Reverse Chronological

If you are using the Reverse Chronological format, this section will include specific information about your accomplishments in each work setting. You don't want to just list duties and responsibilities; this doesn't convey your competency or success.

Start with your most recent (or current) position. Again, be consistent in how you format each experience. Decide if you want to lead with your job title or place of employment and maintain that format throughout the section. Also include the location of the organization and the dates of employment.

Look at job descriptions, performance reviews, and awards or achievements that are related to this position. What can you say about your performance? For example, how many people did you supervise? What size of budget did you manage? How many seminars did you lead? What skills did you develop? What was your biggest accomplishment?

You want to paint a clear picture for the reader of the resume in terms of your seccess and the skills you have developed. They want to hire people who have been successful.

Example 1

Example 2

The second example is much more effective and conveys a message of accomplishment. You will increase your effectiveness by using the formula:

Action Verb + Object + Results

Sentences with this structure create a scenario and emphasize what you did, not what you were required to do. This is the time to "Toot your own horn." Recognize your skills and what you have achieved. The best predictor of future performance is past performance, so let it speak for you!

Remember to quantify results if it is possible. If descriptions become long (6+ lines), break them up into paragraphs. Don't forget to include information about team or group involvement, and balance the information to include technical and interpersonal skills.

You also want to avoid using acronyms. They may be common in your work area, but you will likely lose the reader if you use them.

Typically you will include jobs that are relevant, and many people only go back 10-15 years. However, if there are jobs beyond that time frame, use the section title "Relevant Experience." This makes it easy to have gaps in your experience and you appear focused.

Skills-Based Resume

If you use a Skills-Based Resume, your employment history will take a different format. This section usually follows the Skills Section (discussed later.) Typically, you will list each job briefly, including the place of employment, location, job title and dates. This becomes a short section, providing the reader with relevant information about where you worked. However, what you accomplished in each position will show up under the Skills section.