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How to Write Work Experience on a Resume: Examples & Tips

• April 30, 2024
• In Resumes & Cover Letters

When it comes to crafting an impressive resume, highlighting your work experience is crucial. Potential employers want to know what you’ve done in the past and how it aligns with the position you’re applying for. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to effectively write work experience on your resume.

Table of contents

• Importance of the work experience section in a resume

What to include in work experience section

1. include relevant experiences, 2. format your work experience section, 3. write strong bullet points.

• 4. Tailoring  work experince to the job

5. Highlight transferable skills

6. quantifying your achievements, 7. be consistent, examples of work experience on a resume, common mistakes to avoid.

• Work experience section: FAQ

Importance of the work experience section in resume

The work experience section of a resume is a crucial component that showcases your past employment history and highlights the skills , knowledge, and expertise you have gained throughout your career. This section provides concrete evidence of your ability to perform specific tasks and responsibilities.

Including specific achievements and accomplishments in the work experience section can make your resume stand out . By highlighting quantifiable results, such as increased sales, cost savings, or successful projects, you demonstrate your ability to deliver tangible outcomes. These achievements provide evidence of your value and impact in previous roles, giving potential employers a glimpse into what you can bring to their organization.

The work experience section is often regarded by employers as the most crucial aspect of a resume. They read it first to quickly assess your employment history and determine if you possess the necessary experience and skills for the role you are applying for.

When creating a work experience section on your resume, there are several key elements that you should include:

• Job titles and company names.  Clearly state your job title for each role and provide the name of the company or organization where you worked
• Dates of employment.  Specify the start and end dates for each position, including the month and year
• Responsibilities and achievements.  Describe your responsibilities in concise statements, highlighting key achievements and focusing on quantifiable accomplishments and specific examples of your contributions

Maximizing your work experience section on your resume

When composing your work experience section, it’s crucial to include experiences that are directly related to the job you’re applying for. This is especially important for individuals who have a solid work history and are not seeking a major career shift. In such cases, it is customary to highlight your most recent full-time positions.

However, if you’re just starting out in the workforce, aiming to venture into a different industry, or keen on making a career pivot, it can be advantageous to incorporate unconventional experiences. These could include internships, volunteer work, freelance projects, or even personal projects that showcase your skills and adaptability.  

When it comes to formatting work experience on a resume, there are various options available. The most popular format is the chronological format, where you list your work history in reverse order, starting with your most recent job.

• Chronological Format The chronological format is great for job seekers with a steady work history. It shows your career growth and experience in an organized way. It’s perfect if you have a consistent work history without gaps or frequent job changes. Employers can quickly see your qualifications and how your skills and responsibilities have evolved over time. This format is preferred by employers because it highlights your job progression and stability.
• Functional Format The functional format prioritizes skills and experience over chronological work history. It replaces the work history section with a professional experience or accomplishments section that highlights skills developed over time. This format is ideal for those with career gaps, multiple industry or position changes, or a need to showcase specific skills for a job. It enables employers to quickly identify relevant skills and expertise.
• Hybrid Format   The hybrid format blends the best of both the chronological and functional formats, enabling you to highlight your skills and accomplishments upfront on your resume. This is followed by a chronological presentation of your work history. This format is ideal if you want to emphasize both your skills and work experience. By showcasing your key qualifications and achievements first, you provide employers with a concise overview of your abilities. Subsequently, you can offer a chronological summary of your work history, demonstrating your career growth and stability.

Read more:  What’s the Best Resume Format for 2024? [Pros vs Cons]

Use strong and concise bullet points to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments in each role. Focus on quantifiable achievements and highlight the impact you made in previous positions. Use strong action verbs and concrete examples to showcase your abilities and the impact you’ve made. For example, instead of simply listing your job duties, emphasize the results you achieved and the value you brought to the organization

Read more:  How to Write Resume Bullet Points (+ Examples)

4. Tailoring work experince to the job

By tailoring your work experience section to each job application, you can effectively showcase the skills and achievements that are most relevant to the position you are applying for.

• Analyzing the job description This step allows you to identify the specific skills, qualifications, and experiences that the employer is seeking. By doing so, you gain insight into what to emphasize in your resume and how to align your past roles and achievements with the requirements of the job you’re applying for.
• Highlighting relevant skills and experiences After analyzing the job description, it becomes important to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position. Focus on roles where you have developed skills or achieved significant accomplishments that closely align with the job you’re applying for. By doing this, you effectively demonstrate your suitability and potential value to prospective employers.

When showcasing transferable skills in the work experience section, it is important to first identify which skills are transferable. Transferable skills are skills that you have acquired through education, internships, or previous work experiences that can be applied to different roles or industries. These skills demonstrate your ability to succeed in a job, even if your work history is not an exact match for the position at hand.

• Identify your transferable skills  When identifying transferable skills, it’s important to reflect on your previous roles and think about the skills you utilized to succeed in those positions. Did you have excellent problem-solving abilities? Were you adept at multitasking and time management? By identifying these skills, you can then demonstrate how they can be applied to future roles.
• Include transferable skills in your work experience Once you have identified your transferable skills, it’s important to incorporate them into the descriptions of your past work experiences. Be specific and provide examples of how you have utilized these skills to overcome challenges or achieve specific results in your previous roles. For instance, if you have strong analytical-thinking skills, you can mention how you used these skills to analyze data and make informed decisions that resulted in positive outcomes for your previous employers.

The example clearly demonstrates the candidate’s essential transferable skills for a project manager role, including communication, planning, and reporting.

Related:  20+ Essential Nursing Skills for Your Resume [2024]

• Highlight specific accomplishments Instead of simply listing your responsibilities, focus on specific accomplishments that demonstrate your impact. For instance, you can mention that you successfully achieved a 13% increase in sales by implementing innovative product displays and promotion strategies within the first quarter of your employment. This not only showcases your ability to drive results but also highlights your transferable skills in sales, marketing, and problem-solving.
• Utilize the C.A.R. method formula The C.A.R. method formula, which stands for Challenge, Action, and Result, is an effective way to structure your accomplishments. Start by describing the challenge or problem you encountered, then outline the specific actions you took to address it, and finally, state the results of your efforts. This approach provides context and helps the hiring manager understand the significance of your achievement. For example, you can say, “Faced with declining customer engagement, I revamped our social media strategy, resulting in a 30% increase in online followers and a 20% boost in website traffic.”
• Increased sales by 25% through the implementation of a targeted marketing campaign.
• Streamlined operations, resulting in a 35% reduction in production time and cost.
• Led a cross-functional team of 15 members to successfully launch a new product, resulting in a 15% increase in market share.

