Your resume is one of the most important documents in your job search. It shows how you made things better for previous employers and the value you will provide for your next employer. Your resume lets hiring managers know who you are, how your skills and experience match the role you’re applying for, and why you should be called for an interview. To improve your odds of being contacted, include specific, relevant information on your resume.
Follow these guidelines to add essential work experience to your resume.
Professional Summary
Under your name and contact information, near the top of your resume, include a “Professional Summary” section. This should be one or two sentences briefly explaining who you are and why you’re qualified for the position. Review the job posting to determine which of your hard and soft skills are most relevant and should be included.
Career Highlights
If you have more than 10 years of work experience, you may include a “Career Highlights” section. This calls attention to relevant, noteworthy achievements you may have gained at any point in your career. Highlighting these achievements under your Professional Summary helps employers understand the value you have to offer, encouraging them to read on and learn more about you.
Professional Experience
Use your “Professional Experience” section to point out the value you provided for previous employers. Beginning with your most recent position and going back 10 years, list your work experience that’s most relevant to the role you’re applying for. Include the name of each employer, your job title, years of employment, and three bullet points with your most relevant accomplishments. Lead with strong action verbs, and include numbers to measure your success. For instance, “decreased employee health insurance costs by 20% over 12 months.”
Core Competencies
Include relevant skills, tools, and certifications in your “Core Competencies” section. Hard and soft skills should relate to the role you desire. Use the job description as a guideline for which keywords to include. For instance, hard skills for accounting and finance may include proficiency with Microsoft Office, familiarity with industry-specific software, or the ability to prepare and interpret financial statements. Soft skills for a variety of fields may include communication, leadership, and customer service.
Volunteer Experience
Share your volunteer activities in your “Volunteer Experience” section. Hiring managers like candidates who engage in philanthropic activities. Whether you donate your time to a nonprofit organization or mentoring program, share information about your activities. They can prove beneficial for the role you want.
Send Your Resume to HW Staffing Solutions
Our recruiters have openings in a variety of industries that may fit your background and interests. Check out our job board today.
