When it comes to crafting a resume, one of the most challenging aspects is writing detailed descriptions of your work experience, volunteer work, projects, and other activities that are relevant to the position you are applying for. These descriptions need to be concise, precise, and descriptive to give potential employers a clear understanding of your skills, accomplishments, and roles. In this article, we will discuss various ways to describe your work experience effectively.
When composing your work experience, volunteering, or project descriptions, it is important to start by stating the name of the company or organization, location, dates of employment, and your job title. It is recommended to list your experiences in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Use concise phrases that are led by strong action verbs to describe your responsibilities. Focus on highlighting the skills and qualities that are relevant to the industry you work in and try to incorporate industry-specific keywords. Show potential employers how you can contribute to their organization and the role you are applying for.
Vary the action verbs you use in your descriptions to avoid sounding repetitive. Use present tense for current activities and past tense for past experiences. Avoid using pronouns, prepositions, or unnecessary words like “I,” “and,” and “the” in your descriptions. Whenever possible, quantify your achievements and responsibilities using numerical figures, monetary values, or percentages. For numbers less than ten, spell them out, and use numeric symbols for numbers ten or more.
When describing your work experience, focus on your individual duties and accomplishments rather than summarizing the job or organization itself. Keep your descriptions concise and emphasize the most important aspects of your role. For example:
Assistant Manager/Head Lifeguard Position, The Swim Club, Anywhere, Pennsylvania
Resolved customer issues and ensured customer and visitor safety Supervised and trained six lifeguards on swim club rules and regulations Utilized Excel to create and manage lifeguard schedules, private swim lessons, and pool activities Assisted the club manager in overall club management
For inspiration on how to effectively showcase your skills and experiences, you can refer to resume samples provided by Steinbright.
Highlighting Your International Experience
Studying, working, or volunteering abroad can provide a wealth of skills and experiences, such as:
Adaptability to new cultures, languages, customs, and traditions Establishing professional contacts and connections Communication skills in verbal and written language, as well as non-verbal communication Increased cultural and global intelligence Critical thinking and problem-solving skills Independence Time management Financial management Confidence and initiative Global perspective and cultural competency Networking skills
When describing your international experience on your resume, use action verbs that reflect these skills, such as adapted, constructed, collaborated, improved, managed, organized, practiced, realized, represented, recognized, shared, traveled, visited, and more.
In conclusion, when describing your work experience, volunteer work, projects, or other relevant activities, it is crucial to be concise, descriptive, and focused on highlighting your key skills and achievements. Use strong action verbs, quantify your accomplishments when possible, and focus on what sets you apart in your field. By following these tips, you can create compelling descriptions that effectively showcase your qualifications to potential employers.