Related:  65+ Resume Accomplishment Examples

• Consistency is key when it comes to presenting your work experience section in a resume. By maintaining a consistent format, you not only showcase your attention to detail but also convey a sense of professionalism. To achieve this, make sure you use a consistent format for listing job titles, employers, and employment dates on your resume.
• Start by choosing a specific format for your job titles. For example, you can use bold or capitalized letters to make them stand out. Whatever format you choose, make sure it remains consistent across all your job entries.
• Next, list the employers in a consistent manner. This can include using the full company name or using abbreviations, but again, maintain this consistency throughout your resume.
• Lastly, ensure that the employment dates are presented consistently. You can use a month and year format (e.g., January 2020 – March 2024) or simply list the years (e.g., 2020 – 2024). Whichever format you decide on, stick to it for each job entry.

#1. Work Experience on a Resume for a Student

Student Assistant, Stuyvesant High School January 2022 – Current

• Streamlined administrative processes by developing an efficient filing system, resulting in a 30% reduction in paperwork errors and a more organized office environment.
• Assisted in the coordination and execution of a successful student-led event, attracting over 200 attendees and generating positive feedback from both students and faculty.
• Managed a budget of $4,500 for student organization activities, effectively allocating funds to support various events and initiatives throughout the academic year.

#2. Work Experience on a Resume for a Teacher

Teacher, Westminster School January 2020 – March 2024

• Improved student test scores by 15% over the course of one academic year through implementing personalized teaching strategies tailored to each student’s needs.
• Developed and implemented a project-based learning curriculum that resulted in a 20% increase in student engagement and participation.
• Implemented data-driven instructional practices, resulting in a 25% decrease in student absenteeism and an increase in overall classroom attendance

 #3. Work Experience in CV for a Business Manager

Business Manager, Unilever January 2020 – Current

• Streamlined operational processes, resulting in a 15% reduction in production costs and a 10% increase in overall productivity within the department.
• Successfully led a cross-functional team in the development and launch of a new product, which generated $1 million in sales within the first three months.
• Developed and executed a cost-saving initiative that resulted in a 30% reduction in overhead expenses, saving the company $500,000 annually.

 #4. Work Experience in CV for a Pharmacist

Pharmacist, Green Health Feb 2020 – Current

• Increased medication adherence rates by implementing a patient education program, resulting in a 20% decrease in hospital readmissions for patients with chronic conditions.
• Streamlined medication dispensing processes, reducing average wait times by 30% and increasing customer satisfaction scores by 15%.
• Implemented a medication therapy management system, resulting in a 25% reduction in medication errors and a significant improvement in patient safety outcomes.

 #5. Work Experience Resume for a Cashier

Cashier, Walmart Feb 2020 – Current

• Increased average daily sales by 15% within six months through upselling techniques and exceptional customer service, resulting in a boost in overall revenue for the store.
• Successfully resolved customer complaints and conflicts, maintaining a 95% customer satisfaction rating based on post-purchase surveys, showcasing strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills.

 #6. Work Experience Resume for a Sales Associate

Sales Associate, Morgane Le Fay Feb 2020 – Current

• Increased sales revenue by 25% within the first quarter by effectively upselling and cross-selling products to customers.
• Exceeded monthly sales targets consistently by 15%, resulting in being recognized as the top-performing sales associate for three consecutive months.
• Collaborated with the marketing team to launch a successful social media campaign, resulting in a 22% increase in online sales and brand visibility

 #7. Work Experience Resume for a Medical Assistant 

Medical assistant, Greenhouse Feb 2020 – Current

• Increased patient satisfaction scores by 15% through proactive communication and personalized care, resulting in improved patient retention and positive online reviews.
• Successfully assisted in the implementation of an electronic medical records system, resulting in a 33% reduction in administrative errors and a more efficient workflow.
• Developed and implemented a comprehensive patient education program, resulting in a 20% increase in patient compliance with treatment plans and improved overall health outcomes.

To create an effective work experience section, it’s crucial to steer clear of common errors that could impede your job prospects. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Including irrelevant Information:  Make sure to only include relevant work experience and skills that are directly related to the job you’re applying for. Keep your application focused by excluding irrelevant or outdated information.
• Exaggerating or lying : It’s crucial to be honest and truthful in your resume. Exaggerating or lying about your qualifications or experience can easily be uncovered during the hiring process and can damage your credibility.
• Using clichés and buzzwords:  Avoid using clichés and overused buzzwords in your resume. Highlight specific achievements and experiences to showcase your skills.
• Poor formatting and organization : A cluttered and poorly formatted resume can be difficult to read and understand. Make your resume visually appealing and easy to navigate with clear headings, bullet points, and a consistent format.
• Neglecting to Include keywords:  Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes for specific keywords. Make sure to include relevant keywords from the job description to increase your chances of getting through the initial screening process.

Crafting an effective work experience section can be challenging, especially if you are unsure about how to present your experiences or lack confidence in your writing skills. If you find yourself in this situation, consider reaching out to a professional resume writer who can provide expert guidance and help you create a compelling resume.

Resumeway’s Professional Resume Writers enhance your strengths, customize your resume for specific job needs, and effectively showcase your value to potential employers.

FAQ: Work experience section

How far back should i go in listing work experience.

When deciding how far back to go in listing work experience on your resume, it is generally recommended to include about 10–15 years of relevant work history. However, this recommendation can vary depending on your professional background and the specific job you are applying for. If you have early career accomplishments that give you more credibility, you can list them in a separate section below your work history

How  do I  deal with gaps in my work  history?

One approach is to create a new entry in your professional experience section specifically addressing the gap. You can use job titles such as “Career Break,” and include the dates it occurred. This allows you to highlight any relevant skills or experiences gained during that time. Consider using a hybrid resume format if you find it difficult to address a career break directly or if you need to describe it quickly. This format combines elements of both chronological and functional resumes, allowing you to highlight your skills and achievements while still including a chronological work history.

What if I have limited work experience?

