what to put in description on resume

• Search Search Please fill out this field.
• Career Planning
• Finding a Job

How to Write Resume Job Descriptions (With Examples)

How to Write Resume Job Descriptions

When you think about job descriptions, it's likely that job ads posted by employers first spring to mind. But the most important job descriptions may be the ones you create yourself when you’re describing past positions on your resume.

These job descriptions show prospective employers what you have accomplished in the positions you've held. They also provide a synopsis of your experience and skills. Well-written descriptions for each job you have held will help get your resume noticed—and selected—for interviews.

Here’s advice on writing job descriptions for your resume, what to include, how to quantify and prioritize your accomplishments, and examples.

What's the best way to write attention-grabbing job descriptions? Before you start adding job descriptions to your resume, you may want to make a list of accomplishments at each of your jobs. This will prepare you for writing your resume.

Focus on Skills and Achievements

After you have written a job description, look for ways to make your explanation more concise:

• Craft effective impact statements.
• Highlight skills and achievements, providing only enough detail to support your premises.
• Edit out pronouns and articles.
• Begin phrases or sentences with verbs.
• Choose strong words— resume action words  like “initiated” and “supervised” are powerful and show that you’ve made an impact on your team.
• Having short descriptions that focus on the most powerful aspects of your role will help recruiters and hiring managers quickly take in and assess your experience. 

Include Keywords

If you are submitting resumes to organizations that add them to  applicant tracking systems  (ATS), include as many industry and job-specific " keywords " as possible. When searching databases for potential candidates, employers seek resumes with the greatest number of "hits" on keywords.

Keywords are most often nouns, e.g., “customer service” or “computer skills.” To use keywords most effectively, be specific, use as many as possible, and sprinkle them throughout your resume. 

Be Selective About What You Include

Your resume isn’t your entire  work history , and you don’t need to include every duty for each role. Determine the most relevant information by putting yourself in your potential employer's position: Will this information help convince the employer that you are a worthwhile candidate to interview?

You do not have to include every responsibility you ever had. Group together similar tasks. For instance, rather than listing "Answered phones" and "Responded to customer emails" in two bullet points, you can combine and say, "Resolved customer issues through phone, email, and chat conversations."

Prioritize Your Qualifications

Next, think about prioritizing the information you provide in each description. Present details that are of the greatest interest to potential employers first. 

Highlight your most relevant qualifications for the job by listing them first in the job description.

For example, consider a candidate seeking a job in interior design. The resume might reflect a retail experience in which 75% of the candidate's time was spent on the sales floor, and 25% was spent designing window and floor displays. Since the design of window and floor displays is most meaningful to an interior design employer, this should be listed before sales. 

Job Description Example

Sales Associate , Retail USA, New York, NY October 2023 – Present

• Designed all large windows using color as the primary focus.
• Created engaging point-of-purchase displays for slow-moving small items; increased sales of these items by 30%.
• Organized floor displays to maximize space and call attention to the latest merchandise.
• Utilized strong interpersonal and communications skills to serve customers; received employee of the month award twice.

Quantify Your Achievements

Quantify as much information as you can (numbers, dollar signs, and percentages can all help to make your case). 

For instance, a bullet point that reads "Grew traffic 35% year-over-year" is more impressive—and informative—than one that reads simply "Improved traffic."

Employers like numbers. It's much easier to look at signs and symbols than it is to read words.

Nearly any description, for any job, can be  enhanced through the use of numbers . A waitress might start out with the description, "Took customer orders and delivered food." But a quantified description saying, "Served customers in an upscale 100-seat restaurant," provides much more insight.

Waitress, Maxill's Restaurant,  New York, NY January 2022 – Present

• Provided dining service for patrons at an upscale 100-seat fine dining establishment.
• Served meals, cleared tables, monitored five tables, and provided exceptional customer service to up to 30 customers.
• Trained new waitstaff on POS system, guest services, and restaurant policies and procedures.

Emphasize Accomplishments Over Responsibilities

It's important for employees to know you have the necessary experience to do the work required in the position. Still, many candidates will have this relevant experience.

To stand out, emphasize how you added value. Focus on accomplishments, rather than responsibilities.

As seen above, numbers can be your friend when it comes to  highlighting your accomplishments in your resume . As well, numbers provide context. For instance, you might say, "Increased revenue by 5%, after several years of decreasing sales."

Or, rather than saying, "Answered phone calls and dealt with customer concerns," you can say, "Resolved customer concerns, answering approximately 10 calls per hour. Became go-to person on the team for dealing with the toughest phone calls and most challenging complaints."

Employers want to know what you accomplished. Make it easy for them to see what you've done by using numbers and percentages.

While it is important to keep descriptions short, adding details and context can help show employers why you'd be a good match for the position. 

Customer Service Associate,  ABD Company March 2023 – August 2024

• Resolved customer concerns efficiently and expeditiously, answering approximately 300 calls per week.
• Achieved 100% of call performance goals for accuracy, speed, volume, resolution of issues, and customer satisfaction.
• Nominated for employee-of-the-month four times for excellent attitude and exemplary customer service skills.

Make Your Jobs Sound Better

There are easy ways to jazz up your resume job descriptions to  make your jobs sound super impressive . A few simple tweaks here and there can make your resume much better.

