How to Write Work Experience Section on a CV

Work experience takes many forms and isn't limited to having a 9-to-5 job or over two years of experience. Experience can be acquired in various ways, and we're here to help you showcase it effectively on your CV.

Before we start, there are two key points to keep in mind. First, work experience can be voluntary or involuntary, as education can be formal or informal. Second, ensure that any work experience you include on your CV is relevant to the job you're applying for.

In this article, we cover:

• Tips on how to write work experience on a CV.

• Work experience samples for a modern CV.

• Tips on how to write this section if you have no work experience.

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8 tips on how to include work experience on a CV

When detailing your work experience on a CV, remember these two key points.

• First, list volunteer work, internships, or short-term experiences under "Additional Experience".

• Second, highlight both duties and achievements. Be cautious of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan CVs based on location, experience, education, and job requirements.

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.

Example:

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.

Example:

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.

• 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.

Example:

• 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.

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:

• Account manager

• 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 for ATS, who often filter based on specific titles.

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.

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, 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.

Discover more related work experience examples with the following CV writing guides:

• Digital marketing

• Video editor

• Graphic designer.

Tips on how to write a CV with no work experience

Writing about work experience when you don't have any traditional job experience can be challenging, but it's all about highlighting your relevant skills and showcasing your value to potential employers.

1. Identify skills you've gained through volunteer work, apprenticeships, academic projects, or extracurricular activities that are relevant to the job you're applying for. These could include communication, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, organisation, etc.

2. Instead of a chronological CV, consider using a functional or skills-based CV format. This allows you to highlight your skills and achievements at the top of your CV, drawing attention away from your lack of traditional work experience.

3. Even if you haven't had a formal job, you likely have accomplishments worth mentioning. These could be academic achievements, volunteer work, projects you've completed, or any recognition you've received.

4. Even if it's not paid work, include any relevant experience that demonstrates your skills and knowledge in the field. This could be freelance work or even relevant coursework or projects from school.

5. Soft skills like communication, adaptability, and problem-solving are highly valued by employers. Showcase these skills in your CV and cover letter, and provide examples of how you've demonstrated them in your experiences.

6. Have someone experienced in hiring or writing a CV review it and provide feedback. They may be able to offer suggestions for how to better highlight your strengths and make your CV stand out.

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

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. 

FAQ

How do you put other work experience on a CV?

To include other work experience on a CV, consider creating a separate section for unrelated or freelance work. Briefly summarise each experience, emphasising transferable skills and relevance to the position you're applying for.

Is it working experience or work experience in CV?

It's typically referred to as "work experience" on a CV, though "working experience" or “career experience” is also acceptable in some contexts. Use whichever term feels most appropriate for your audience and industry.

How do I list my work experience on a CV?

List your work experience on a CV in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent job. Include job title, company name, location, and dates, along with bullet points highlighting your accomplishments and skills.