If you have limited work experience, there are still ways to showcase your qualifications on your resume. Focus on highlighting relevant skills, internships, volunteer work, coursework, or projects that demonstrate your abilities and potential. Additionally, consider using a functional resume format that emphasizes your skills and accomplishments rather than a chronological format that focuses on work history.

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How to Describe Work Experience on a Resume in 2024 (Examples & Tips)

Your work experience is a summary of all your hard work, dedication and achievements over the years. Here's how to do justice to your work history.

The work experience section of a resume will be the crown jewel that demonstrates to potential employers that you have the work history to back up your credentials.

In this guide, we will provide you with in-depth coverage for how to craft the perfect work experience section to help you land more interviews and job offers. 

Here's an outline of what we'll learn:

Including Work Experience on a Resume

What to exclude from your work history, formatting your work experience section, how to list achievements and accomplishments, add more experience with relevant certifications, use strong action verbs, how to show job promotions, addressing career gaps in your work experience, how to show volunteer work and internship experience.

• How Far Back Should Your Work History Go?

Key Takeaways

For all the inside scope on each component of your resume, check out our comprehensive resume guides . 

Work experience is a major component of any successful resume.

However, it can be difficult to decipher what exactly you should be including in your work history. 

Each job applicant will have a differing amount of working experience under their belt.

The key is to not shove too much information into this section.

Instead, you will need to take the time to sit down and decide which information best highlights your strengths and gives you an advantage for a particular job opportunity.

It is important to keep in mind that you should be altering your resume to match the job description of each individual job you are applying to. 

By taking the time to re-edit your work experience section for specific applications, you will have a much greater chance of impressing hiring managers. 

In this article, we will help you craft the perfect work experience section.

Some key questions we will be answering include:

• What should you be including in your work history?
• What should you be excluding from your work history?
• How should your work experience section be formatted?

Keep reading to learn more about how you can begin optimizing your work history section.

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job

What Information to Include in Your Work History?

Ultimately, your work history will contain the following:

• Job Position ( e.g. "Bartender" )
• Company ( e.g. "Red Lobster" )
• Location (e.g. "Brooklyn, NY")
• Start Date - Month & Year (e.g. "October 2019")
• End Date - Month & Year (e.g. "January 2021") Note : You can list "Present" if it's your current job
• Description (responsibilities and achievements)

Here's how that looks, you can also see an example of the Yoga Instructor resume here .

Yoga Instructor, January 2018 – Present Mellow Mushroom • Nashville, TN • Taught 40+ elderly clients basic yoga moves each day • Held 4 classes a day that differ in intensity, including beginner and intermediate • Advised modifications for yoga poses to ensure proper form, to meet clients' athletic abilities • Instructed clients on breathing techniques, such as Basic Breath Awareness and Retention • Developed body-mind-spirit awareness, mental clarity and physical flexibility and strength

However, when deciding which information to include within your work experience section, there are four main principles to keep in mind:

Here is a quick breakdown of each of these crucial factors:

1) Relevancy

When writing out your work experiences, it is important to consider how relevant your previous experience is to the job you are currently applying for

Your most relevant experience should always be the most emphasized and focused on, as it will be where you showcase the skills and achievements that qualify you for the position.

For instance, let’s say you are applying for an entry-level copywriting position and you have two major examples of work experience you would like to include.

These examples are:

• Managed the front of house of a restaurant for four years.
• Worked as a journalist at a local newspaper for one year.

Even though the management position may take up a greater chunk of your professional background, your experience as a journalist is much more relevant to the field of copywriting.

Therefore, you would want to place greater emphasis on your more relevant experience. 

2) Timeliness

Let’s say you are applying for a position for which all or most of your work experience is fairly relevant with similar importance in your roles.

How do you decide which of this experience is best to include on your resume?

When listing out your relevant work experience, it is recommended to showcase your most recent experience first and work backwards from there. 

As a general rule of thumb, it is good to aim to include work experience that you have gained within the past 5 years, though trying to include examples from within the last 1 to 5 years is ideal. 

Generally, work experience older than 5 years should be included on more in-depth resumes, such as on a resume for a job applicant seeking a senior position at a company.

Additionally, the academic resume format “Curriculum Vitae” – or CV – will typically include experience that spans across an even wider timeframe. 

3) Longevity

If you have held a relevant position for a long period of time, this kind of longevity can be highly impressive to hiring managers.

Showcasing your longevity at a previous job demonstrates your ability to commit to a company long-term. 

Moreover, showcasing positions you have held for a long period of time can also be a great opportunity to emphasize any promotions you may have received.

Showing your ability to not only commit, but to grow as well can be majorly influential on the impression your resume leaves.

4) Position

Different positions you have held within a field or industry may hold greater weight than others.

While it is still important to keep relevance, timeliness, and longevity in mind, it can also be useful to showcase your higher positions on your resume.

For example, let’s say you are applying for a position as an executive administrative assistant and you have the following work experience:

• Office manager for small law firm 
• Administrative assistant for a tattoo parlor

While both positions are relevant to the job you are applying for, your role as an office manager may have had greater responsibilities compared to your assistant position. 

Check out our Human Resources Resume Example to see how the work experience section utilizes all four of the above mentioned factors. 

When you are writing your work experience section, it is important to note that you don’t want to include every job under the sun that you have ever held.

A hiring manager won’t want to read through all of that, nor are all of your experiences likely to be relevant for the job you are applying to. 

For instance, short-term jobs that you left soon after being hired may not be the best to include, as this can lead to speculation and uncertainty as to why you held the position for so short an amount of time.

If you happened to work a job that was purposefully or contractually short-term but holds a high level of relevance to the job you are currently applying for, it can be useful to include a short note explaining why you were only in the position for a limited amount of time. 

Omitting Jobs from Your Resume

There may be a variety of circumstances that may lead you to wanting to omit certain jobs from your resume.

For instance, if you were fired from your previous position, you may feel inclined to try and hide this information out of fear of it leaving a bad impression on hiring managers.

However, even jobs you were fired from should be included if they are relevant working experience

Being fired from a previous job is not an automatic deal breaker in most cases, and including that position on your resume is oftentimes preferred over leaving unexplained gaps in your employment history.

Moreover, you do not have to explicitly state on your resume that you were fired.

Should this be a topic of concern, it will likely come up in a job interview at which point you can more clearly and directly explain what happened.

Keep Your Job Descriptions Simple

A common mistake that many job applicants will make is writing descriptions of previous jobs that are too wordy or long.