Key Takeaways

• Spend some time writing the job descriptions on your resume since potential employers will read them carefully. 
• Focus on relevant skills and accomplishments—be choosy about the information you include, and place the most relevant information at the top of the job description. 
• Rather than simply listing out tasks, focus on what you've accomplished in each role, incorporating attention-grabbing numbers and percentages. 

20 Examples: How to Write Resume Job Descriptions

By Status.net Editorial Team on November 9, 2023 — 7 minutes to read

Crafting Compelling Resume Job Descriptions

Action verbs and power statements.

When describing your work experience, kick things off with strong action verbs. Choosing the right verb can create an impactful first impression. Look for energy-packed words like “pioneered”, “spearheaded”, “orchestrated”, and “streamlined” to describe your accomplishments.

For example, instead of saying, “Responsible for sales growth,” say, “Spearheaded sales growth by 20% in one year”. This demonstrates your go-getter attitude and leadership skills.

Quantified Achievements

Highlight your accomplishments with specific numbers and data. Employers appreciate concrete results and gravitate towards resumes that show how you made a difference.

If you managed to reduce costs, mention the percentage of savings. For instance, “Streamlined processes, leading to a 15% reduction in overhead expenses”. If you increased revenue, quantify it like this, “Implemented innovative strategies, boosting annual revenue by 25%”.

Adding numbers and percentages to your resume job descriptions gives employers a clear picture of your performance and capabilities.

Tailoring to Job Specifications

Customize your resume to the specific job description you’re applying for. Highlight your relevant experience and skills to catch the recruiter’s eye.

• Start by aligning your qualifications with the job requirements. If the role calls for strong team leadership, emphasize your experience managing teams. For example, “Led a team of 10 sales professionals, achieving 120% of quarterly sales target”.
• Similarly, if the job demands expertise in project management, focus on your achievements in that domain, such as, “Delivered three high-priority projects within budget and ahead of schedule”.

Tailoring your resume to the job specifications helps demonstrate that you’re the ideal candidate, making it easier for recruiters to spot your value.

Key Elements for Describing Work Experience

Relevance to job application.

When describing your work experience on your resume, it’s important to focus on the aspects that are most relevant to the job application. This will make your resume stronger and help you stand out to potential employers. Think about the skills required for the job and emphasize those in your job descriptions. For example, if you’re applying for a sales position, highlight your achievements in sales, customer service, and relationship building.

Work Achievements and Responsibilities

Showcase your accomplishments and responsibilities in each job description. Use bullet points to list your achievements and quantify them whenever possible. For instance, instead of writing “Responsible for sales growth,” you can say, “Increased sales by 15% in one year through effective customer outreach strategies.” This gives employers a clearer idea of your abilities and the impact you made in your previous roles.

Job Title and Employer’s Name

Don’t forget to include your job title and employer’s name in each job description. This information helps hiring managers understand the level of responsibility you had in your previous roles. Even if the job title isn’t well-known, it can still provide context about your experience. For example:

• Sales Associate, ABC Electronics
• Project Coordinator, XYZ Software

Duration of Employment

It’s essential to mention the duration of your employment for each job on your resume. Include the start and end dates in a standard format (e.g., MM/YYYY or Month Year). This helps potential employers understand your work history and assess your job stability. Also, if you have gaps in your employment history, be prepared to explain them during an interview. Here’s an example of how to represent your duration of employment:

• Sales Associate, ABC Electronics (June 2018 – Present)

Sample Phrases for Resume Job Descriptions

The sample phrases provided can help inspire you to create compelling and results-oriented descriptions for your resume. When crafting your bullet points, focus on quantifying your achievements and impact using metrics, percentages, and dollars where possible. Highlight how you exceeded expectations, strengthened key relationships, saved money or resources, increased efficiencies, and took initiative to solve problems. The goal is to demonstrate your expertise, accomplishments, and value to potential employers in a clear, concise manner using the most relevant and impactful examples from your career experience.

• – Leveraged extensive knowledge of marketing strategies and analytics to spearhead innovative multi-channel campaigns, growing brand awareness by 32%.
• – Recognized for exceptional relationship management skills; consistently exceeded new business development targets by proactively identifying and qualifying leads.
• – Excelled at resolving complex client issues, employing active listening and problem-solving abilities to deliver personalized solutions that strengthened long-term partnerships.
• – Successfully guided globally distributed teams and high-budget initiatives to completion ahead of ambitious deadlines.
• – Praised for outstanding attention to detail and commitment to quality assurance.
• – Proven record of taking initiative to streamline workflows, resulting in a 28% increase in throughput while maintaining the highest service levels.
• – Known for versatility in tackling diverse responsibilities simultaneously; thrive in fast-paced environments demanding flexibility and adaptability.
• – Expertise spans full lifecycle of product development from concept ideation to commercial launch; hands-on contributions critical to multiple patent filings.
• – Proven track record of achieving results through direct reports, partners, and virtual teams globally; adapt leadership style to diverse cultures.
• – Managed a portfolio of client accounts valued at over $5 million, providing best-in-class solutions and achieving a 90% retention rate.
• – Developed comprehensive marketing strategies to launch three new product lines, generating over $2 billion in cumulative revenue.
• – Oversaw all aspects of product development from concept through commercialization, bringing cutting-edge innovations to market ahead of schedule and under budget.
• – Led a virtual team of 15 professionals to implement a major systems integration project, streamlining operations and processes across multiple departments.
• – Consistently exceeded sales targets by an average of 125% through effective lead generation, needs analysis, and solution presentations.
• – Reduced customer support tickets by 45% through implementation of new training programs and service protocols.
• – Authored standard operating procedures manual adopted enterprise-wide, establishing best practices for quality, compliance, and efficiency.
• – Analyzed financial reports and key metrics to recommend data-driven process improvements, reducing costs by over 20%.
• – Planned and executed conferences, trade shows, and events with hundreds of attendees, generating new leads and strengthening industry partnerships.
• – Recognized as a technical expert, supporting a wide variety of products and fielding complex troubleshooting requests from customers.

