steps and provide helpful examples along the way.
1. Choose the Right Resume Format
The first step in listing work experience is choosing the right resume format. There are three primary formats:
- Chronological: Lists work experience from the most recent to the oldest. Best for those with a solid work history.
- Functional: Focuses on skills rather than job titles. Ideal for career changers or those with employment gaps.
- Combination: Blends both chronological and functional elements. Great for professionals who want to highlight both skills and experience.
2. What to Include in Your Work Experience Section
Each entry in your work experience section should include key pieces of information. Here’s what you need to list:
- Job Title: Clearly written and possibly bolded to stand out.
- Company Name: Include the name and location (city and state).
- Dates of Employment: You can format these as month/year – month/year.
- Job Responsibilities and Achievements: Use bullet points to describe your main duties and accomplishments.
Each bullet point should begin with an action verb and be specific. Use quantifiable metrics when possible to demonstrate impact.
3. Use Action Verbs and Quantify Results
To make a strong impression, use action verbs such as “led,” “developed,” “increased,” and “streamlined.” Then support those verbs with quantifiable outcomes. Employers love to see measurable results—it proves your ability to contribute.
Example:
- Increased online sales by 35% in six months by implementing new SEO strategies.
- Managed a team of 5 customer service representatives, improving resolution time by 20%.
4. Tailor Your Experience to the Job
Every job is different, and your resume should reflect this. Read through the job description and identify the skills and responsibilities that align with your background. Then emphasize relevant experiences using similar language and keywords.
This customization will not only grab the employer’s attention but will also help your resume pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS).
5. Highlight Promotions and Career Progression
Showing promotions within the same company displays growth and trustworthiness. Instead of separating each position into individual job entries, consider listing them under one company heading if they were close in time. Here’s what that might look like:
Tech Solutions Inc. – San Diego, CA
Senior Software Engineer (Jan 2021 – Present)
- Led the development of a customer account dashboard, increasing engagement by 40%.
Software Engineer (Jul 2018 – Dec 2020)
- Designed and implemented scalable backend systems for e-commerce clients.
6. Keep It Concise and Relevant
While it may be tempting to list every job you’ve ever had, consider what’s most relevant to the role you’re applying for. Ideally, your resume should focus on the past 10–15 years of experience and fit on one to two pages.
Cut out entries that don’t align with your career goals unless they offer skills directly transferable to your desired job.
7. Proofread and Update Regularly
Typos and outdated information can hurt your chances. Always double-check for grammar errors and ensure the formatting is consistent. Keep your resume updated with new accomplishments so you’re ready whenever new opportunities arise.
Final Thoughts
Listing work experience properly is about more than just filling in job titles—it’s about strategically presenting your qualifications in a way that resonates with recruiters and hiring managers. Focus on clarity, relevance, and achievement. A great work experience section not only tells employers what you’ve done—it shows what you’re capable of doing for them.
Take time to tailor your resume, quantify your impact, and keep things tidy. With those steps, you’ll be much closer to landing that interview.