Your background could be one of your best assets.
The work experience is one of the first things that employers look for. They would want to asses your work history (i.e. background) as the first aspect about you as a potential employee.
Therefore, think of your previous/current job titles, employers and titles as one of the important ingredients in your resume. Try to impress with these pointers, even if your work history is not perfect.
Don’t make it hard for the reader to see where you worked in the past, never hide your work history and find the right location based on the resume format you have selected – chronological, functional, or combination.
How to write about your work experience in a resume
Employers do not like reading those long lists of job duties/responsibilities. They are most probably familiar with your line-of-work – it can be exhausting for them to read those long lists of job duties.
They are actually interested in the main/major accomplishments and responsibilities per job title – no more. In addition, it would be wise to leave out work history older than 15 years back unless it is high relevant.
Show the employer what you can do for them in the most precise/concise way and get directly to the point – Tell them not just what you did, but how well you did it.
Refer to the skills required for the job you’re targeting and then tweak your past achievements based on these inputs.
How to list the resume work experience
- List your previous jobs in reverse order – the most recent first.
- You don’t have to specify months per employer timeline – years are ok.
Resume gaps: Employment gaps, dates and other issues in work history
- Gaps: As a rule of thumb, if you have more than one year of an employment gap for any reason, do not leave these years blank – It will be noticed and considered as a negative point about you.
- Dates: Employers are interested in reading about the years of work history that are relevant and related to the position you are applying for. It is okay to specify any relevant background as long as it provides significant information regarding your skills and ability to do the job.
