How to Write Work Experience Section on a CV

Work experience is a broad category that goes beyond traditional 9-to-5 jobs or having several years of experience in a particular field. It can take many forms, and it’s important to recognise that experience can be gained through various avenues. Whether you're volunteering, freelancing, or working part-time, it's all valuable and can be effectively presented on your CV.

Work experience can be voluntary or involuntary, just as education can be formal or informal. Don’t limit yourself to paid jobs—freelance work, internships, volunteer roles, and even relevant academic projects can be valuable additions to a good CV. We’re here to guide you in showcasing your experience in a way that stands out to employers.

In this article, we cover:

• Work experience format and template.

• How to include work experience on a CV.

• Examples of different types of work experience on a CV

• What to do if you have little to no work experience.

• Additional work experience samples.

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Work experience format and example template

Job Title, Company Name, Location | Start Date – End Date

Provide 5-6 core responsibilities, ensuring clarity and conciseness.

• Include 2-3 achievements that are actually measurable—because no one cares about how you "helped out" unless you can show results.

Content Writer, Creative Sparks, London, UK | 2022 – Present

Write compelling copy for blog posts, social media, and email campaigns, engaging target audiences and driving traffic. Collaborate with the marketing team to develop SEO-optimised content for website and blog pages. Conduct research and interviews to produce thought leadership articles on emerging tech trends. Edit and proofread content to ensure clarity, grammar, and brand consistency. 

• Increased reader engagement by 25% through compelling copy for blog posts, social media, and email campaigns.

• Improved organic search rankings by 15% by collaborating with the marketing team on SEO-optimised content.

Social Media Copywriter, Saatchi & Saatchi, London, UK | 2021

Create engaging, platform-specific content for social media channels to enhance brand visibility. Assist with developing brand messaging and positioning for new product launches. Write copy for social media posts, ads, and campaigns that resonate with target audiences. Monitor and analyse social media trends to inform content strategy. Collaborate with clients and internal teams to refine messaging strategies. 

• Grew the brand’s social media following by 10% in six months through engaging content.

• Contributed to a 20% increase in conversion rates by refining messaging strategies for client campaigns.

How to include work experience on a CV

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to structuring work experience on your CV, but there are key elements that employers expect to see. Your CV should not be an exhaustive list of every task you’ve ever performed; it should serve as a summary that highlights your most impactful contributions. The goal is to provide just enough information to get you to the interview, where you can then elaborate further.

1. Start with your most recent or current work experience

Most employers are interested in your most recent experience, so we recommend starting with your current or most recent job and working backwards. This reverse-chronological format is the most common for listing any information on a CV, including courses and certificates.

Work Experience

Senior Quantity Surveyor, JCC Construction, London | 2018 - Present

Lead a team of quantity surveyors in managing the financial aspects of multiple large-scale construction projects, ensuring adherence to budgetary constraints and contractual obligations. Conducted comprehensive risk assessments and negotiated contracts with subcontractors and suppliers. Collaborated closely with project managers and stakeholders to provide accurate and timely financial reports, enabling informed decision-making and proactive risk management.

• Achieved project completion within budget for multiple projects ranging from £5 million to £20 million, demonstrating meticulous budget management and financial acumen.

• Implemented cost control measures resulting in a £500,000 reduction in project expenses for a commercial development project.

• Conducted thorough risk assessments for a high-rise residential project, identifying potential cost exposures totalling £1 million and implementing proactive mitigation strategies to minimise financial impact.

Junior Quantity Surveyor, Busy Builders Ltd., Manchester | 2014 -  2018

Assisted senior quantity surveyors in preparing cost estimates, bills of quantities, and tender documents for various construction projects. Conducted quantity takeoffs and material measurements to support accurate procurement and cost forecasting. Monitored project expenditures and tracked variations against approved budgets, alerting management to potential cost overruns and proposing remedial actions.

• Played a key role in administering construction contracts, ensuring compliance with contractual terms and conditions, and facilitating timely payments to subcontractors and suppliers.

• Monitored project progress and identified potential deviations from the budget, enabling proactive risk mitigation measures to be implemented.