Although it can be helpful to include more information about your most relevant or most recent experiences, you still want to write in clear and concise sentences that are easy to skim.

In truth, it is unlikely a hiring manager will thoroughly read your resume – especially if there are many applicants for the position.

As such, you must optimize your resume to provide information clearly and quickly.

A hiring manager should be able to gain the most valuable information with only a short read-through or skimming. 

As mentioned, you don’t want to go overboard when writing your work experience section.

Although you should aim to include the best and most relevant details, you should strive to write in short and simple sentences. 

Here is the basic format to use when structuring your work experience section:

Position, Start Date – End Date Company Name, Location ‍ • Descriptive Sentence • Descriptive Sentence • Descriptive Sentence

Alternatively, you may also want to list the company name on the first line with the position title.

This can be especially true if you worked for a well-known and easily recognized company or brand.

The formatting would then look more like this:

Position, Company Name Location, Start Date – End Date ‍ • Descriptive Sentence • Descriptive Sentence • Descriptive Sentence

There are, of course, some stylistic choices you can make to help your resume stand out.

However, sticking to this straightforward and easy to read format is key. 

Here are a couple quick examples of correct and incorrect formatting:

1) Always use bullet points for your descriptions.

Long paragraphs can be hard to read and make your work experience section look too cluttered.

Restaurant Manager, 2018 – 2020 ‍ In this position as a restaurant manager, I worked diligently to help implement new point of sales systems that greatly reduced operational costs. I also managed a staff of over 20 waiters on any given day. Of my responsibilities, I was in charge of handling customer complaints and issuing refunds. 

Restaurant Manager, 2018 – 2020 Mellow Mushroom • Nashville, TN • Hired and trained over 20 staff members . • Implemented point of sales systems that reduced operational costs by 15 percent . • Reduced customer complaints and refunds by 25 percent . 

2) Be specific as possible.

When writing your work experience descriptions, try to be as specific as possible rather than providing vague descriptions of your work accomplishments in the position. 

Junior Graphic Designer, The Coca-Cola Company Atlanta, GA • June 2017 – July 2020 • Responsible for making creative designs for the company. • Created hundreds of different designs for a variety of projects. • Worked closely with top-corporate officials. 

Junior Graphic Designer, The Coca-Cola Company Atlanta, GA • June 2017 – July 2020   • Led the design, development, and implementation of a label design project. • Designed and implemented new branding materials, including a re-design of the logo.  • Presented key deliverables to executive level stakeholders. 

In the following Content Marketing Associate resume example, you can see how Sarah has emphasized each of her bullet points with specific relevant keywords.

When it comes to listing your achievements and accomplishments on a resume , there are several considerations to keep in mind

As a general rule of thumb, your job descriptions are the best place to showcase your greatest accomplishments within a position.

For example, let’s say you worked in a sales position and raised overall sales by 10 percent .

This is the kind of specific accomplishment you will want to list within your job description. 

As previously mentioned, you will always want to be as specific as possible when listing out your achievements.

Here are some examples of how to properly list your accomplishments within your work experience section:

If you have specific data to quantify an accomplishment, always provide specific numbers rather than generalized statements.

Incorrect: ‍

Increased productivity of staff immensely over the course of the position.

Improved staff productivity rates by 30 percent , leading to a reduction of labor costs by 45 percent . 

Awards are a type of achievement that can be particularly useful to include.

Keep in mind that a hiring manager may not be familiar with company-specific awards.

Thus, you should provide enough detail to explain the importance of the award. 

Earned the Departmental MVP Award in 2019.

Earned the 2019 Departmental MVP Award for increasing productivity and efficiency rates, as well as improving cross-functionality of the department. 

Depending on the quantity of achievements you have, it may also be beneficial to create a section devoted entirely to your professional accomplishments.

The key takeaway here, however, is that job descriptions are one the most useful places to showcase your job-specific achievements. 

Although certifications may not be direct work experience, they often times are major indicators to employers of how qualified the candidate is for a position.

To earn a certification, you will typically be required to complete an accredited course successfully.

It can be tempting to include every certification you have ever earned on your resume as a way to help add some extra detail and interest.

However, when you are including certifications you should still be keeping relevancy as your top priority.

As such, only the most relevant certifications should be showcased. For instance, let’s say you have a CPR and First Aid certification.

If you are applying to become a school nurse, these kinds of certifications are not only important but are likely required.

Comparatively, if you are applying to a position as a content writer, these certifications hold no relevance. 

If you have earned a certification as a result of working a previous job, then you would likely want to include that certification in that specific job description.

Otherwise, your certifications may be better suited in their own devoted section.

Additionally, working to earn relevant certifications that you can list in tandem with your work experience section can help you to greatly stand out from other job applicants.

Here is a quick list of a few well-known certifications that would be useful to include on a resume:

• PMP: PMP is a Project Manager certification and is given to professionals with a four-year degree, a minimum of three years of project management experience, and the successful completion of the PMP exam and hour requirements. 
• NCLEX-RN: The NCLEX certification is the required certification for nursing professionals put forth by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. 
• PHR: The PHR certification stands for Professional in Human Resources and is earned through successful completion of an exam upon confirmation of eligibility. 
• SERVSAFE: ServSafe certifications are used in the restaurant industry to certify that kitchen and waitstaff are following all proper food and drink protocols. 

For more information on how to best show certifications, check out our guide on listing certifications on a resume.

When you are writing your resume, you want the words you use to engage the person who is reading it.

Chances are that the hiring manager reading your resume will read hundreds of other resumes that all contain similar words, verbs, and phrases. 

When choosing which words to use in your resume, it is important to remember that you don’t want to tell the employer why you are a great candidate.

Instead, you want to use the words to show the employer why you are the best candidate. 

This is where strong action verbs come in.

In your job descriptions, rather than saying something boring like “ managed a staff of 50+ members ” —  instead use a stronger action verb such as “ delegated ” or “ directed .”

Here are a couple quick tips for using strong action verbs on your resume:

1) Always lead with your action verb

Don’t bury your action verbs or make them difficult to spot.

Start your sentences with a powerful action verb instead.

I helped senior executives with important administrative tasks.

Assisted senior executives with administrative tasks, including managing travel schedules and optimizing file organization systems. 

2) Make it contextual and supporting

While it is important to use action verbs, don’t just use any word that comes to mind.