The key is to focus on concrete achievements, responsibilities, and skills. Quantify results when possible and use powerful action verbs to demonstrate your impact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Avoid generic and vague phrases when describing your work experience. For example, instead of saying “Responsible for managing a team,” try using specific details like, “Managed a team of 10 to achieve a 15% increase in sales over a year.” This shows your actual accomplishments and their impact.
• Don’t exaggerate your achievements or inflate your job title. Stay honest and accurate in your descriptions to maintain your integrity with potential employers. If you need to quantify your achievements, use numbers and percentages to show your contributions.
• Beware of using too much jargon or technical terms that might confuse the reader. While it’s important to demonstrate your expertise, keep your language clear and straightforward. This can make it easier for the hiring manager to understand your qualifications and achievements.
• Avoid being overly modest when listing your accomplishments. Make sure to highlight your contributions and the positive outcomes they resulted in. Focusing on results shows how you have helped previous employers and demonstrates your value to potential new ones.
• Limit the number of bullet points per job to the most relevant accomplishments. Too many bullet points can be overwhelming and dilute the impact of your most impressive achievements. Aim for about 3-7 bullet points, prioritizing those that align with the requirements and expectations of the job you’re applying for.
• Always proofread your resume carefully and check for grammatical errors, typos, and inconsistencies in formatting. A polished, error-free resume displays professionalism and attention to detail – qualities that employers seek in potential candidates.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what are some examples of effectively describing work experience in a resume.

To describe your work experience effectively, use action verbs and quantify achievements when possible. For example:

• Managed a team of 5 salespeople, increasing annual revenue by 20%.
• Designed and implemented a new marketing strategy, resulting in 30% more leads.

2. How can I highlight my skills and responsibilities in my resume?

To highlight your skills and responsibilities, use bullet points under each job title. Focus on your accomplishments and how they impacted the company. For example:

• Streamlined the invoicing process, reducing errors by 15%.
• Developed new customer service protocols, increasing satisfaction scores by 20%.

3. What are some tips for writing resume job descriptions when I don’t have much experience?

If you don’t have much experience, focus on transferable skills and relevant accomplishments. You can also include volunteer work, internships, or part-time jobs. For example:

• Assisted with event planning for a charity fundraiser, raising $10,000.
• Completed a marketing internship, contributing to a 10% increase in social media engagement.

4. Can you provide a few examples of well-written resume responsibilities and achievements?

Here are a few examples of well-written resume responsibilities and achievements:

• Oversaw budget and financial planning for a $1 million project, completing it within budget and on-time.
• Implemented a new training program for new hires, reducing onboarding time by 25%.

5. How can I tailor my resume to match a specific job description?

To tailor your resume, carefully read the job description and identify the skills and responsibilities the employer is seeking. Then, adjust your resume by emphasizing those skills and showcasing your accomplishments that are directly related to the requirements. For example:

• If the job description mentions project management skills, highlight your experience managing projects and their outcomes.
• If the employer is looking for a candidate with specific software knowledge, mention your proficiency with those tools and provide examples of how you have used them in past projects.
• 3 Smart Examples: Choosing a Resume File Name
• 5 Smart Examples: How To Write a Job Inquiry Email
• 3 Examples: How to Write a Customer Service Resume Summary
• 3 Examples: How to Write a Job Offer Thank-You Letter
• Template and 2 Examples of a Simple Resume
• 30 Top Resume Headline Examples and Templates

How to Write Resume Job Description in 6 Steps [+ Examples]

• April 18, 2024
• In Resumes & Cover Letters

Writing a strong resume job description is key to catching a recruiter’s attention. By following six clear steps, you can effectively highlight your responsibilities, achievements, and the impact you’ve made in previous roles. This approach helps tailor your resume to specific job requirements, making it easier for hiring managers to see your fit for the position.

Why is a job description important to an employer?

A resume job description is incredibly important for several reasons:

• Establishing Credibility : A well-written job description in your resume establishes your credibility with prospective employers. It showcases what you bring to the table and why you are the perfect match for the job.
• Demonstrating Readiness for the Role : A strong job description shows recruiters and prospective employers that you can immediately start contributing without much hand-holding or training. It conveys that you have the necessary skills and experience to hit the ground running.
• Optimizing for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) : Tailoring your resume job description to the specific job you are applying for is crucial. Many companies use ATS to scan and rank resumes based on keywords and skills. By optimizing your job description with specific skills and keywords, you increase your chances of getting noticed by the system and advancing in the hiring process.
• Standing Out from Other Candidates : A well-crafted job description that aligns with the requirements of the position can help you stand out from other candidates. By highlighting your achievements and showcasing how your skills match the job description, you can make a strong impression on hiring managers.

