The key to getting the job you want is to submit a resume that makes it simple for a hiring manager to see that you are the right person for the role. The key to showing you’re the right fit is learning how to write employment history that spells it out. Here, we show you how to do just that. On this page, you’ll discover:
How to list work history on a resume
To list your job history on a resume, just follow the six steps below.
Pro tip: consistency is key. When you are done writing your resume, make sure to double check that each entry is uniform.
How to write job history:
6 examples
To write a resume that helps you get noticed, start with a work history section that clearly shows employers that you have the skills and experience they seek. Since many employers today use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen out unqualified candidates, the bullet points in your job history section should be customized for each role you apply to in order to land a job interview.
Tailoring your resume to the specific role is a critical but simple way to get your resume through an ATS and into the hands of a potential employer. Since a well-written job description will outline the critical credentials hiring managers are seeking in top candidates, your job is to study the ad and tweak your resume to ensure it contains these crucial qualifications.
Below, we have provided examples of six job ads and a sample job history section for each to show you how it’s done.
Sample job ad for a home health aide role:
Home care company that values dedication and rewards its caregivers with flexible scheduling, great benefits, consistent hours and tons of support is seeking home health aides.
Responsibilities include:
- Establishing strong communication with clients and their families.
- Providing thoughtful in-home care.
- Administering medications.
- Assisting with personal care needs.
- Light cleaning and cooking.
All caregivers must be fully vaccinated and speak fluent English.
How to write a job history section for this role:
Sample job ad for a customer service representative role:
Seeking a remote customer service representative in the medical field.
In this role, you will be responsible for:
- Answering calls from patients and medical staff.
- Assisting with questions in a prompt and courteous manner.
Requirements include:
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently.
- Excellent phone and communication skills.
Experience using Slack and Zoom for internal communications is preferred.
How to write an employment history section for this role:
Sample job ad for a senior technical writer role:
The senior technical writer plans, researches and writes detailed instructions for customers. This is a critical role that requires the following skills and experience:
- Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with a variety of teams.
- Experience managing projections, schedules and delivery dates.
- Strong writing and editing skills.
- The ability to make complex concepts simple and easy to understand for consumers.
How to write a job history section for this role:
Sample job ad for a plumber role:
Seeking a plumber to join the facilities department of a local community college. Must have at least two years of plumbing experience and the ability to demonstrate a strong understanding of the craft, including:
- Knowledge of codes, regulations and construction practices applicable to plumbing systems in commercial/institutional construction.
- Ability to read, write and perform basic arithmetic calculations.
- Experience in the proper use and maintenance of hand and power tools related to plumbing.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and customer service skills are also required for success in this role.
How to write an employment history section for this role:
Sample job ad for a front desk receptionist role:
Seeking a front desk receptionist with one to three years of experience performing administrative tasks. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Greeting customers.
- Answering busy phone lines.
- Maintaining customer files.
- Receiving deliveries from vendors.
Must have at least a high school diploma and strong communication skills. Good organizational skills and the ability to multitask are a must. Proficiency with Microsoft Office is preferred.
How to write a job history section for this role:
Sample job ad for a kindergarten teacher role:
Seeking a kindergarten teacher for the 2023-2024 school year. Must be experienced in curriculum design and planning and be able to provide examples of their work.
Having a demonstrated ability to assess the accomplishments of students regularly, write evaluations and create a plan for success is required.
Preference goes to candidates who have a proven track record of creating a classroom environment that is supportive and conducive to learning. Experience referring students to alternative services, such as speech therapists and ESL programs, is a plus.
How to write an employment history section for this role:
Choose the best resume format for your work experience level
To make the most of your work experience section, you’ll need to choose the right resume format. A resume format — or resume outline — refers to how you organize the information on your resume. Each of the three formats arranges the sections of your resume differently and highlights a different aspect of your background and experience.
There are three main resume formats: the chronological resume, the combination resume and the functional resume. All three formats contain five core sections — a header, a professional summary or career objective, employment history, a skills section and an education section. By choosing the right resume format, you are choosing which of these sections will hold the most weight on your document.
Typically, job seekers choose their resume format based on their level of work experience. Below, we outline each of the three formats to help you choose the one that’s right for you.
Chronological
This resume format works best for applicants who have several years of relevant work experience. This is the right format for you if:
- You have a steady work history with no major gaps.
- You have a stellar career progression.
- You have had more than one job in your field.
Functional
The functional resume format works well for recent graduates or those just entering the workforce. This is the right format for you if:
- You are learning how to write a resume with no job history.
- You have gaps in your work history.
- You are applying outside of your field or making a career change.
Combination
The combination resume is great for those with a few years of experience in their field who want to also show off an impressive skill set. This is the right resume format for you if:
- You have at least one year of relevant work experience.
- You have a consistent job history but want to emphasize specific hard and soft skills.
- You are coming back to work after a brief pause.
How to write a resume employment history: 4 tips
To make your resume work experience section really stand out, consider employing the following tips:
Feature action verbs
Using interesting language is a smart way to get the attention of a recruiter or hiring manager. Remember, they are often reviewing dozens — if not hundreds — of resumes for every role. To make your work experience section pop, avoid dull language when describing your work responsibilities. This means, skipping generic phrases like, “Responsible for answering phones” and opting instead for action words like, “Managed a busy phone system and fielded up to 15 calls an hour.”
Use data and metrics
Like in the example above, using numbers in your work experience section is an eye-catching way to show — not tell — employers about the impact your work has had. Listing numbers associated with your accomplishments gives a concrete example of what you’ll bring to the table if hired. Consider data surrounding your day-to-day tasks — like the number of guests greeted or how many sales calls you place in a day — in addition to metrics related to professional wins you are proud of.
Add unique skills
While studying the job ad is critical to getting the right skills and experience into your work experience section, don’t stop there. If you have transferable skills that are not listed in the job ad, list those as well. And, if you have unique skills, like fluency in multiple languages, be sure to mention them.
Mimic the language of the job posting
One last tip about customization — be sure to use the same language on your resume as it is used in the job post. Since your resume is likely to be read by an ATS before a human ever sees it, the way you phrase things is key. An ATS doesn’t understand nuance, so if a job ad asked for “proficiency with Microsoft Word,” it won’t recognize that “strong Word skills” means the same thing.
Heather is the Content Strategy Manager for Resume Now and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than ten years of experience writing about job search and career topics. She is based in San Francisco.
