Create your CV/ resume explained

Your work experience is one of the most crucial sections of your CV or resume, and it could very well be your biggest selling point. Therefore, it’s vital to not only include the right information but to use language that reflects your skills and achievements effectively. This section should showcase how your past roles have prepared you for the job you're applying for, making you an attractive candidate to hiring managers.

Typically, the work experience section appears near the top of your CV, just after your personal statement or summary. However, if you’re early in your career and your most significant accomplishments stem from your education, it might make sense to list your education first, followed by your work experience. This way, you highlight your most recent and relevant achievements first.

When listing your work experience, always use reverse chronological order, with your most recent role at the top. If you’ve accumulated more than five years of professional experience, avoid mentioning early, irrelevant jobs like part-time bar work, unless you can directly tie the skills you gained there to the role you're now seeking. If an early job involved something noteworthy or exceptional—such as leading a project or gaining specific industry-relevant skills—be sure to include it.

One key distinction to make in this section is separating achievements from responsibilities. While you don’t need separate headings, ensure your bullet points focus on both what you were responsible for and the impact you made. Your responsibilities are the tasks outlined in your job description, but your achievements demonstrate your value—what you improved, solved, or enhanced in the role. It's the difference between simply doing your job and excelling in it.

For instance, a responsibility might be:

Managed the newsroom and content production, researching topics and creating engaging thought-leadership pieces.

While the achievement could be:

Created and launched a new newsletter that increased user engagement by 37%.

This example not only shows what you did but how it led to a measurable benefit, making it clear to recruiters that you contributed positively to the organization. Always frame your achievements with data, where possible. Even if it’s a small win, showing quantifiable results like increasing efficiency, saving costs, or driving customer engagement can set your CV apart.

Far too often, candidates fall into the trap of simply listing responsibilities, which can make them blend in with the rest. Achievements are what will make you stand out and give you an edge, especially in a competitive job market.

To ensure clarity, use bullet points and complete sentences to describe your experience. Hiring managers often skim through numerous CVs, so making your information digestible and easy to read is crucial. Conciseness is key. Your CV should reflect not just your experience but also your ability to communicate effectively—one of the most sought-after skills in any industry.

It’s also worth noting that your work experience section can be an opportunity to inject some personality into your application. Bullet points in this section often form the foundation for interview questions, so be prepared to elaborate on everything you include. Use this section to hint at your professional style, creativity, and how you approach challenges.

If your work experience is limited or you have a gap in your career, don’t forget about unpaid or volunteer work. Experience from charitable work, internships, or community projects can also demonstrate leadership, initiative, or other skills that employers are looking for. Be strategic and think about times when you showed key qualities like problem-solving, organization, or teamwork.

At Cultura Links, we understand that crafting a compelling CV can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to strike the right balance between responsibilities and achievements. That’s why we offer comprehensive support through our Employment Hub. Whether you need help fine-tuning your CV and cover letter, preparing for interviews, or optimizing your job search strategy, our team is here to guide you.

In addition to personalized services, we also provide self-paced training programs to help you develop key skills and boost your employability. These trainings cover a wide range of topics, from communication and leadership to specific technical skills, ensuring you’re fully equipped to thrive in the modern job market.

Don’t leave your career success to chance. Let Cultura Links help you present your experience in the best possible light and give you the confidence to stand out from the crowd.