For additional tips, refer to our comprehensive list of CV examples, including one specifically for quantity surveyors as seen above or for similar roles such as construction or architecture.

Alternatively, if you have little to no experience, you should create a qualifications summary by following a skills-based CV. In addition, refer to our graduate CV on how to create an academic skills conversion.

2. Keep it clear and concise

We recommend avoiding bullet points to ensure there is a good balance between what you did and achieved. Instead, use complete sentences. Carefully select the job posting keywords matching your work or employment experience on a CV and adapt your wording accordingly. Rather than copy-pasting, strategically incorporate these relevant keywords into your job descriptions or key achievements.

Content Writer, Creative Words Ltd., London, UK | 2022-Present

Generate original and engaging content for the company blog, demonstrating a commitment to creativity and storytelling. Assist in proofreading and editing, ensuring articles meet high-quality grammar, style, and formatting standards. Attend editorial meetings, offering fresh ideas and insights to contribute to the content strategy.

• Increased weekly blog views by 20% through creating engaging articles and working closely with the social media team to enhance content visibility.

• Successfully repurposed blog content for social media platforms, contributing to a 25% increase in engagement and brand visibility within the first three months.

For more inspiration, refer to the below CV writing guides:

• Writer CV.

• SEO CV.

• Digital Marketing CV.

3. Tailor your work experience section to match your career goals 

List the knowledge and skills you've gained that are relevant to your career goals, ensuring they match the job you're applying for. Write this section in a way that stands out, ensuring you can confidently discuss these points in an interview.

• Project management: Successfully led multiple projects from initiation to completion, ensuring all deadlines were met and client expectations exceeded.

• Data analysis: Utilised advanced analytical skills to interpret complex datasets, leading to actionable insights that improved operational efficiency by 15%.

• Team leadership: Managed a team of 10 professionals, fostering a collaborative environment that resulted in a 20% increase in productivity.

Refer to the following guides for additional tips:

• Project management CV.

• Data Analyst CV.

• Sales Manager CV.

4. Separate your duties and achievements

The key to writing a great job description within the work experience section is to showcase what you did versus what you achieved. Your daily duties should be explained in four to six lines and should always be complete sentences. In addition, they should always start with a strong action verb. For more tips and examples, refer to how to list achivements on a CV.

5. List measurable achievements

After outlining your daily duties, include two to three key achievements using bullet points. These achievements should ideally be quantifiable, highlighting your strengths, methods, and the resulting positive outcomes. Begin each bullet point with a dynamic action verb like enhanced, established, crafted, or spearheaded.

Examples:

• Enhanced customer satisfaction ratings by 20% through the implementation of personalised service strategies.

• Streamlined workflow process, reducing project completion time by 15% and saving the company £10,000 annually.

• Spearheaded the development of a new marketing campaign, resulting in a 30% increase in website traffic and a 25% boost in sales conversions.

Refer to the following CV example and writing guides for more tips:

• Operations manager

• Engineer

• Business Analyst.

6. Include years only 

To fill in any career breaks or short work experience to the additional experience section. If you've had multiple job titles, focus on listing the most recent or relevant one. This is crucial to ensure it is applicant tracking system (ATS)-friendly who often filter based on specific titles, dates

7. Utilise external resources to create the perfect job description

Avoid the temptation to list all tasks and daily duties on your CV, as this can hinder your job search. Tailor your CV to your career goals by researching the job requirements thoroughly. By including relevant duties, you demonstrate to recruiters or hiring managers that you've done your homework and are the ideal candidate for the position.

8. Make sure each experience is written in the same style

Apply consistency throughout your entire CV. If you choose to list only years, maintain this format for all other positions. Maintain professional language and grammar throughout, as it's a formal document.

Examples of different types of work experience on a CV

1. Junior position work experience

If you're just starting out in your career or applying for an entry-level role, your work experience section might focus on internships, academic projects, volunteer work, or part-time jobs.

Junior Graphic Designer, Pixel Studios, Brighton, UK | 2023 – Present

Design marketing materials, including brochures, flyers, social media assets, and web graphics. Collaborate with senior designers to refine concepts and ensure design consistency across projects. Support the production of brand identity assets for various client rebranding initiatives.

