How to Write Your Work Experience

A work experience in resume is an essential tool for showcasing your professional journey and demonstrating your skills to potential employers.

It highlights your past roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments, providing a clear picture of your qualifications. Whether you’re applying for your first job or looking to advance in your career, crafting a compelling experience section of resume can make a significant difference in landing the opportunity.

This article will guide you through the process of creating a strong document that stands out to hiring managers.

What is a work history on resume?

A resume job history refers to the section where you detail your previous positions.

This part helps employers understand your background, skill set, and career progression.

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What to put under experience on a resume?

Job Title

List the official name as it was given in the position. The title should clearly reflect your role and responsibilities within the company.

This immediately provides context to HRs regarding your level of expertise.

Example:

Senior Marketing Strategist or Junior Data Analyst.

Company

Name the organization or business where you were employed. If it’s a well-known firm, this can lend extra credibility.

The enterprise name helps hiring managers gauge your experience in specific industries.

Example:

HubSpot, Google

Location

Write the city and state (or country if international) where the establishment is located. This is especially important if the job was remote or in a location that's relevant to the role.

It can indicate the geographic scope of your experience and whether you have worked in certain regions or industries.

Example:

New York, NY or London, UK

Dates

Indicate the duration of your employment in a month/year format. If you have gaps in career, be prepared to explain them in interviews.

Recruiters want to know how long you were in each position to gauge your stability, experience, and progression.

Example:

January 2021 – Present or March 2019 – August 2022.

Key Responsibilities

Outline your day-to-day duties and core functions within the role. Focus on specific tasks that were essential to the success of the occupation.

This section allows you to present a clear picture of what you did and how it’s relevant to the job.

Example:

• Managed daily operations for a team of 10 staff, ensuring all deadlines were met.
• Developed and implemented digital marketing campaigns targeting key consumer segments.
• Handled customer inquiries, ensuring 95% of issues were resolved within 24 hours.

Achievements

Highlight accomplishments that demonstrate your impact. Incorporate quantifiable results where possible (percentages, numbers, dollar amounts).

This shows the value you added to the corporation. Employers want to know how you contributed to business growth or success.

Example:

• Increased revenue by 25% within the first year by implementing a new sales strategy.
• Led a project that saved the company $100,000 annually through operational efficiencies.
• Drove a 50% increase in website traffic by optimizing SEO strategies.

Tools Utilized

List any specific software, platforms, or programs you used and that are relevant to the position you're applying for. If you utilized specialized techniques, mention those as well.

By showcasing your technical abilities, you demonstrate that you have knowledge necessary.

Example:

• Utilized CRM software like Salesforce to manage client relationships and track sales progress.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative, and Google Analytics.
• Experienced with Agile methodologies, JIRA, and project management software.

Team Collaboration

Detail any leadership or teamwork roles you played in the place. Were you responsible for supervising others or collaborating with cross-functional teams? Did you play a part in mentoring or training junior staff?

Employers value strong interpersonal skills, so highlighting this can show you’re capable of working well with others.

Example:

• Led a team of 5 engineers to develop a new software product that was launched on schedule.
• Collaborated with marketing, sales, and product teams to ensure cohesive messaging across all channels.
• Mentored 3 junior employees, helping them to improve their coding skills and increase productivity.

Problem-Solving

Describe specific challenges you faced and how you successfully addressed them. This could involve conflict resolution, overcoming obstacles, or finding innovative solutions to business problems.

Recruiters want to know that you can demonstrate critical thinking skills. This section highlights your resourcefulness.

Example:

• Addressed a significant customer service backlog by streamlining the case management process, reducing wait times by 40%.
• Developed a new inventory tracking system that cut errors by 20%, ensuring smoother supply chain operations.
• Managed a high-volume project under tight deadlines by reorganizing team roles, resulting in on-time delivery.

Professional Development

If relevant, mention any training programs, certifications, or workshops you attended. This shows your commitment to learning and growing in the role.

It emphasizes that you're proactive about staying updated in your field.

Example:

• Completed a certification in PMP to improve project delivery efficiency.
• Attended a leadership development program that enhanced team management and communication skills.

Examples of experience section of resume

These resume templates provide a snapshot of resume experience format across different roles.