The words you use should make sense in the context of how they are being used to describe a job. 

Prohibited operational costs from exceeding budgetary restrictions.

Maintained low operational costs according to budgetary restrictions. 

Though both of these statements essentially say the same thing, the latter is much more clear and better represents your professional achievement. 

For more ideas on which action verbs to include on your resume, check out our list of 350+ Action Verbs to Make Your Resume More Effective.  

If you have worked in a previous job for a longer period of time, chances are you have received a promotion or two along the way.

Keeping track of these promotions and showing your professionals growth is essential. 

There are a couple different ways to show promotions within a job description.

When showcasing different roles you have held within the same job or company, it is important to list your highest position first and work backwards from there.

As an example, let’s look at two different ways a job candidate could list their promotion from office assistant to office manager on a resume:

1) Stacking job promotions

Use stacked positions to show your growth over time, with the most recent and highest position at the top.

Office Assistant, Tennessee Valley Authority Nashville, TN • January 2015 – January 2016 ‍ • Promoted to current position of Office Manager in 2016.

Office Manager, Tennessee Valley Authority • January 2016 – November 2020 Office Assistant , Tennessee Valley Authority • January 2015 – 2016

This kind of stacked formatting is an easy way to show you growth within a company without having to detail each position.

This is a good format option for when you want to focus solely on the highest position you earned.

2) Listing job promotions as separate entries

This format is useful if you served in each position for several years with different responsibilities in each. 

Office Assistant and Manager, Tennessee Valley Authority January 2015 – November 2020

Office Manager, Tennessee Valley Authority January 2016 – November 2020 • Job Description & Achievements Office Assistant, Tennessee Valley Authority January 2015 – January 2016 • Job Description & Achievements

The choice to format promotions as two separate entries should be reserved for instances where most or all of your work experience has been in different positions within the same company

Otherwise, the stacked format allows you to feature other work experiences with different employers as well. 

In some cases, a job applicant may not have very much relevant work experience or they may have large career gaps.

If this is the case for you, it can be useful to consider utilizing different resume formats to help fill in those gaps. 

The worst thing you can do is try to hide these career gaps from hiring managers.

These are the types of details they will be looking out for, and signs of deception are likely to get your resume thrown out immediately.

Instead, you should consider the different resume formats that may be better suited to showcasing your skills rather than your experience.

Here are the three main types of resume formats and how we'd rate them from best to worst for addressing career gaps:

1) Functional (best)

Functional formatted resumes focus more on skills and unpaid experiences, making them well suited for applicants without a strong work history.

2) Hybrid/Combination (good)

Hybrid resumes will combine elements of both reverse-chronological and functional resumes, making them good to use when you have career gaps. 

3) Reverse-Chronological (worst)

‍ This format focuses on making the work experience section the main component of the resume so it won't be the best choice for you.

Though having limited work experience or large career gaps can certainly make the resume writing process more difficult, it is by no means impossible to create an effective resume in spite of this.

Check out our guide for writing a resume with no work experience for more advice on how to create a resume when you have limited experience or career gaps.

For some applicants, especially those who may still be in school or are recent graduates, you may lack paid working experience but have several good examples of volunteer work and internships. 

Generally speaking, your internship experiences can go in your work experience section, as these are still technically professional experiences you applied for and earned based on your academic credentials.

Volunteer work, comparatively, should often be listed in a separate section as this is not typically considered “professional experience.”

Nonetheless, volunteer work can still hold a good amount of value, especially if it is directed related to the job you are applying for.

For instance, an IT professional may have volunteered their time to work on a not-for-profit software development project.

Though this experience was unpaid, it provided the applicant with experience working directly with software developers.

This kind of experience will still be crucial to share with potential employers. 

Consider an Alternative Format

If your work experience is limited to internships and volunteer work, this may be another good opportunity to utilize the functional or hybrid resume formats.

This will allow you to showcase the unpaid experience you have, while also sharing the focus with other sections such as skills and academic accomplishments. 

How Far Back Should Your Work History Go?

We’ve covered the importance of timeliness and longevity when deciding which previous jobs to include in your work experience section.

The reality of how far back you should go ultimately depends on the position you are applying for.

For applicants who are applying to entry-level or lower-level jobs, keeping your work experience section concise and focusing on jobs you have worked in the past 1 to 5 years is likely to be preferable. 

Comparatively, if you are applying for a senior-level position, or for a position in the fields of science or academia, it is recommended to showcase more of your professional background.

For instance, applicants who are seeking positions in academic fields will likely want to use a CV format which typically will cover most – if not all – of both their professional and academic background. 

Not every job is the same, nor is every applicant the same, so how much you include on your resume will depend on the situation at hand.

Luckily, there are many resources to help, such as our guide on on writing the perfect resume.

By now you should feel a much greater sense of confidence for how you should be writing and formatting your work experience on your resume.

Here are five key takeaways to remember as you embark on your resume writing journey:

1. Relevancy is Key

When listing out your work experiences, keep in mind which of your previous jobs are the most relevant to the position you are now applying for.

You don’t want to weigh down your resume with too many jobs and job descriptions, so narrowing down to the 3 – 5 most relevant experiences is key. 

Do keep in mind the other three factors we discussed as well: timeliness , longevity , and position .

You want to showcase how your prior work experiences have given you the skillsets to make you highly qualified for the job you are seeking. 

2. Show, Don’t Tell

When writing your job descriptions, avoid using statements such as “I did this” or “I accomplished this.”

Instead, word your descriptions in a way that showcase your achievements and strengths within the position.

Employers don’t want to be told what you can do because words only mean so much without the evidence to back them up.

‍ Show hiring managers what you are capable of by providing clear and quantifiable examples of how you have excelled in your previous positions. 

3. Use Strong Action Verbs

Begin each of your bullet points in your job descriptions with strong action verbs that clearly represent the action or accomplishment you are showcasing.

The use of these verbs not only helps to clarify your work experience section, but also helps emphasize key points, tasks and achievements.

However, be wary of using these verbs just for the sake of using them.

Always make sure the verbs you are choosing relate back to the statement you are making so you don't not accidentally cause any confusion.

4. Keep it Simple 

Bullet points and simple sentences are your friend. Most hiring managers are not going to read through your resume in its entirety.

Thus, having bite size and concise descriptions that effectively represent your abilities, skills, and accomplishments is key. 