• Contributed to a successful rebranding project that led to a 20% increase in client brand visibility.

• Assisted in the design of a social media campaign that resulted in a 30% increase in engagement.

For more tips, refer to our entry-level CV examples:

• Internship CV.

• Part-time CV

• Student CV.

2. Manager work experience

For managerial positions, employers will want to see your leadership, team management, and project oversight experience. It’s important to focus on results and how you led teams to achieve business goals.

Marketing Manager, Digital Wave, Brighton, UK | 2021 – Present

Lead and manage a team of 5 marketing specialists to execute digital marketing campaigns across multiple platforms. Oversee and allocate a budget of $500,000 for paid advertising and campaign management. Develop and implement digital marketing strategies to align with company goals and objectives. Analyse campaign performance and generate reports to track key metrics such as ROI and conversion rates. 

• Spearheaded digital campaigns that resulted in a 30% increase in sales over 12 months.

• Introduced a new content strategy that grew web traffic by 40%, significantly boosting online visibility.

For more tips, check out our marketing CV or marketing cover letter examples.

3. C-level work experience

For senior-level positions, focus on high-level achievements, strategic direction, and your role in driving company growth. Your CV should emphasise leadership, vision, and measurable impacts on the company.

Chief Executive Officer, Global Innovations Inc., London, UK| 2017 – Present

Provide strategic direction and leadership for the organization, ensuring alignment with long-term goals. Oversee company operations, including finance, marketing, HR, and product development. Lead senior management in decision-making and performance reviews to ensure optimal operational efficiency. Foster relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, clients, and partners. Monitor industry trends and market conditions to inform business strategies and innovations.:

• Spearheaded a company-wide transformation that resulted in a 50% increase in annual revenue.

• Led successful mergers and acquisitions, integrating three companies into the organization and expanding market reach.

What to do if you have little to no work experience

If you're early in your career, transitioning to a new industry, or just haven't had much formal work experience, don't worry—there are still ways to showcase your skills and potential. Here’s how to build a strong work experience section even without a traditional job history:

1. Internships and volunteer work: These roles can provide valuable hands-on experience. Even if unpaid, they offer opportunities to gain relevant skills and demonstrate initiative. Refer to our volunteer CV example for more tips.

2. Freelance work: If you've taken on any freelance projects, treat them as formal work experience. Highlight the skills you applied and the results you achieved for clients.

3. Academic projects: For recent graduates, emphasise projects that closely align with the job you’re applying for. These can showcase your ability to handle relevant tasks and solve problems. Refer to our academic CV example for more tips.

4. Skills & achievements: Focus on transferable skills, certifications, or relevant coursework that demonstrate your abilities and commitment to continuous learning.

Example of no work experience

Web Developer, Various Clients | 2022 – Present

Develop and optimise websites for small businesses, enhancing user experience and overall online presence. Create custom WordPress themes and plugins tailored to specific client requirements. Design and implement e-commerce platforms for local businesses to facilitate online sales. Collaborate with clients to identify goals and provide ongoing updates to website content, design, and functionality. Integrate SEO best practices into website designs to improve search engine ranking and increase organic traffic.

• Developed websites that resulted in a measurable increase in customer engagement, improving overall user interaction.

• Created custom WordPress themes and plugins that led to a 20% increase in site traffic and better customer retention.

• Designed and launched e-commerce platforms, boosting client revenue by up to 30%.

• Increased organic traffic by 15% through the integration of SEO best practices into website design and content.

• Completed online courses in JavaScript, front-end development, and UX/UI design, enhancing coding proficiency and design principles.

Refer to our developer CV example for more tips.

Refer to our extensive guide on how to write a CV if you have little to no experience.

Work experience samples

1. Customer Service

Customer Service Team Leader | Greenfield Insurance Services, Southampton, 2016 - Present

Lead, motivate, and manage team of 15 customer service representatives to provide effective short-term insurance assistance to business clients. Monitor team performance daily and produce daily, weekly and monthly reports for senior management. Liaised with internal stakeholders to solve problems effectively and attend strategy sessions to chart progress and company vision.