In summary, a resume job description is essential for establishing credibility, showcasing your abilities, demonstrating readiness for the role, optimizing for ATS, and standing out from other candidates. By tailoring your job description to the specific job you are applying for and highlighting your achievements, you increase your chances of securing an interview and landing the job.

How to write an effective resume job description

Writing effective job descriptions in your resume is crucial for showcasing your skills, experiences, and accomplishments to potential employers. Here are 6 simple steps on how to write a resume job description:

Step 1: Include relevant information

Start the job description section at the top half of the first page of your resume. Include the job title, company name, location, dates of employment, and a brief overview of your responsibilities and achievements.

Step 2: Highlight accomplishments

 Instead of simply listing your job duties, focus on your measurable accomplishments and the impact you made in each role. Use specific examples and quantify your achievements whenever possible. This helps employers understand the value you can bring to their organization.

Step 3: Use concise language

 Craft impactful statements by using strong action verbs and removing unnecessary pronouns and articles. Begin phrases or sentences with verbs to make your descriptions more engaging and dynamic. Choose words that demonstrate your skills and show that you have made a positive impact in your previous roles.

Step 4: Tailor descriptions to the job

 Customize your job descriptions to align with the requirements and responsibilities of the position you are applying for. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that directly relate to the job you are seeking.

Step 5: Follow a reverse chronological order

Start with your most recent or current job and work backward in time. This format is commonly used and helps employers easily understand your career progression.

Step 6: Always use bullet points

Use bullet points to showcase the responsibilities and achievements for each previous job. Bullet points should be concise and to the point. They do not require long sentences or punctuation.

Including relevant keywords in resume job descriptions

Including relevant keywords in resume job descriptions is crucial for catching the attention of hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS) that scan resumes.

• Review the job posting : Carefully analyze the job posting or job description of the position you are applying for. Identify keywords and phrases that are frequently mentioned and align with the requirements of the role.
• Identify core skills and qualifications : Identify the core skills, qualifications, and experience necessary for the job. These could include technical skills, industry-specific knowledge, certifications, or soft skills. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your job descriptions.
• Quantify achievements : Whenever possible, quantify your achievements and provide specific results or metrics. This not only makes your resume more impactful but also helps incorporate keywords. 
• Avoid keyword stuffing : While it’s important to include keywords, avoid overloading your resume with them. Use keywords naturally and in context, ensuring that your descriptions flow smoothly and remain focused on your accomplishments and responsibilities.

By including the right keywords, you increase the chances of your resume standing out and passing through ATS screenings.

Resume job description examples

Resume job descriptions are an essential part of your resume, as they provide specific details about your previous jobs and experiences. Including accurate and well-written job descriptions can help highlight your skills, achievements, and qualifications to potential employers. Here are some examples of resume job descriptions:

#1. Customer Service Job Description Example

Customer Service Associate, Timmy’s Retail, Columbus, Ohio January 2011 – March 2016

• Emphasized customer satisfaction by resolving circa 170 customer queries every week.
• Spearheaded weekly strategy meetings and suggested a new ticketing system that decreased response time by 23%.
• Named employee of the month 24 times for proactive attitude and high customer satisfaction.

#2. Executive Assistant Job Description Sample

Executive Assistant, BrightWay Inc., Boston, Massachusetts September 2017 – November 2020

• Developed and implemented a new filing system that increased productivity and saved up to 1 hour’s work daily.
• Realized $2800 in monthly savings by reducing unneeded expenses and finding better deals for office supplies.

#3. Front Office Job Description Sample

Front Office Receptionist, Lilly & Co, New York, New York May 2018 – November 2023

• Implemented a new appointment scheduling system, resulting in a 23% increase in efficiency and a cost savings of $7,500 per year.
• Providing support with various administrative tasks, which may include organizing files, entering data, and preparing documents.
• Providing general information to visitors and clients.
• Assisting with event planning and coordination.

#4. Project Manager Job Description Sample

Project Manager, Nordisk, Columbus, Ohio Jun 2019 – November 2023

• Designed an accelerated program roadmap, saving 25% on expenditures and delivering completed implementation three months ahead of schedule
• Directed a $2M corporate headquarters relocation project, delivering target outcomes on time and under budget
• Coordinating internal resources and third-party vendors to ensure the seamless completion of projects.

#5. Sales Manager  Job Description Sample

Sales Manager, Blue Hill Holdings, New York, New York July 2015 – December 2020

• Trained and onboarded 13 sales agents, 11 of whom are still a part of the company
• Increased annual sales revenue by 18% through the usage of a new sales system
• Utilized strong negotiation and communication skills to sign new clients, exceeding monthly sales goals by 34%

#6.  Supervisor Job Description Sample

Supervisor, Honeywell Group, New York, New York September 2017 – November 2023

• Led a team that successfully completed a project three weeks ahead of schedule, resulting in cost savings of $87,000.
• Successfully completed specialized projects, such as implementing a new customer service system that resulted in a 27% increase in customer satisfaction ratings.
• Coach, resolve issues, and provide guidance and support for individual development needs.

#7. Teacher Job Description Example

Teacher, Manhattan Upper School September 2017 – November 2020

• Developed and implemented lesson plans based on curriculum guidelines.
• Delivered engaging and interactive lessons to students.
• Assessed student performance and provided feedback and grades.
• Communicated with parents/guardians regarding student progress and behavior.

A strong resume job description aim to demonstrate the value and expertise that make you the perfect fit for the job. By following the tips above, you will create an impactful job description that will impress the recruiter and help you stand out.

Popular related posts:

• How to Choose an Executive Resume Writing Service
• Best Resume Format for 2024? [+ Examples]
• Resume Objective Examples [+How to Guide]
• How to Write Powerful Resume Bullet Points (+ Examples)

Get a Resume Expert Writing Help

No time to polish your resume, cover letter, thank-you letter, or LinkedIn? Our resume writing experts are ready to check your documents right now.

• No products in the cart.
• Resume Writing Service
• Free Resume Review
• Resume Templates
• Career Advice

(800) 644-9694

[email protected]

How To Write Compelling Resume Job Descriptions (with Examples)

It’s no secret that a compelling, attention-getting resume can be the difference between landing your dream job and crash landing into a sea of comparably dull resumes.

A great resume gives you a significant competitive edge in the job market . Conversely, a bad resume can bring your job search to a stall .

It is true that your job descriptions are just one part of writing the perfect resume . But it is also true that well-constructed, engaging, compelling resume job descriptions are the backbone of a modern resume that stands out from the pack.

How To Structure Your Resume Professional Experience Section

With the exception of entry-level job candidates , most job seekers will have a work history comprised of at least a couple of past employers and sometimes multiple jobs within each employer.

While choosing the right resume format will be an individual process for every job seeker, this format will include an employment history section for most job seekers. In this section, you will list each past job and other relevant professional experiences (such as volunteer work ) in reverse chronological order.

At a minimum, each job description in this section will include the company’s name, your job title, and the dates you held the job title. Most job seekers will also include the basic details of the job, such as the job responsibilities and other relevant information, such as technical skills or other key skills .

But, to write a really compelling resume job description, the key is to go beyond the typical recitation of job responsibilities.

The Insider Secret to Writing a Compelling Job Description

It is all about storytelling .

Hiring managers don’t care about what you were supposed to do (which is what responsibilities and job duties tell them).

They care about what you did–as in what you accomplished . And more to the point, how your accomplishments benefited your past employers.

When you use a storytelling format to write resume job descriptions, you captivate hiring managers with relevant, memorable content that helps the hiring manager to make connections between your past work history and your future potential.

Here then, are some tips for writing compelling resume job descriptions. Start with the basics and consider the ABC’s of resume writing that will have hiring managers’ heads turning.

A: Allow Verbs (Not Adjectives) to Tell Your Story

Fill each resume job description with verbs. Adjectives can make the text more engaging but should be used sparingly (read: extreme moderation!). Instead, use concrete examples of accomplishments headed by verbs to describe your work history.

Too many descriptive adjectives can obscure and make your job description seem filled with fluff. Verbs, on the other hand, imply action and accomplishments.

Compelling verbs showcase what you have done and highlight ways you’ve turned challenges into successes without the story getting lost in a pile of pretty prose.

You can see how to do this in the following resume job description example. Note the extensive use of verbs (highlighted) in this job description.

Formatting your resume job description with a few bullet points will also make it easier to read. Try breaking out accomplishments with bullet points. Ideally, between three to five bullet points per job description though a couple more or less is acceptable. Typically, you should include fewer bullet points the further back you go in the chronology of your past jobs .

By definition, an accomplishment is something that has already happened. In other words, it happened in the past. This means that each bullet point should begin with a past tense verb. Powerful, active verbs deliver your message with a punch.

Finally, use a thesaurus and diversify your verbs. Repeating the same words can lower effectiveness, making your resume seem flat and redundant rather than persuasive. The following resume job description examples illustrate all of these suggestions in practice.

B: Bland is Boring – And That’s Bad

Your goal is to stand out from the crowd . If your resume job description text is more boring than bold, that’s bad – and probably not going to open any doors.

Think about it this way. Advertisers spend millions of dollars annually creating commercials that grab consumers’ attention.

They want to get as much use out of every dollar as possible. That’s why they create jingles. Jingles stick in your head, and ads often include loud voices and bright colors that are hard to ignore.

Similarly, your resume is an advertisement letting companies know that you are their best option – a credible candidate who knows how to deliver value and garner results in challenging situations .

You want the hiring manager to walk away from your resume humming the tune that says, “this is the candidate I’ve been looking for.” Your resume job description is your jingle, as shown in the following job description example.

There are three parts to telling a compelling story in the job description section of your resume:

• The challenge or situation: What was the situation in the company when you worked there? What were the significant challenges or problems you dealt with? What were your primary goals?
• The actions you took: What did you do to meet those challenges, solve those problems, or achieve those goals ?
• The results: What were the positive results of your actions concerning the challenges or problems? How did your employer benefit?

Reread the sample job descriptions shown throughout this post. Can you identify the three parts? This is called the C.A.R. approach to writing a resume , and it is one of the trade secrets of professional resume writers . Done well, this is a fail-proof way of getting your resume noticed.

C: Connect the Content

Hiring managers typically put real thought into every job posting. When you read a job ad, you will often find a detailed listing of qualifications sought by the hiring manager. As a job seeker, when you submit your job application , it only makes sense that your resume should include some of the same wording used in the job posting.

There are two reasons for filling your resume job description text with the words and phrases that potential employers use in job ads.

The first reason is that these words usually describe key skills–both hard skills and soft skills– that are important resume keywords . Including the most important resume keywords are essential for ensuring your resume performs well in applicant tracking systems (ATS) .

The following job description example shows a pro technique for fitting extra keywords into your resume job description section.

In the following resume job description example, the job posting made it clear that the employer was seeking a strong team leader and coach with the ability to improve the performance of a sales team . The story told in the job seeker’s resume showed how past relevant experiences prove that this job seeker is the perfect hire to meet the employer’s needs.

The second reason for using these keywords is that they help show connections between your relevant experience (shown in your C.A.R. scenarios ) and the company’s needs.

For example, if the job posting calls for “agility and resilience,” each resume job description should highlight the instances in your employment history demonstrating those characteristics. Make the connection between your compelling content and the position you want to fill.

D: Do Your Homework

Beyond carefully reading each job posting, you should do your homework and learn as much as you can about your next potential employers . Knowing more about the company to which you plan to submit a job application will help you give even more dimension to your resume.

Review the company website and the company profile on Linkedin .

Research the history, founders, upper management, and the path between the early days of business to the present.

Get to know the company philosophy and what drives its success.

Learn the company’s target markets and identify its main competitors.

Read company news releases to learn about newsworthy events.

Familiarizing yourself with these details will help shape your job descriptions. In addition, this will aid you in making even more connections between your relevant professional experiences and the prospective employers’ needs.

E: Edit (Twice)

It cannot be stressed enough: a compelling resume job description won’t help you if a potential employer discovers an error. Spelling and punctuation errors will put your resume in the “do not call” pile faster than it can make it to the printer.

Some of the most common (and essential) mistakes to look for include :

Spelling : relying on spellcheck is dangerous. Read and reread what you’ve written, in particular noting proper names that a spell check may completely miss.

Punctuation : some things don’t belong on a resume for any reason – like an exclamation mark. Be sure your hyphens, periods, and quotations are appropriately placed.

Grammar : compelling resume writing knows proper grammar and uses it wisely.

Formatting : even a minor resume format change can influence the overall look of your resume. Double-check that the appearance is consistent and highly professional from top to bottom.

Final Resume Job Description Considerations

To get the interview , creating a compelling, modern resume is a necessity for all job seekers.

Improving each job description in the professional experience section of your resume is an essential step in creating resumes that get attention and win interviews . To create compelling job descriptions that show your personality and professionalism remember to use verbs, connect the content, do your homework, and edit until you’re sure it’s perfect.

But if you feel at all overwhelmed , we are here for you! You do not have to struggle to create a perfect resume . Instead, let us write it for you! Book a free resume writing consultation today to learn more about our professional resume services . It is an investment in your career that will pay off many times over!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a resume compelling and stand out from the pack.

A compelling resume is one that tells a story about your accomplishments, not just your duties. It goes beyond listing basic job details, and it uses strong verbs to showcase actions and achievements. It also makes connections between your past experiences and the job you’re seeking.

What is the recommended structure for the professional experience section in a resume?

The professional experience section should be presented in reverse chronological order. It should include the company’s name, your job title, and the dates you held the position. Additionally, it should detail the job responsibilities and relevant skills you acquired during your tenure.

How can I make my job descriptions compelling?

The secret to compelling job descriptions is to turn them into stories of your accomplishments. Rather than just listing duties, focus on the challenges you faced, the actions you took, and the results you achieved. Using strong verbs instead of adjectives can help make your stories more impactful.

What is the C.A.R. approach in resume writing?

C.A.R. stands for Challenge, Action, and Result. It’s a technique for writing job descriptions on a resume. It involves outlining the challenge or situation you faced at work, the actions you took to tackle those challenges, and the results of your actions. This approach helps to tell a compelling story of your professional accomplishments.

How can I match my resume to the job posting?

You can make your resume match the job posting by including relevant keywords from the job ad in your resume. This can be important for passing through applicant tracking systems and for demonstrating to the hiring manager that your skills and experiences align with what they’re looking for in a candidate.

Why is researching about a potential employer important?

Researching about a potential employer helps you tailor your resume more effectively. It allows you to understand the company’s history, philosophy, target market, and competitors. This understanding can then be used to make more specific connections between your experiences and the employer’s needs.

Why is editing important in resume writing?

Editing is crucial to ensure your resume is free from spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors. A single mistake can give the impression of carelessness and might prevent you from getting an interview. In addition, consistent formatting contributes to a professional appearance.

What if I'm overwhelmed by the resume writing process?

If you’re overwhelmed, you can seek professional help. There are services available that specialize in resume writing and can help present your experiences in a compelling and professional manner. These services can be an investment in your career and help you land the job you desire.

About the Author: Michelle Dumas

Share This Article, Choose Your Platform!

Popular & related blog posts.

Widely recognized as one of the industry’s longest-standing resume writing firms and an industry pioneer on the internet, Distinctive Career Services (aka Distinctive Documents) is respected for our unmatched expertise, quality, and commitment to clients. Since 1996, we have met the resume development and career marketing needs of well over 10,000 discriminating professionals in all 50 U.S. states and internationally.

Recent Posts

Tips & Advice

• Affiliate Partner Program
• Service Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Statement

© Copyright 1996 – 2023 | Distinctive Career Services, LLC    |   All Rights Reserved   |   Phone: 800-644-9694

Resume Job Description: Samples & Tips To Help You Enhance Your Application

In This Guide:

What is a resume job description, responsibilities vs accomplishments: how to enhance your resume job description, how to write your resume job description with achievements if you’re a newly grad, how do i tailor a resume to a job description effectively, looking for a resume job description example.

