Resume Writing: How to Write Job Duty Descriptions
The Employment History section of your résumé is the perfect place to really show a potential employer what you know and can do.
What to Include
Under each job heading, list the duties and responsibilities you had for that specific position.
Be bold. Highlight your abilities. Use action words as shown in these examples:
- Prepare and distribute information packages
- Co-ordinate weekly staff meetings
- Create media releases
- Interact with community partners
- Assist customers with orders
- Facilitate learning workshops
Be Specific
Emphasize your responsibilities to show a potential employer that you can be trusted with important duties. Here are a few good examples:
- Responsible for opening and closing shop
- Order weekly stock and receive shipments
- Supervise new employees
- Handle cash and debit machine
- Maintain client list
Make your list of duties detailed. Don’t assume the employer knows what duties were involved in your previous jobs, even if you’re applying for a similar job. The duties of a cashier at one company may be completely different from another, so break it down.
What if I don’t have much work experience?
With today’s swiftly advancing job market, it can be intimidating to even apply for a job. Especially if you don’t feel secure about your level of education or experience. Maybe you’ve been a stay-at-home parent or have been in the same job for so long that you feel out-of-date. No worries! These are not “bad things.” They show values and loyalty. It’s simply a matter of changing your perception of yourself.
Did You Know ...?
You can also list accomplishments, awards, and any special recognition you received for each job.
Volunteer work and community involvement says a lot about your character. More importantly, they give you something practical to put in your Employment History. If they are religion or politics related, leave them off your résumé to avoid any discrimination issues (real or perceived). Otherwise, use them to show a potential employer that even without paid employment, you took responsibility and expanded your skills through other means.
Were you in charge of a fund-raiser for your favorite charity? Great! You were responsible for organizing an event, supervising volunteers and handling large sums of cash. This is valuable information for an employer looking for these skills.
Remember: You are a special employee with plenty to offer ♥
© 2011 Rosa Marchisella