5. Determine Which Format is Best for You

If your work experience is limited, you may want to consider using an alternative resume format.

To help determine which format best suits your needs, take a look at our guide for choosing the correct resume format . 

Closing Thoughts

Your relevant work experience can make or break your opportunity for landing an interview with the job of your dreams.

Figuring out the best and most concise way to list your experience is, thus, crucial. 

To learn more about how to craft the best resume possible, check out our comprehensive guides and resume templates to get started making your perfect resume today. 

Browse more resume templates that fit your role

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Not sure what degree to list? If you should include a GPA? It just so happens that there's a variety of ways to effectively list your eduction.

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What to Put on a Resume in 2024 (with Examples and Tips)

If you have ever written a resume, you have probably found yourself wondering whether or not you are including the right information. There are many elements that make up a strong resume and several formats to choose from. In this guide, we will help you determine exactly what to include on your resume in 2024!

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To land a job in customer service, you need to showcase your best skills to employers. Customer service involves both technical and interpersonal skills. This makes a diverse skillset all the more important! In this guide, we will uncover the best customer service skills to include on a resume. Plus, we will provide you with tips and tricks for formatting.

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Reflecting about your experience

Reflections and learning from an internship experience

In experiential learning and internships, the real learning comes after the work term when you have an opportunity to think about what you saw and experienced.  Reflecting back about the experience is a key to learning and it is definitely not a new idea. In fact, a famous lesson from Confucius around 450 B.C. illuminates the importance of active engagement and real time experiences in learning:

“TELL ME, AND I WILL FORGET. SHOW ME, AND I MAY REMEMBER. INVOLVE ME, AND I WILL UNDERSTAND.”

It is through reflecting about the actions at work and the concrete experiences that will lead you to recognizing that the experience has forged a new way of thinking about the classroom theory. An abstract concept worked through in a real situation, as an immediate need, will change the participants.

Below is a diagram of how one contemporary experiential learning theorist, David Kolb, explains how interns learn from experience. Kolb's experiential learning style theory is typically represented by a four stage learning cycle in which the learner 'touches all the bases': [Source: Simply Psychology.org ]

• Concrete Experience   A new experience or situation, or a reinterpretation of existing experience, is encountered.
• Reflective Observation  of the new experience. Of particular importance are any inconsistencies between experience and understanding.
• Abstract Conceptualization   Reflection gives rise to a new idea, or to a modification of an existing abstract concept.
• Active Experimentation   The learner applies new ideas to the world around them to see what results.

Importance of a mentor or faculty guide to the reflection

Your reflection process is best led by a workplace guide such as a supervisor, mentor, or a faculty member after the experience.  This post-experience reflection with a guide gives you another voice that can ask questions and draw comparisons to abstract ideas that are now more completely understood.  Lessons learned can become internalized and put to use in future work opportunities.

In addition, almost everyone has experienced a less than 100% positive work experience at one time or another in their work lives.  As an intern, at the beginning of your career experiences and career path, you will almost always learn something that will inform you at any future work setting.  A guide to your reflection activities will point out both the positives of what you learned as well as the learning that you can take from the absence of an obvious achievement.  Both sides can be extremely powerful and transformational as you approach next steps in career development.

Below are just a few reflection questions to stimulate your thinking and learning about the internship work experience.

• What do you think was your most significant accomplishment while you were working?
• Are there any new skills that you developed while you were at the worksite and what are they?
• Describe what you believe the ideal supervisor will be like at work now that you have work experience in your field of study?

Be able to talk about your experience

Communication is one of the most important professional skills you can develop. The process of seeking an internship, the work experience itself, and reflecting afterward, will all contribute to the growth of your communication skills.  As you reflect on your internship, practice speakiing succinctly and precisely about your experience. Use key words. Most listeners will pay attention to shorter answers. You should be able to describe an internship experience in two minutes.  Use action-oriented and positive words. 

Guide to talking about your internship in two minutes: Use the following as a guide to practice describing your internship:

• 30 Seconds – Tell your first and last name, year in school, institution, and major.  Give the name of the employer (organization) and site location.  Share one point of interest about the organization.  For example, XYZ is “a major producer of carpet and other types of flooring in the United States.”
• 60 Seconds – Give your title and role at the organization; describe your main responsibilities. Talk about technical and professionalism skills you learned and/or developed.  Highlight one main accomplishment you had during the internship.
• 30 Seconds – Focus on your main learning from the experience and how this might impact you professionally and as you make future career decisions.

Be able to write about your experience

Internships are first professional experiences in the field and each will become a stepping stone to the next work assignment. In order to leverage internship experience to move forward in your career, it is important to be able to write about your experience in a professional way.

You know the importance of the resume in the job search process. Resumes are also used in applying to graduate school, for scholarships, and in nominations to civic boards and other leadership opportunities. Your ability to write about your internship experience on your resume is incredibly important. Accuracy and representing yourself and your work in a positive manner are critical.

Practice, in writing, describing what you did during the internship, including skills and equipment used to manage your work tasks. Look back at your job offer and your job description to find keywords that describe your experience.  Learning objectives that you established for your internship might also highlight skills that you developed, and equipment and software that you used. Future prospective employers also read your resume to see what accomplishments you achieved during the internship, and if your work had an impact on your employer’s efficiency and/or bottom line. The following is one way to brainstorm about your internship experience to develop an accomplishment statement to use on your resume.

The PROBLEM, ACTION, RESULT formula to capture accomplishment statements

Problem:  What was a problem or task that you were assigned at work?

Action:  What action did you take to solve the problem and complete the task?

Result: After your action, what was the end result for your employer organization? Can you quantify this in some way by using a percentage, a number, or other measure? For example, did it increase efficiencies or production? And if so, by how much?

On the resume under your internship description, try to list at least one accomplishment statement for every professional experience.

Leave off the problem, and begin writing using a past tense action verb, followed by a quantified result.

Below are a few examples of accomplishment statements. They usually appear as bulleted items under the internship description.

• Developed a software application that increased company production by 10% each month.
• Managed a project team that completed five successful special events during spring 2016.
• Researched and submitted a grant proposal that brought in 10K to the organization.

Internship central

> Internship basics

> Finding internships

> Applying

>  Maintaining student status

> Preparing

> Maximizing

> Reflecting

> Telling your story

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• Resume and Cover Letter
• 7 Life Lessons We Learned...

