Resume Writing Tip: How to Perfectly Describe Your Work Experience (2024)

Learn how to write and present your past work experiences in a way that showcases your skills and accomplishments.

By Kimberly Chang on 2023-11-27 at 7:11 AM

Updated on 2024-10-10 at 8:45 AM

How to Describe Your Work Experience on a Resume: Tips and Examples

Your work experience section is the backbone of your resume—it’s what gives employers a glimpse into your professional journey. Whether you’re new to the workforce or making a career switch, crafting a compelling work experience section can make all the difference. A well-written work experience entry gives your resume credibility, making it clear why you’re the right fit for the role.

What Is “Work Experience” on a Resume?

The work experience section of your resume is a summary of the jobs you’ve held in the past. It showcases your skills, achievements, and career progression—crucial details that help hiring managers determine your suitability for a role.

Your work experience should include:

  • The companies you worked for
  • The positions you held
  • Dates of employment
  • Brief descriptions of your responsibilities
  • Key achievements

Read on to find out how to showcase your experience in the best way!

how to describe your work experience on a resume

How to Make Your Job History More Appealing to Recruiters

Begin by listing your most recent experience, followed by your more previous ones. Rather than cramming this section full of buzzwords and standard responsibilities, focus on result-oriented accomplishments that demonstrate the impact you made in each role instead.

Follow these guidelines to make your work experience stand out:

1. Use Bullet Points

Briefly describe the scope of your responsibilities for each job in no more than three sentences. Limit each role to 3-5 key responsibilities or accomplishments. This helps recruiters quickly understand what you bring to the table.

2. Be Specific About What You Accomplished

Numbers speak louder than words. Highlight your contributions with quantifiable results like “increased sales by 20%” or “managed a budget of RM50,000.” Using facts and figures makes your achievements more tangible.

3. Begin with Action-Benefit Statements

Stand out by using action verbs that emphasise everything that makes you the best candidate for the job.

So instead of describing yourself as “A result-driven individual with 3 years of experience as a Team Lead”, you’re more likely to leave a strong impression with this: “Managed a team of over 30 employees in Accounting and Finance.”

The latter example explains your leadership experience better than stating the amount of time you spent doing it. Pair these with the benefit or result of your actions to make an even stronger impression.

Example:
Instead of saying “Responsible for leading a team of over 30,” try: “Managed a team of 30, improving customer satisfaction by 15%.”

how to describe your work experience on a resume

4. Include Your Key Achievements

Don’t just describe what you did—show why it mattered. Highlight your best accomplishments and the value you brought to each role, something your prospective employers cannot miss.

Work Experience Examples:

Design Team Lead, Hiredly

March 2020 – Current

  • Develop original concepts and sketches of new designs
  • Lead the design, development, and execution of branding projects
  • Review and edit social media visuals using Photoshop or Illustrator
  • Supervise and direct the design team in content creation for advertisements and printed materials
  • Awarded Employee of the Year twice in a row (2020 – 2021)

Junior Graphic Designer, ABC Company

June 2018 – February 2020

  • Pitched creative ideas and project timelines to management
  • Produced prototypes and engaging design solutions like logos, banners, and interfaces
  • Communicated with clients to go over their needs and desired outcomes
  • Performed other tasks related to graphic design such as designing web pages as per client specifications

How to Write About Work Experience When You Have None

how to describe your work experience on a resume

You might have less than 1 year of work experience or none at all. In this case, especially when you’re entering the job market for the first time, you’ll want to emphasise other experiences that helped you in your career journey. Give your skills as much prominence as possible.

The key is making sure your resume is tailored to the job you are applying for so that a hiring manager can see how you would benefit the company, such as:

  • Internships: Detail what you learned and how it prepared you for a full-time role.
  • Freelance Projects: Include university or personal projects that align with the job you’re applying for.
  • Extracurricular Activities: Leadership roles in clubs or volunteer work can demonstrate your soft skills like teamwork and time management.

Feeling unsure about how to highlight your skills and experience? Our new personality quiz can give you a clearer picture of what makes you a great candidate in the Malaysian job market. It's a great way to uncover your strengths and think about how to position them on your resume.

how to describe your work experience on a resume

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Browse new and exciting job opportunities that match your experience at Hiredly. With jobs tailored to your expertise, finding your way in the job market has never been easier!

By Kimberly Chang on 2023-11-27 at 7:11 AM