Getting your resume done is one of the most unnerving parts of the job application process.

Do I have enough experience? Which positions should I list? Can I mention my volunteer work history? Should I or should I not include a photo on my resume ?

These are just some of the questions that ran through my mind when I was preparing my resume.

I spent days researching the best resume practices out there, trying to craft the perfect document that was sure to land me the job.

I wanted my resume to stand out. To make an impact on the hiring managers. I wanted it to work.

And you know what? I made it work.

Surprisingly, all I did was tweak one part that hadn’t crossed my mind before – the job description .

So, stick around and let me tell you the story of how one section can make or break your application.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What a resume job description is and why it’s important;
• How to make sure you write a job description that blows all the other candidates out of the water;
• How to tailor your job description to the specific position you’re applying for.

BUILD MY RESUME NOW

Now, let’s start with the question on everyone’s minds.

To put it short, a job description section on your resume shows the prospective employers your past work experience (paid, internship, and volunteer), as well as your key skills and accomplishments demonstrated at a specific job.

It’s one of the most important resume sections .

It shows a hiring manager what you’ve achieved, what you’ve learned, and how that can be applied to the position they’re offering.

What a well-written resume job description does is highlight the fact that your skills and accomplishments are not only relevant to the job at hand – they’re exactly what the company needs.

When writing about your work history, don’t just list your duties at a past job – that’s boring and, to be honest, recruiters don’t really care.

What’s important to them is that you have the necessary experience, skills, and drive to manage and excel at the task you’ll need to handle.

Hopefully, you now know what a job description section is.

So, to make sure you write one that gets your resume noticed, I’m going to give you some hot tips, coming straight from the experts.

Let’s get right to it!

Focus on your skills and achievements

As I said, recruiters don’t really care about all the daily duties and responsibilities you’ve had before, even if your past job is relevant to the one you’re applying for.

I guarantee, every other applicant that’s held a similar position will have had similar duties. Your job title itself lets the recruiter know what they are.

It doesn’t matter what you did, but how you succeeded at it.

So, what you need to do is highlight your accomplishments and skills while you outline your duties. This shows the hiring manager that you can bring value to the company.

You don’t need to go into too much detail – a simple statement, such as “Created a custom client dashboard that reduced support tickets by 50%” is enough to show what you’ve brought to the table.

However, you can’t just throw any old achievement in there. You need to curate your content. So…

Vet your experience and select the most relevant information

You don’t have to list your entire work history when you write your resume job description, just as you don’t have to list every single responsibility.

What helps is to pinpoint which part of your experience will be the most important to the recruiter and focus on that.

Prioritize the information you include in your job descriptions. You may have achieved tons of things at your past job – but which one is the most relevant? Find out and put it first.

Try and put yourself in the employer’s shoes.

Will a recruiter looking for a web developer be impressed by how you increased Walmart’s Pepper Jack sales by 30% in a week?

Probably not, unless it’s his favorite cheese.

So, research the company, the position, and what is most important to them, and then match it to your skills and accomplishments.

Let the numbers speak for you

Take any achievement of yours. Can the information be represented by symbols and numbers? If yes, then do just that.

People find reading concrete symbols and signs easier than reading words.

Let’s go back to our cheese example from before. Which of the following statements is more impressive:

“Increased cheese sales” or “Increased Pepper Jack sales by 30% in 1 week by leading a successful marketing campaign”?

Even something as ordinary as cheese can sound fancy when you throw in raw data like that.

Be very specific when talking about your achievements and quantify as much as possible.

Make attention-grabbing section headers

Your work experience section is perhaps the most important part of that document. So, make it stand out .

You don’t have to name the section anything specific – Work Experience, Work History, Experience, Employment History – all of these are fine.

Just make sure it’s clearly visible. Go for all-caps, or bold, or add an accent, contrasting color.

The Enhancv resume builder lets you give all your sections custom names, so you can let your personality shine through and better reflect your expertise.

Put your work experience in a visible spot

I’ll say it again – your work experience is one of the most important sections of your resume.

Most recruiters will say that the resume job description is their main source of information on whether the potential employee will do well at a certain job.

So, it makes sense to put it somewhere where it can’t be missed.

Add this section right after your resume summary and before any others, such as Education , Languages , and Skills .

List your resume job descriptions in a reverse-chronological order

This is a very popular and quite useful tactic, and it’s perfect for most resumes, with minimal exceptions.

Start with your current or last job . Move on to the position before that, then the one before that , you get it.

By doing this, you guarantee that the hiring manager sees the best of you and your abilities.

Use between 3 to 5 bullet points for each job

The easiest way for a recruiter to scan through your work experience section is if you use bullet points to list your achievements, skills, and duties.

For each position, use from 3 to 5 bullets. The more recent the job is, the more bullet points you can use. The farther back you go, the fewer you need, and you can only list the most relevant information.

You don’t need a bullet for every single achievement and skill, either. You may have succeeded in a lot of different areas, but not all of them will be important in all cases.

Customize your resume and tailor the information to the job description.