7 Life Lessons We Learned Through Resume Writing

5 min read · Updated on December 16, 2021

Emily DiRienzo

Sometimes, it's better to leave it to the pros.

Why buy when you can DIY? That's the question project manager, Will Cornell asked himself many times over when he first learned about TopResume's writing services. Not only did Will learn the answer the hard way, but he also almost lost his dream job in the process. Read on to spare yourself the struggle!

As a technical project manager, Will prides himself on his natural curiosity and desire to problem-solve. He often gravitates towards a trial-by-error means of troubleshooting and hours of YouTube tutorials to consulting a trained professional.

 I enjoy getting my hands dirty, whether that means building something from scratch or digging deep into a process or project to get to the root of a problem.

Despite his do-it-yourself ethos, there are few things Will would much rather leave in the hands of the experts: performing surgery, filing taxes, and recently, resume writing .

Lesson 1: DON'T put off the inevitable

“After working for the same company for six years it was time for a change. I wanted something fresh and new, even if it meant moving out of my comfort zone. Six years can feel like a lifetime in the tech industry, and I knew the longer I waited, the harder it would be to leave.”  

Lucky for Will, our writers were there to make his transition back into the job market as painless as possible. His writer, Traci, was able to transform his six-year tenure into a story of professional and personal development. It was important that Will show a thirst for growth in such a rapidly evolving industry.

Lesson 2: DON'T take it personally

So, what made this professional problem-solver let another pro solve his problem?

“Honestly, I was too close to it. It sounds strange, but the process of writing your own resume can be emotional. The job search is a lot like cleaning out a closet — you know not everything can make the cut, but it's hard not to be precious about the things you've accomplished.”

Will is right; when it comes to resume writing, it's not always as simple as asking yourself if a project or achievement “sparks joy.” Sometimes you need to call in a professional to cut through the clutter and leave only the most valuable information behind.

Lesson 3: DO write for the job you want

“Before turning to TopResume, I was hitting a lot of walls. I was lucky if I heard back, but even when I did get a call I would get halfway through a screener before either the recruiter or I would realize it wasn't a good fit. I'm a solid worker with years of experience, I just wasn't writing for the job I really wanted.”

And that's the thing, resumes aren't just a chronological list of what you've done, but what you want to do.

Lesson 4: DO trust an expert

Make no mistake, telling your career story is no easy feat, especially when you can't always find the words:

“Even though I knew what I had accomplished and what I wanted to accomplish in the future, I struggled to put it down on paper. Traci practically read my mind, putting things into words that were stuck in my head.”

Lesson 5: DON'T let fear of rejection hold you back

Will was an instant fan of his new resume, but at this point in his job search it really didn't matter what he thought — was it enough to land him an interview?

 Once I got my new resume back from TopResume I was hesitant to share it right away. I  thought it was great, but what if recruiters didn't bite? What if I was doomed to stay in my current position forever? 

Spoiler alert: Will did not, in fact, receive a life sentence at his job and did continue to apply with his shiny new resume.

Lesson 6: DO know your worth

After Will posted his updated resume to online job boards, he noticed a subtle, yet meaningful, change almost immediately.

“Just one day after I posted my new resume I saw a noticeable shift in the type of positions being sent my way. Not just in the industries and titles, but in the pay too. Until that moment I had surrendered to the idea of taking a salary cut, but was pleasantly surprised this wasn't the case.”  

It's not uncommon for job seekers to undersell themselves in their resume and cover letters, especially when they've been out of practice for a while. Teaming up with a pro like Traci can help set reasonable expectations based on your work experience and properly articulate your worth.

Lesson 7: DON'T give up on your dreams

And now for the plot twist! The position Will accepted, in the end, was at his dream company, which had previously passed on him as a candidate.

“I took a chance and reapplied for a different position with a different resume. I'm glad I did it. Their recruiter contacted me immediately and I'm already a couple of weeks into my first month in the role.”

We'd say the rest is history, but we truly hope Will remembers this next time he's due for a resume update!

Are you stuck in your own resume rut? Let us lend a hand. Contact us today to get a resume rewrite from one of our expert writers.

Recommended Reading:

• What Employers Want (And How Your DIY Resume May Be Falling Short)
• How a Professionally Written Resume Can Boost Your Job-Search Confidence
• How We Gave This Professional the Resume Insurance She Wanted

Related Articles:

From Bland to Beautiful: How We Made This Professional's Resume Shine

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

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Ashley Yuan

Reflection: Creating a LinkedIn Profile & Drafting a Formal Report

Introduction

In this reflection, I was able to learn my strengths and weaknesses in both the professional field and my writing style. By reflecting on this reflection, I am able to understand my thought processes in creating my LinkedIn profile, drafting my formal report and peer reviewing my partner’s work. It allows me to identify the weaknesses I have improved on and those that I still need to work on.

Creating a LinkedIn Profile

Before the course, I already had a LinkedIn profile to start with, but I never researched how to make my profile stand out. Through the process of revising my profile, I learned the specific algorithms in LinkedIn and how you could make your profile pop up for recruiters in more related fields. For instance, before I did not know that writing a summary with specific keywords would allow recruiters in related fields easily see your profile. I also took the time to update my profile to include my current degree and the work I did in the past year. Overall, this assignment was really useful in helping me understand online job networks and how to best present yourself online. This is a useful skill especially with a lot of jobs looking to LinkedIn due to the pandemic.

Brainstorming and Preparing the Report Proposal and Outline

When I started brainstorming my topic for the formal report, I was struggling with coming up with something tangible I could do due to the pandemic. However, I thought a lot about my past undergraduate degree and what I am qualified to do, and decided to do something for a community that I have been a part of since I was young: a club for international people in Taipei. In the process, I also had some trouble thinking of the scope of my research and how to frame it as a formal proposal. To solve this, I found that looking at examples in the textbook and talking to my group members helped a lot. Having the report proposal checked off before completing the outline was also helpful in initiating the research process, as it was easy to write the outline based off the proposal. So far, these assignments were really useful in getting my research plan organized. A question I still have is: since I have so many parts of my primary research, how am I supposed to clearly integrate these in my official report?

