How to write work experience on a CV

Let's face it: the work experience section of your CV is where the real action happens. It's your chance to seize the spotlight and showcase your career journey, highlighting the skills and experiences that make you a stand-out candidate. Think of it as your professional highlight reel, the "best of" collection demonstrating your value and potential to employers.

A well-crafted work experience section can be the difference between blending into the background and landing an interview at your dream job. Crafting a high-quality CV is your opportunity to grab the attention of employers, make a lasting impression, and prove that you're not just another face in the crowd.

In this guide, we’ll explore strategies and techniques that transform a simple list of jobs into a captivating narrative showcasing your unique talents and achievements. By incorporating impactful language and highlighting quantifiable results, we'll equip you with the tools and techniques needed to propel your career forward.

Why is the work experience section so important, anyway?

Imagine this: you're an employer sifting through a mountain of CVs, each one claiming the candidate is the perfect fit. How do you separate the wheat from the chaff? The answer lies in the work experience section.

This section isn't just a formality; it's your chance to prove you're not all talk. Work experience on a CV is where you provide concrete evidence that you possess the skills, experience, and track record to fulfil the job requirements and truly thrive in the role. Consider it your opportunity to answer the employer's unspoken question: "Can you actually walk the walk?"

Instead of just saying you're a highly motivated team player with excellent communication skills (boring!), your work experience section allows you to show it. Use your work experience section to paint a vivid picture of your capabilities and accomplishments, illustrating how you've excelled in previous roles and the impact you've made.

How do I add experience to my CV?

When showcasing your work experience, think of your CV as a blockbuster movie, not some dusty old documentary. While the reverse chronological format reigns supreme for most CVs, choosing the right CV format and tailoring it to your unique career path is key. 

The classic reverse chronological format spotlights your work history, like a dramatic opening scene that grabs the viewer's attention. For each chapter in your career story, craft a concise and captivating heading with your job title, the company name and location, and your employment dates. 

Now, use those bullet points like cinematic close-ups, zooming in on your key responsibilities and achievements. Here’s the plot twist: don't just list tasks – showcase the action-packed results you delivered. Did you skyrocket sales, engineer a process overhaul, or direct a surge in efficiency?

Quantify your impact using metrics and tangible examples to showcase your professional prowess. Don’t forget those powerful action verbs – words like "organised," " spearheaded," and "optimised.” By presenting your work experience this way, you create a captivating narrative that keeps potential employers on the edge of their seats, eager to see what you'll do next.

Examples of work experience on a CV

Crafting the perfect work experience section can feel like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube. Blindfolded. But don’t stress! We're here to help transform your work experience section from "meh" into "magnificent." Below, we'll explore some real-life examples of how to elevate your CV by showcasing your hard skills, soft skills, and accomplishments in a way that captivates employers. 

Check out our work experience examples below: 

Example 1: The Budding Teacher

Imagine you're a teacher applying for a teaching position at a secondary school. The job description highlights the importance of fostering student engagement and creating a dynamic learning environment. Here's how you might transform a lacklustre first draft into a winning work experience entry:

Example 2: The Marketing Maestro

Now, let's say you're a seasoned marketing professional vying for a coveted role at a leading tech company. The job calls for a creative strategist with a proven track record of driving brand awareness and engagement. Here's how you might showcase your marketing prowess:

Example 3: The Hospitality Hero

Perhaps you're a skilled bartender with a passion for mixology seeking a role at a trendy new cocktail bar. The job description outlines customer service, creativity, and a knack for crafting exceptional drinks. Here's how you might shake things up:

By carefully following these examples and crafting your work experience section, you can transform your CV from a mere list of duties into a captivating story showcasing your unique skills and accomplishments. Remember, it's not just about what you did but how you did it and the impact you made. So, unleash your inner storyteller and let that CV shine!

How to tailor your work experience on a CV

In the competitive jungle of the job market, your work experience section needs to be adaptable, morphing to match the unique terrain of each job application. Forget generic, one-size-fits-all CVs – those are about as exciting as watching paint dry.