Start each bullet point with an action verb

Eliminate any unnecessary words wherever possible. Hiring managers don’t need all the fluff, and no one wants to read through a 3-page essay about your previous work experience.

Keep it short and sweet.

Start each bullet with an action verb to make it clearer and more powerful.

Another helpful tip is to begin with the successful result of your actions, followed by the action itself.

“Increased Pepper Jack sales by 30% in 1 week by leading a successful marketing campaign”, remember?

Recruiters are more likely to remember the result than the process.

Include the benefit your actions and results had on the company goals

As I mentioned before, you need to decide on what will be most important to the company.

Not only do they want to know that you can succeed at the job, but they also want to know what you can bring to the table, what value you can add.

Give the hiring manager context, too. Show them how your skills can be used in practice.

I understand that it’s easier to write a resume when you have experience. It can be difficult for those straight out of college to figure out what kind of experience they can include.

I’ve been in that position, too.

Just because you don’t have any actual paid work experience doesn’t mean you’ll have to leave that section blank, though.

If you’ve only just graduated and you don’t have that much relevant experience, you can place the education section first, focus on your academic achievements, and put the resume job description after.

In the actual work experience section, you can highlight any other relevant experiences, for example – unpaid internships, volunteer work , student organizations, etc, up to 4 or 5 positions.

For your resume to really succeed, it’s important that you tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for.

You shouldn’t send the same resume with every application, just as you wouldn’t send the same cover letter.

But how do you tailor a resume to a job description ?

Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds!

One of the first things you should do is read the job description that came with the job offer. Read it once, then read it twice, then read it three times.

What you’re trying to do here is identify what’s most important to the company and what they’re looking for in an employee for this particular position. They want to know what you can bring to the table.

Match the content of your resume to the job description. If you’re applying for an engineering job , don’t talk about your time as a cheese salesman, unless parts of what you learned and achieved are really relevant.

A helpful trick is to pay attention to the keywords. Go over the job description and the position requirements and highlight any key ones.

Think of stuff like “detail-oriented”, “resourceful”, and “communication skills”.

Then make a list of all your skills and achievements.

Match those skills to the keywords. The more matches you make, the better your chances of writing a resume that lands you that coveted interview.

Sprinkle those words around your resume, and especially in your work experience section. This will help you pass the automatic sorting system, as well as catch the eye of the recruiter that scans resumes for keywords.

So, follow all the tips from above and you’ll be well on your way to crafting a stellar resume that gets you hired!

I know this can all seem daunting.

So, to help you out, I’ll give you some of our best examples of a great resume job description. And if you want more full resume examples to guide you, I’ve got you covered.

Take a look at this accounting analyst resume.

Now take a look at the following bullet:

“Participated in implementing automated accounting processes that reduced errors of accounting items by 55%”.

It has everything – it starts with an action verb, it quantifies the achievement – overall, I’d say it’s not half bad, wouldn’t you?

Now, let’s switch it up and examine this baker’s resume:

Let’s start with the placement – this resume doesn’t put that much emphasis on the work experience section.

Personally, I’d give some more thought to whether my experience or my education is more important in this case. However, work experience definitely beats the way I spend my time, so surely it should come before it.

Let’s look at the resume job description. Which one of the following do you think is more impressive:

“Ensured all prepared items are appropriately labeled, covered, and rotated” or “Resolved conflicts between kitchen staff which increased the efficiency of the kitchen by 50%”?

Probably the second one, right? So, they probably should have put it first on the list.

Overall, there’s room for improvement here.

And last, but not least, let’s shift the focus to this teacher’s resume:

Here, they’ve got the placement right – experience is important for a teacher, after all.

The bullets following their most recent position highlight their skills and achievements, and they’ve kept in mind what would be important for this job.

I probably would have started with “Contributed to raising retention rate from 75% – 89%”, but other than that – a fine example.

So, there you have it – you now know what a resume job description is, why you need one, and how to write one that skyrockets your chances of success.

To summarise, here are the most important things to keep in mind:

• A job description section on your resume shows the prospective employers your past work experience, as well as your skills and accomplishments.
• When writing a work experience section, focus on your skills and achievements, rather than your duties and responsibilities.
• Keep the information relevant to the position at hand.
• Quantify your achievements – employers like numbers.
• Make your job description section visible, make sure it stands out.
• Use bullet points and start each with an action verb.
• Tailor your resume to the company’s needs and requirements, but keep it truthful.

I hope this post was useful to you. Do you have any other questions? Do you have any experience you want to share? You can do so in the comments!

• Resume Guides

We Analyzed 114,000 Resume Examples and Job Offers but Couldn't Find the Skills Gap

How to list expected graduation date on your resume, how to network effectively to get hired, resume for 10 years of experience, a guide to types of resumes: best formats, tips & examples, what is a resume builder.

• Create Resume
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Preferences
• Resume Examples
• Resume Templates
• Resume Builder
• Resume Summary Generator
• Resume Formats
• Resume Checker
• AI Resume Review
• Resume Skills
• How to Write a Resume
• Modern Resume Templates
• Simple Resume Templates
• Cover Letter Builder
• Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Formats
• How to Write a Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Guides
• Job Interview Guides
• Job Interview Questions
• Career Resources
• Meet our customers
• Career resources
• [email protected]
• English (UK)
• French (FR)
• German (DE)
• Spanish (ES)
• Swedish (SE)

Made with love by people who care.

© 2024 . All rights reserved.