Reviewing my Partner’s Proposal & The Peer Review Process

Reading my partner’s research proposal gave me a lot of insight into how to write concisely, but hitting all the important points. After reading my partner’s proposal, I immediately took note of things that I could change in mine, such as condensing my sentences, changing my phrasing from the negative to the positive, and reorganizing some parts of my proposal. In this process, I was able to see how others are structuring their proposals given their respective research backgrounds and suggest a few changes, based on my understanding of research.

Reading my group’s work opened my eyes to the scope of the formal report. It allowed me to see what fields others are interested in researching, especially during the pandemic. For instance, one of my group members has based her research on the challenges working at home during the pandemic. I thought that this direction was excellent given the circumstances and I am excited to read her findings, since it is so relevant during these times.

Overall, I think the peer review process allowed me to see the flaws and strengths in my writing. Rotating partners was especially helpful when peer-reviewing as many people have different perspectives and point out different issues in my writing. Also, being able to read others’ writing gave me a lot of ideas of how I could change mine. I believe my biggest issue is writing concisely, but I struggle less with the organization of my thoughts. Thus, peer-reviewing gave me a better idea of what I need to work on and how to expand my writing style to match the intended purposes.

301 Ashley Yuan Formal Report Proposal_Revised

Jonathan’s Peer Review

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• A resume should be targeted and specific to each employment opportunity that a candidate is considering.
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Guide on How to Write a Reflection Paper with Free Tips and Example

A reflection paper is a very common type of paper among college students. Almost any subject you enroll in requires you to express your opinion on certain matters. In this article, we will explain how to write a reflection paper and provide examples and useful tips to make the essay writing process easier.

Reflection papers should have an academic tone yet be personal and subjective. In this paper, you should analyze and reflect upon how an experience, academic task, article, or lecture shaped your perception and thoughts on a subject.

Here is what you need to know about writing an effective critical reflection paper. Stick around until the end of our guide to get some useful writing tips from the writing team at EssayPro — a research paper writing service

What Is a Reflection Paper

A reflection paper is a type of paper that requires you to write your opinion on a topic, supporting it with your observations and personal experiences. As opposed to presenting your reader with the views of other academics and writers, in this essay, you get an opportunity to write your point of view—and the best part is that there is no wrong answer. It is YOUR opinion, and it is your job to express your thoughts in a manner that will be understandable and clear for all readers that will read your paper. The topic range is endless. Here are some examples: whether or not you think aliens exist, your favorite TV show, or your opinion on the outcome of WWII. You can write about pretty much anything.

There are three types of reflection paper; depending on which one you end up with, the tone you write with can be slightly different. The first type is the educational reflective paper. Here your job is to write feedback about a book, movie, or seminar you attended—in a manner that teaches the reader about it. The second is the professional paper. Usually, it is written by people who study or work in education or psychology. For example, it can be a reflection of someone’s behavior. And the last is the personal type, which explores your thoughts and feelings about an individual subject.

However, reflection paper writing will stop eventually with one very important final paper to write - your resume. This is where you will need to reflect on your entire life leading up to that moment. To learn how to list education on resume perfectly, follow the link on our dissertation writing services .

Unlock the potential of your thoughts with EssayPro . Order a reflection paper and explore a range of other academic services tailored to your needs. Dive deep into your experiences, analyze them with expert guidance, and turn your insights into an impactful reflection paper.

Free Reflection Paper Example

Now that we went over all of the essentials about a reflection paper and how to approach it, we would like to show you some examples that will definitely help you with getting started on your paper.

Reflection Paper Format

Reflection papers typically do not follow any specific format. Since it is your opinion, professors usually let you handle them in any comfortable way. It is best to write your thoughts freely, without guideline constraints. If a personal reflection paper was assigned to you, the format of your paper might depend on the criteria set by your professor. College reflection papers (also known as reflection essays) can typically range from about 400-800 words in length.

Here’s how we can suggest you format your reflection paper:

How to Start a Reflection Paper

The first thing to do when beginning to work on a reflection essay is to read your article thoroughly while taking notes. Whether you are reflecting on, for example, an activity, book/newspaper, or academic essay, you want to highlight key ideas and concepts.

You can start writing your reflection paper by summarizing the main concept of your notes to see if your essay includes all the information needed for your readers. It is helpful to add charts, diagrams, and lists to deliver your ideas to the audience in a better fashion.

After you have finished reading your article, it’s time to brainstorm. We’ve got a simple brainstorming technique for writing reflection papers. Just answer some of the basic questions below:

• How did the article affect you?
• How does this article catch the reader’s attention (or does it all)?
• Has the article changed your mind about something? If so, explain how.
• Has the article left you with any questions?
• Were there any unaddressed critical issues that didn’t appear in the article?
• Does the article relate to anything from your past reading experiences?
• Does the article agree with any of your past reading experiences?

Here are some reflection paper topic examples for you to keep in mind before preparing to write your own:

• How my views on rap music have changed over time
• My reflection and interpretation of Moby Dick by Herman Melville
• Why my theory about the size of the universe has changed over time
• How my observations for clinical psychological studies have developed in the last year

The result of your brainstorming should be a written outline of the contents of your future paper. Do not skip this step, as it will ensure that your essay will have a proper flow and appropriate organization.

Another good way to organize your ideas is to write them down in a 3-column chart or table.

Do you want your task look awesome?

If you would like your reflection paper to look professional, feel free to check out one of our articles on how to format MLA, APA or Chicago style

Writing a Reflection Paper Outline

Reflection paper should contain few key elements:

Introduction

Your introduction should specify what you’re reflecting upon. Make sure that your thesis informs your reader about your general position, or opinion, toward your subject.

• State what you are analyzing: a passage, a lecture, an academic article, an experience, etc...)
• Briefly summarize the work.
• Write a thesis statement stating how your subject has affected you.

One way you can start your thesis is to write:

Example: “After reading/experiencing (your chosen topic), I gained the knowledge of…”

Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs should examine your ideas and experiences in context to your topic. Make sure each new body paragraph starts with a topic sentence.

Your reflection may include quotes and passages if you are writing about a book or an academic paper. They give your reader a point of reference to fully understand your feedback. Feel free to describe what you saw, what you heard, and how you felt.

Example: “I saw many people participating in our weight experiment. The atmosphere felt nervous yet inspiring. I was amazed by the excitement of the event.”

As with any conclusion, you should summarize what you’ve learned from the experience. Next, tell the reader how your newfound knowledge has affected your understanding of the subject in general. