Writing a resume can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to describing your work experience. Your employment history, volunteer work, projects, and other relevant activities need to be highlighted in a way that is concise, descriptive, and impactful. This is crucial because potential employers should be able to understand the roles you have held, the skills you possess, your areas of expertise, and the accomplishments you have achieved. In this article, we will explore various ways to effectively describe your work experience.
When crafting descriptions of your work experience, it is important to start each entry by stating the name of the organization, location, dates of employment, and your job title. It is also advisable to list your experiences in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Use concise phrases with powerful verbs to describe your responsibilities. Focus on highlighting the skills and qualities that are relevant to the position you are applying for, and try to incorporate industry-specific keywords. This will demonstrate to employers that you are a good fit for the role.
Use a variety of action verbs to avoid repetition in your descriptions. Use the present tense for current roles and past tense for previous experiences. Avoid using personal pronouns such as “I,” “and,” and “the,” as well as prepositions. Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments and responsibilities using numerical figures, monetary values, and percentages. This will provide concrete evidence of your achievements and contributions.
When describing your work experience, focus on your individual duties and accomplishments rather than summarizing the organization or job itself. Be specific and highlight the most important aspects of your role. For example, instead of describing the overall responsibilities of your job, focus on specific tasks you completed, such as resolving customer issues, supervising staff, and implementing new systems or processes.
For instance, during a summer job as an Assistant Manager/Head Lifeguard at The Swim Club in Anywhere, Pennsylvania, you may have resolved customer issues, supervised lifeguards, managed schedules, and assisted with overall club management. These are specific examples of your responsibilities and accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and abilities.
International experience can also be a valuable asset in your work history. Studying, working, or volunteering abroad can provide you with unique skills and attributes that are highly sought after by employers. These may include adaptability, communication skills, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, independence, time management, financial management, confidence, global perspective, and cultural competency.
Some examples of verbs that can help you express these skills on your resume include adapted, awarded, collaborated, developed, implemented, improved, managed, organized, practiced, realized, shared, traveled, and visited. These verbs can effectively convey the diverse experiences and skills you have gained through international experiences.
In conclusion, describing your work experience in a clear, concise, and impactful manner is essential when creating a resume. By following these tips and guidelines, you can effectively showcase your skills, accomplishments, and qualifications to potential employers. Remember to focus on specific details, use strong action verbs, quantify your achievements, and highlight the most relevant aspects of your work history. This will help you stand out as a strong candidate and increase your chances of landing your desired job.
