Resume writing
Work Experience on a Resume: What to Include and How to Write It
Learn how to structure resume work experience, choose bullets, handle older jobs, and make recent roles easier to scan.
By Maya Hart - Updated April 25, 2026 - 2 min read
The work experience section is usually the most important part of a resume because it shows whether you have done work similar to the job you want. It should be easy to scan, recent enough to matter, and specific enough to prove your skills.
A strong work experience section is not a list of responsibilities. It is a selected record of relevant proof.
Work experience format
Use this structure for each role:
Company Name - Job Title - Location or Remote - Dates
Then add 3-6 bullets for the most relevant roles.
Example:
Brightline Software - Customer Success Manager - Remote - Mar 2022 - Present
- Managed onboarding for 38 mid-market accounts, coordinating kickoff plans, training sessions, and renewal handoffs.
- Built weekly account health reports in Salesforce to identify usage gaps before renewal conversations.
What to include in each role
| Element | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Job title | Shows level and function |
| Company | Provides context |
| Dates | Shows timeline and recency |
| Scope | Shows scale of responsibility |
| Tools | Supports ATS and recruiter matching |
| Results | Proves impact |
How far back should work experience go?
For most resumes, focus on the last 10-15 years. Older experience can be shortened if it is still relevant. Remove old roles that distract from the target job.
Exceptions include academic, medical, federal, executive, and specialized roles where older experience may still matter.
How to write bullets for recent roles
Recent roles deserve the most detail. Use 4-6 bullets for the current or most relevant job. Include the skills, tools, and outcomes that match the target role.
Older roles can use fewer bullets. The resume should get more specific as it gets closer to the present.
Handling promotions
If you were promoted at the same company, show progression clearly:
Company Name
- Senior Analyst, 2024-Present
- Analyst, 2021-2024
Then group bullets under each title if the roles were meaningfully different.
FAQ
Should I include unrelated work experience?
Include it only if it helps explain your timeline or shows transferable skills. Keep it brief.
Should work experience come before education?
For experienced candidates, yes. Students and recent graduates may put Education first.
Can I combine similar roles?
Yes, if older roles are less important. You can summarize them under Additional Experience.
Sources
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