Work experience sample

Senior Product Manager
Tesla — Palo Alto, CA
April 2021 – Present

• Spearhead the development and launch of a new line of electric vehicle accessories, driving a 15% increase in accessory sales.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define product roadmaps, ensuring alignment with business objectives and customer needs.
• Utilize market research and customer feedback to adjust product features, achieving a 10% increase in satisfaction scores.
• Manage a product lifecycle from concept to delivery, working closely with engineering, design, and marketing teams.
• Successfully increase product adoption by 25% in the first year by implementing customer-centric features.
• Lead a team of 8 in achieving on-time product delivery within budget, improving operational efficiency by 20%.

Resume experience format sample

Junior Graphic Designer
Creative Agency — Chicago, IL
January 2020 – Present

• Design marketing materials including brochures, email templates, and digital ads for clients in various industries.
• Work closely with senior designers to execute visual concepts for branding projects, contributing to a portfolio of over 25 successful campaigns.
• Create visually engaging content for social media platforms, increasing client engagement by 30% through creative and consistent design strategies.
• Receive positive client feedback for the design of a website banner campaign that increased click-through rates by 15%.

Experience in resume sample

Registered Nurse
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — Memphis, TN
May 2018 – Present

• Provide direct patient care, including administering medications and treatments according to established protocols.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to develop personalized care plans for pediatric patients with cancer.
• Monitor patient conditions, adjusted care plans as necessary, and communicated updates to families.
• Participate in regular staff training and professional development to ensure the highest level of care.
• Awarded “Nurse of the Year” for exceptional patient care and support in pediatric oncology.

Work history resume template

HR Manager
Amazon — Seattle, WA
August 2016 – December 2019

• Led the recruitment and onboarding processes for a team of over 200 warehouse employees, ensuring efficient hiring and smooth transitions.
• Developed and implemented employee engagement programs, boosting morale and retention rates within the warehouse division.
• Administered performance management processes, providing feedback and coaching to department heads.
• Coordinated with senior leadership to align HR strategies with organizational goals and ensure compliance with employment laws.

Resume examples with job experience

Urban Planner

John H. Smith
Chicago, IL 60616 | john.smith@gmail.com | (312) 555-1234

Objective

Urban Planner with experience specializing in sustainable development and zoning regulations. Seeking to leverage expertise in land use planning, transportation systems, and environmental policies.

Experience

Urban Planner

Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle, Ltd. — Chicago, IL

June 2020 – Present

• Lead comprehensive urban planning projects, including developing master plans, zoning regulations, and environmental impact assessments for municipalities.
• Collaborate with local governments and community stakeholders to ensure development aligns with sustainability goals and urban design standards.
• Conduct site analyses and feasibility studies, providing data-driven insights on land usage, traffic patterns, and environmental factors.
• Create visual representations of proposed developments using GIS software, ensuring public engagement and buy-in from local communities.

Key Achievements:

• Successfully implemented a $10 million transit-oriented development project, improving access to public transportation for over 15,000 residents.
• Developed a green space initiative that resulted in the creation of three new public parks within the city, improving urban ecology and community wellness.

Urban Planner

City of Chicago Department of Planning & Development — IL

August 2016 – May 2020

• Assisted in designing zoning codes, land use policies, and comprehensive plans for neighborhoods undergoing revitalization.
• Conducted public hearings and workshops, engaging with citizens to address community concerns and integrate their feedback into planning processes.
• Coordinated with architects, engineers, and developers to ensure compliance with city regulations.

Education

Master of Urban Planning

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Graduated: May 2016

Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies

DePaul University — Chicago, IL

Graduated: May 2014

Certifications

Certified Planner (AICP) — American Planning Association

Date: June 2018

LEED Green Associate — U.S. Green Building Council

Date: April 2019

Skills

• GIS Mapping Software (ArcGIS, QGIS)
• Urban Design and Zoning
• Environmental Impact Analysis
• Public Engagement and Facilitation
• Project Management (Asana, Trello)

Additional Information

• Fluent in Spanish
• Volunteer: Chicago Green Building Council — Urban Gardening Initiatives

Hotel General Manager

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Medical Illustrator

Emily A. Thompson

San Francisco, CA 94110 | emily.thompson@gmail.com | (415) 555-5678

Objective

Experienced Medical Illustrator skilled in creating scientifically accurate and aesthetically engaging medical imagery. Passionate about translating complex biological concepts into visual works that are accessible to students, professionals, and patients.

