Do you know that 85% of recruiters look at your current and relevant past work experience within the first 5 seconds of looking at your resume? For them, that is where the gist is. It is a story of your career journey that gives hiring managers insight into what you bring to the table. 

When you do it right, it can grab attention and help you stand out among hundreds of applicants. Done wrong, they just might miss it So, how do you make sure it shines?

Here are some practical tips to help you confidently present your past professional experiences and the organizations you’ve worked with—and get the recognition you deserve.

1. Know When (and When Not) to List a Company

Not every past role or company is relevant to your current job search. As a general rule, include positions that:

  • Demonstrate your skills or expertise relevant to the job you’re applying for.
  • Show progression in your career.
  • Highlight industries or functions that are in line with your target role.

When Not to Include a Job: Temporary roles or short stints (like seasonal work or brief freelancing gigs) may be left out if they don’t align with your career goals. However, if a job gap would result, it’s often better to briefly list the role with minimal detail rather than leave unexplained gaps.

2. Use the Right Format

Structuring each experience entry properly will make it easy for recruiters to follow along. Here’s a simple breakdown:

  • Company Name: Bold and at the top to catch the eye.
  • Position Title: Directly under the company name.
  • Location: Optional but helpful for companies with multiple offices.
  • Dates of Employment: Format these consistently—either “Month/Year - Month/Year” or “Year-Year.”
  • Bullet Points: Aim for 3-5 bullet points outlining achievements, not just tasks. Make each point short but powerful, emphasizing results and impact.

3. Highlight Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities

Think about each role from the perspective of a hiring manager. They’re not just looking to see if you did your job; they want to know how well you did it. To make an impression, avoid listing only responsibilities. Instead:

  • Include quantifiable achievements (e.g., “Increased sales by 20%,” “Reduced processing time by 30%”).
  • Focus on outcomes or improvements you led.
  • Start each bullet with action verbs like “Spearheaded,” “Optimized,” “Developed,” or “Implemented.” This approach can make your accomplishments feel active and compelling.

4. Tailor Your Experience to Match the Job Description

Customize your work experience section for each application, emphasizing skills and achievements that match the job description. Here’s how:

  • If the job posting highlights project management, for example, bring forward your project-specific achievements.
  • Use the same language (keywords) as the job description, which helps both recruiters and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) pick up on your relevant experience.

5. Choose the Right Companies to Highlight

Listing well-known or reputable organizations can give your resume an extra boost. When you’ve worked for big names, that association can create an instant impression. However, if you’ve worked with smaller or lesser-known companies, you can still make them shine by including:

  • A brief description (e.g., “A leading provider in SaaS solutions with a global client base”).
  • Highlight the uniqueness or innovation within that company that aligns with the role.

6. Avoid Industry Jargon and Acronyms

It’s easy to slip into the language specific to your past companies or roles, but keep in mind that not all hiring managers will be familiar with your industry’s lingo. Instead:

  • Use clear, universally understood language.
  • Avoid acronyms unless they are widely recognized (e.g., “CRM” for Customer Relationship Management).
  • Keep explanations concise and accessible.

7. Don’t Forget Internships and Voluntary Roles if They’re Relevant

Internships, freelance projects, or voluntary roles can add depth to your resume, especially if they show skill or industry experience that’s valuable for the job. You can list them in the same format as full-time roles, ensuring they don’t seem secondary.

8. Proofread for Accuracy

A simple yet crucial step: make sure all company names, job titles, and dates are accurate. Typos or inconsistencies in these details can give a less-than-polished impression. Double-check for:

  • Spelling and formatting consistency.
  • Accurate dates (and address any gaps with explanation if needed).
  • Proper punctuation and grammar for professional presentation.

9. Use Action Words That Pack a Punch

Action verbs can transform a mundane list of responsibilities into a compelling snapshot of your capabilities. Use words that convey energy and proactivity, like “Engineered,” “Enhanced,” “Overhauled,” or “Resolved.” This simple switch can make each experience entry much more engaging.

10. Keep the Length Balanced

While it’s important to be detailed about your work experience, brevity is key. Hiring managers typically spend only a few seconds scanning each section, so keep each entry succinct and easy to read. A good rule of thumb: focus more detail on recent roles and reduce depth on older positions.

Make Your Experience Work for You with LightForth

Creating a resume that showcases your work experience effectively isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. It’s your chance to tell the story of your career in a way that resonates with recruiters and hiring managers. And if you’re looking for extra help in making your resume truly stand out, LightForth has you covered.

Our LightResume feature takes the guesswork out of resume-building, helping you structure, polish, and perfect your resume so it doesn’t just land in front of hiring managers—it makes an impression. Why not try it out now and take the next step in your career journey?