7 Tips on How to Write a Resume Job Description (+ Examples)
A well-written resume job description goes far beyond a dull list of jobs and duties. In fact, a strong presentation of your knowledge and achievements can increase your chances of landing the job. Primarily, your resume job description should offer insight into your value as an employee. With these 7 tips, you will learn how to write compelling job descriptions that grab the recruiter’s attention and open doors to new career opportunities.
Why is a resume job description so important?
Your resume job description offers a glimpse at your previous responsibilities and achievements. But its goal is more extensive than to present your past duties. It should convince the recruiter that you have the experience and skills needed to succeed in the job. By creating value-driven job descriptions, you can cement your position as the perfect fit for the role.
7 Tips for writing an effective resume job description
Keep these tips in mind when writing your resume job description:
1. Present your job title, company, and date
At the beginning of each resume job description, list all the essential details. That is, start each description with the job title, company name and address, and your employment dates. Remember to list your experiences in reverse chronological order. That way, the most recent – and most relevant – experiences will be easy to find at the top of your work history.
2. List your task and duties
Without a doubt, this is one of the most critical parts of your resume job description. Make an effort to be brief yet impactful in your explanation of duties. As a rule of thumb, list eight duties at most for each position you held, putting the most relevant ones first. Keep in mind that your resume job description is not the place to go into detail. You can expand on your experience in your cover letter.
3. Be particular about your job descriptions
Remember that your resume doesn’t have to include every single responsibility you have ever taken on. Instead, select those duties and achievements that your future employer might be looking for. Before including each bullet point in your job description, ask yourself: Will this position me as the ideal candidate in the employer’s eyes?
Also, to save space and create a more impactful resume job description, group similar duties together. For example, combine answering emails and handling all internal communication by writing “Resolved internal issues and complaints through email and phone.”
4. Add quantifiable achievements
After writing down your duties, try to make the job descriptions more dynamic. To do this, focus on the measurable impact your work had on the company. Whenever possible, quantify your achievements and present them as metrics. This will emphasize your ability to drive a company forward and prove that you are a valuable asset.
5. Add significant keywords
Most companies use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to sort through resumes. Thus, using keywords is vital. Keywords are industry- or job-specific words and phrases. When choosing keywords, select the most specific and relevant ones, and sprinkle them throughout your resume.
6. Tailor your resume job description to the position
When writing the resume job description, select the duties that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. To determine which experiences might be appropriate, review the job listing. Then, think of the qualities your future employer is looking for and spotlight these in your resume job description. This can set you apart from other qualified applicants and show that you’ve put in the time and effort.
7. Always use bullet points
To improve coherence and scanability, list your responsibilities and achievements as bullets. At the same time, remember to keep your bullets no more than two lines long. If you need to write a long paragraph to introduce the company, start with the narrative-style introduction and follow up with bullet points. To improve coherence and scanability, list your responsibilities and achievements as bullets.
Resume job description examples
Sales Manager
Sales Manager, Blue Hill Holdings, New York, New York
July 2015 – December 2020
- Trained and onboarded 13 sales agents, 11 of whom are still a part of the company
- Increased annual sales revenue by 18% through the usage of a new sales system
- Utilized strong negotiation and communication skills to sign new clients, exceeding monthly sales goals by 34%
Administrative
Executive Assistant, BrightWay Inc., Boston, Massachusetts
September 2017 – November 2020
- Developed and implemented a new filing system that increased productivity and saved up to 1 hour’s work daily
- Coordinated internal and external communication and answered an average of 27 emails per day
- Realized $2800 in monthly savings by reducing unneeded expenses and finding better deals for office supplies
Customer Service
Customer Service Associate, Timmy’s Retail, Columbus, Ohio
January 2011 – March 2016
- Emphasized customer satisfaction by resolving circa 150 customer queries every week.
- Spearheaded weekly strategy meetings and suggested a new ticketing system that decreased response time by 23%
- Named employee of the month 24 times for proactive attitude and high customer satisfaction
A strong resume job description aims to demonstrate the value and expertise that makes you the perfect fit for the job. By following the tips above, you will create an impactful job description that will impress the recruiter and help you stand out.