Experience

Senior Medical Illustrator

Science & Medicine Visuals — San Francisco, CA

August 2019 – Present

• Create detailed, accurate illustrations for medical textbooks, patient brochures, online health resources, and pharmaceutical advertisements.
• Work closely with physicians, researchers, and scientists to ensure illustrations accurately represent anatomy, surgical procedures, and disease processes.
• Produce 3D models and interactive digital visuals for medical training and patient education platforms.
• Oversee the design and production of educational materials, including illustrations, diagrams, and animations.
• Developed over 200 illustrations used in the production of a leading medical textbook on cardiology, enhancing comprehension of complex topics.

Medical Illustrator

Stanford Health Care — Palo Alto, CA

January 2015 – July 2019

• Created 2D and 3D anatomical illustrations for patient education, helping to improve the understanding of medical conditions and procedures.
• Collaborated with the surgical team to provide preoperative illustrations for patients, explaining the steps involved in complex surgeries.
• Assisted in the development of digital interactive anatomy lessons used in Stanford's medical school curriculum.

Education

Master of Science in Medical Illustration

Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, MD

Graduated: May 2014

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration

California College of the Arts — Oakland, CA

Graduated: May 2012

Certifications

Digital Illustration Techniques Certification — Adobe Certified

Date: March 2018

Board Certification in Medical Illustration — Association of Medical Illustrators

Date: December 2016

Skills

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects)
• 3D Modeling (Blender, ZBrush)
• Medical Terminology and Anatomy
• Scientific and Technical Illustration
• Interactive Media Design

Additional Information

• Portfolio: www.emilyillustrations.com
• Member of the Association of Medical Illustrators
• Volunteer: Provided illustrations for public health awareness campaigns in underserved communities.

Preschool Teacher

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Court Reporter

Mark J. Davis

New York, NY 10001 | mark.davis@gmail.com | (212) 555-8901

Objective

Detail-oriented Court Reporter with 13+ years of experience providing accurate transcriptions for legal proceedings. Seeking to apply skills at New York State Court Reporting Association to ensure clarity and precision in the legal record.

Experience

Court Reporter

New York Supreme Court — NY

May 2017 – Present

• Provide real-time transcription services for courtroom hearings, trials, and depositions.
• Maintain a verbatim record of legal proceedings, ensuring that all spoken statements are accurately transcribed.
• Work with attorneys, judges, and other legal professionals to clarify statements and provide immediate corrections during proceedings.
• Prepare and file official court transcripts, ensuring timely delivery to clients and stakeholders.
• Delivered over 3,000 pages of legal transcripts for complex corporate litigation cases, maintaining a 99% accuracy rate.

Freelance Court Reporter

Self-Employed — New York, NY

June 2012 – April 2017

• Provided transcription services for a variety of clients, including law firms, government agencies, and individual attorneys.
• Specialized in transcribing criminal and civil court cases, including depositions, hearings, and trials.
• Ensured high-quality transcripts by maintaining focus and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Built a consistent client base through word-of-mouth referrals due to reliable and precise work.

Education

Associate of Science in Court Reporting

New York University

Graduated: May 2012

Certifications

Certified Court Reporter (CCR) — National Court Reporters Association

Date: June 2013

Real-Time Reporting Certification — National Court Reporters Association

Date: October 2015

Skills

• Stenograph Machine Proficiency
• Real-Time Transcription
• Legal Terminology and Procedures
• Transcript Preparation and Editing
• Time Management and Multitasking

Additional Information

• Member of the National Court Reporters Association
• Experienced in both legal and medical transcription
• Fluent in Spanish

Unit Secretary

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Conclusion

In conclusion, crafting a strong work experience on resume is essential for demonstrating your qualifications and showcasing your career achievements to potential employers.

By clearly outlining your job responsibilities, accomplishments, and skills, you can provide a compelling narrative that highlights your contributions to previous roles.

With a well-structured and detailed resume job history, you’ll present yourself as a valuable candidate, ready to make a positive difference in your career.

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