Instead of churning out a generic, one-size-fits-all CV, embrace the art of tailoring, transforming your CV into a bespoke creation that speaks directly to the heart of each job application.  Think of it as crafting a persuasive argument, where every word and phrase is carefully chosen to win over your audience. 

Begin by dissecting the job description with the precision of a surgeon and identifying the key skills and experiences that are most sought after. Then, with the finesse of a master storyteller, weave these elements into your work experience narrative. 

If the role demands leadership, showcase instances where you took charge, inspired others and achieved remarkable results. If communication is paramount, highlight your ability to craft compelling narratives, translate complex data into crystal-clear prose, or negotiate with the skill of a seasoned diplomat. 

This approach not only demonstrates your deep understanding of the role but also transforms your CV from a static document into a dynamic testament to your potential. By presenting your experience in a way that resonates with the employer's specific needs, you increase your chances of standing out from the competition and securing that coveted interview. 

Remember, a tailored CV is a powerful tool in your job-hunting arsenal, allowing you to strategically position yourself as the ideal candidate for any role you desire.

Work experience on a CV: what to avoid

While showcasing your accomplishments is essential, knowing what to leave out of your work experience section is just as important. Think of your CV as a Michelin-star restaurant menu – every dish needs to be exquisite and contribute to the overall experience. 

Avoid generic statements that echo your job description, like a bland side salad. Instead, focus on tangible accomplishments and quantifiable results – the mouth-watering main courses that leave a lasting impression. Ditch the filler words and phrases that clutter your CV without adding any real flavour, like unnecessary garnishes that distract from the main event. 

Remember, relevance is the key ingredient. Tailor your work experience to each specific job application, highlighting the skills and experiences that perfectly complement the role's requirements, like a sommelier pairing wine with each course. Think of it this way: you wouldn't serve a hearty stew at a delicate afternoon tea, would you? Similarly, avoid overloading your CV with irrelevant information. 

By carefully selecting and presenting your accomplishments, you create a concise and impactful CV that leaves potential employers hungry for more. By avoiding these common pitfalls – the culinary faux pas of the CV world, you'll ensure your CV is a refined and delectable experience that tantalises the taste buds of recruiters and hiring managers, leaving them eager to offer you a seat at the table.

How far back should your CV work experience go?

Deciding how far back to delve into your career history is a delicate balancing act.  Think of your CV as a bespoke suit – it must be tailored to fit you perfectly, showcasing your most relevant experience without becoming overly bulky or outdated.  While including every job you've ever held is tempting, remember that relevance is key. For most professionals, focusing on the past 10-15 years of experience is a good rule of thumb. 

This allows you to highlight your recent accomplishments and demonstrate your career progression without overwhelming the reader with information that may no longer be relevant.  However, there are exceptions to every rule. If you have an earlier role that is particularly relevant to the job you're applying for, don't hesitate to include it, even if it falls outside that timeframe. 

For those with extensive careers spanning several decades, consider condensing earlier roles into a brief overview, focusing on job titles and employers rather than detailed descriptions. Formatting your CV like this lets you acknowledge your experience while prioritising the most recent and relevant information. 

Ultimately, the key is to strike a balance between comprehensiveness and conciseness.  Your CV should tell a compelling story of your career journey, highlighting the experiences that best demonstrate your suitability for the role. By carefully curating your work history, you create a CV that is both informative and engaging, leaving a lasting impression on potential employers.

Key takeaways

Showcase your achievements, quantify your impact, and demonstrate the value you brought to previous roles. Tailor your CV to each job application, highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant. 

Use strong action verbs, impactful bullet points, and captivating language to tell a compelling story about your career journey. Don’t forget that keywords are your secret weapon – sprinkle them throughout your CV to get noticed by both humans and the ATS. Keep your CV concise, focused, and easy to read, avoiding clutter and irrelevant information. 

Lastly, don’t forget to proofread! By following these key tips, you can transform your CV from a snore fest into a dynamic showcase of your skills and achievements, increasing your chances of landing that dream job.