In reviewing a resume for a prospective client last week, I came across a situation I see all too often and one easily remedied.
While the most basic standard in resume formats may be listing all of your professional work experience in reverse chronological order under one section titled ‘Professional Experience,’ it’s not always the right approach for everyone.
If you are changing careers, if you are returning to the paid workforce after a period of time, or simply, if you’ve worked in different industries or moved around between functions in your past roles, lumping all of your roles together in one section may not be effectively highlighting your strengths and experience.
How do you create two sections? Here are some options to get you thinking, but you’re not limited to just these:
Relevant Experience
Industry Experience
[Accounting]* Experience
Additional Experience
Volunteer Experience
Community Involvement
Internships
Paid Internships
Career Snapshot
* Replace with your industry or field of focus.
The bottom line is that you don’t want your most valuable, most relevant work experience on page two of your resume. Your resume is first and foremost a marketing document to secure you a job interview so be sure your most impressive experience is listed front and center on the first page. Make the format fit the situation. Don’t fit your background to the format!