What do I put for experience on a resume? This is a common question among job seekers, especially those who are new to the job market or have gaps in their work history. The experience section of a resume is crucial as it showcases your skills, accomplishments, and qualifications to potential employers. However, it can be challenging to determine what to include and how to present it effectively. In this article, we will discuss the key elements to consider when crafting your experience section on a resume.
Firstly, it’s essential to distinguish between work experience and educational experience. Work experience refers to the jobs you have held, while educational experience includes internships, volunteer work, or any relevant coursework. Both are valuable and can be included in your resume, depending on the job you are applying for.
When listing work experience, start with your most recent job and work backward. For each position, include the company name, your job title, and the dates of employment. Next, highlight your key responsibilities and achievements using bullet points. Focus on quantifiable results and use action verbs to make your accomplishments more impactful. For example, instead of saying “handled customer inquiries,” you could say “resolved 95% of customer inquiries within an average response time of 10 minutes.”
For educational experience, list your degrees, institutions, and graduation dates. If you have relevant coursework or projects, include them as well. This section can also be a place to showcase any honors or awards you received during your studies.
It’s important to tailor your experience section to the job you are applying for. Research the company and the specific role to understand the required skills and qualifications. Highlight the experiences that align with these requirements, and downplay those that are less relevant. This targeted approach will make your resume stand out to hiring managers.
Additionally, consider including volunteer work or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your skills and character. These experiences can showcase leadership, teamwork, and other valuable traits that are often sought after by employers.
When it comes to formatting your experience section, keep it concise and easy to read. Use bullet points to list your responsibilities and achievements, and avoid long paragraphs. Also, ensure that your resume is well-organized and visually appealing, as a cluttered or difficult-to-read resume can detract from your qualifications.
In conclusion, the experience section of your resume is a vital component that can make or break your job application. By carefully selecting and presenting your experiences, you can effectively communicate your skills and qualifications to potential employers. Remember to tailor your resume to the job you are applying for, use action verbs and quantifiable results, and keep your resume well-formatted and easy to read.