• Delivered team training which boosted team morale and improved customer satisfaction scores by 70%.

• Reduced unresolved queries by initiating daily team stand-ups.

• Awarded Greenfield's annual Customer Service Excellence Award in 2019 and 2020.

Take a moment to explore related CV examples similar to customer service:

• Supermarket.

• Shop assistant.

• Retail.

2. Software Developer

Android Developer, MSC Group, UK, 2015 - Present

Supported senior software developers across various stages within the software development lifecycle from gathering requirements and extensions to building an Android application. Performed testing to ensure accurate and on-time deployment, using Java, Android Studio, MySQL, and Restful APIs. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to produce reports and assisted with coding, design, and layout of applications according to company/client specifications.

• Co-developed custom-based API using YouTube and video maker plugins.

• Created Git-hub links and connected group members/clients while managing all communication.

Explore the following related CV examples for more work experience examples:

• Software developer.

• Scrum master.

• Computer science.

3. Marketing Manager

Marketing Manager, Cyanca, London, UK | 2018 - 2022

Supervise marketing team of six, lead strategic planning, and oversee a six-figure marketing budget. Design marketing campaigns from concept to completion, including trend analysis, reporting, and continuous process improvement. Direct stakeholder engagements with award-winning marketing partners across content, public relations, and digital marketing events.

• Executed strategic marketing plans to attract potential customers.

• Re-segmented existing market through strategic planning and ensured on-time and within budget delivery of projects.

Key takeaways 

A good CV hinges on effectively presenting your work experience. Begin by refining your professional history in alignment with your career goals. Research the desired role or field to tailor your CV accordingly.

•  List all jobs, highlighting duties, projects, and achievements relevant to the job posting.

•  Prioritise impactful and pertinent information, omitting extraneous details.

•  Lead with compelling sentences and key responsibilities.

• Describe each duty, emphasising its relevance to your career objectives.

•  Highlight skills and competencies acquired, showcasing transferable abilities.

•  Incorporate measurable achievements to demonstrate success.

•  Include on-the-job training, even without certification, as an achievement.

Next steps?

With 20+ professional CV templates to choose from with CV Maker, you can easily create your CV while tailoring it to your career goals.

• CV Builder: create a tailored and well-formatted CV using our easy-to-use builder.

• Cover Letter Builder: apply with a matching cover letter template with a clear layout so you can easily personalise and adjust to your career goals.

• CV Writing service: connect with one of our experts to receive feedback and get quick, professional advice on tailoring your CV to a specific job. 

• Blog: see our guides and brief articles to educate yourself on the best strategies to improve your job prospects. Additionally, check out our blog on how to start a cover letter to further enhance your writing skills. 

FAQs

How to show a promotion in the work experience section?

To highlight a promotion, include it as an achievement by stating something like, "Promoted to Tech Lead within two years for outstanding performance in project management and team leadership."

Which section comes first: Education on work experience?

The order depends on your level of experience. If you're early in your career or have limited professional experience, education should come first. However, if you have extensive work experience, the work experience section should take priority.

How to address gaps in a CV?

Employment gaps can be managed effectively by using a skills-based CV, which highlights transferable skills. Additionally, explaining the gap in a cover letter can offer context, whether it’s due to a career break, sabbatical, medical leave, or other reasons. Be sure to emphasize any activities you pursued during the gap, such as taking courses or volunteering, to demonstrate continued personal or professional growth. A good cover letter can provide a great opportunity to present yourself as the ideal candidate despite the gap.

How to list other work experiences on a CV?

For unrelated or freelance work, create a separate section titled "Additional Experience" or "Freelance Work." Summarize each role briefly, focusing on transferable skills and how these experiences can add value to the job you’re applying for.

Is It "Working Experience" or "Work Experience" on a CV?

The standard term is "work experience," though "working experience" or "career experience" can be used in specific contexts. Some alternatives include:

• Professional Experience

• Career History

• Work History

• Relevant Experience

Choose the term that aligns best with your industry and audience.