How to Write a Resume in 2021

Organizing and writing about your work experience may sound like a daunting task, but just follow these pointers and you’ll have a convincing work history section in no time.

1. Make it relevant to the job you’re applying for. We’ve mentioned it before, and it still holds true here: Be relevant to the job you want. Use keywords found in the job description and tailor your work experience to the new role. For example, if you’re aiming for a managerial position, include examples of leadership experience.
2. Focus on accomplishments instead of daily tasks. Did you play a vital role in a project? Did you go above and beyond your regular duties? For example, an assistant operations manager could write: “Set up and improved accounting systems and processes to maximize the effectiveness of operations.”
3. Use quantifiable metrics to highlight your achievements. Numbers help recruiters or hiring managers see what you’re capable of doing and what you can bring to the company. So instead of writing something like: “Compiled general ledger entries,” a statement with a quantifiable metric would look like: “Compiled general ledger entries on a short schedule with 100% accuracy” or “Served an average of 6 tables per hour on 8-hour work shifts.”
4. Use action verbs to begin your statements. When describing previous or current job experiences, always start your bullet points with an action verb. Stating “Was responsible for project X …” makes less of an impact than “Managed project X” or “Oversaw project X.” Some other examples of action verbs you can include in your resume:
   

   Accelerated Achieved Administered Advised Boosted Campaigned Coordinated Created Delivered

   Designed Developed Directed Documented Enhanced Established Executed Facilitated Formed

   Improved Initiated Instituted Maximized Mentored Motivated Negotiated Organized Overhauled

   Planned Promoted Resolved Revitalized Secured Supervised

5. If you don’t have a lot of experience, think outside the box. Work experience isn’t just a regular 9-to-5 or part-time job. It can also be relevant internships, volunteer programs, or personal projects related to the position you’re applying for. Remember, having relevant experience is valuable.

Here are some examples you can use as inspiration to write your work history section:

Event manager with 9+ years of experience

• Sponsorships and Events Manager | Downtown Long Beach Alliance | Long Beach, California
  February 2018 – Current
  • Perform preliminary research to identify and prioritize new prospects and raise awareness of the organization’s work.
  • Manage budget and all external revenue sources, including sponsorship, tickets and concessions.
  • Lead team of 27 employees, overseeing hiring, training and professional growth.

• Training and Event Coordinator | The Reef Restaurant | Long Beach, California
  February 2016 – February 2018
  • Recommended workflow and budget improvements, resulting in 62% savings per event.
  • Cut costs and doubled show volume by working with PR and delivering over 50 effective marketing strategies to optimize outreach.
  • Given smooth training execution by coordinating seminar functions, including site selection, scheduling, marketing, reservations, materials, event management, and follow-up.

• Event Staff Member | Epic Talent Partners | Long Beach, California
  June 2012 – January 2016
  • Set up 200+ luncheons and conferences, organized supplies and displays.
  • Oversaw more or less $1,000 and confirmed proper balance of cash boxes following ticket sales, maintaining maximum accuracy after each event.
  • Provided general cleaning of venue spaces before, during, and after events.

Personal trainer with 5+ years of experience

• Personal Trainer | Equinox, Danville, OK
  May 2018 – Current
  • Develop organization systems for personal fitness plans, records and contracts.
  • Supply over 20 exclusive clients with a list of exercises and activities each month.
  • Design specific workout systems for individual clients based on performance ability.

• Personal Trainer | Perfect Fitness, Durby, OK
  June 2016 – May 2018
  • Educated over 200 customers on preventative care, nutrition, fitness, stress management, and ergonomics each quarter.
  • Taught clients how to operate exercise equipment properly.
  • Created inspirational physical training initiatives to foster healthy lifestyle decisions.

• Fitness Attendant | Steller Gym, Salem, OK
  November 2015 – April 2016
  • Promoted business and physical fitness by attending over 25 off-site promotional and community events throughout the year.
  • Communicated with patrons in the fitness floor area to build a positive atmosphere and offer exercise and equipment instructions.
  • Greeted and assisted 30+ guests entering the facility to provide general information and answer questions during rush hour.

Social media manager with no work experience

Note: In this particular case, you will show your accomplishments through the summary of qualifications section instead of your work history:

• Summary of qualifications:
  • Accustomed to execute campaigns according to clients’ needs and creative director instructions.
  • Skilled in actively working with leadership to develop content and aid in calendars’ editorial processes with Hootsuite.
  • Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills.
• Work history:
  Social Media Manager Intern | Wunderman Thompson | Lynnwood, WA
  June 2020 – Current
• Volunteer Content Creator | The H2O Project | Lynnwood, WA
  July 2019 – May 2020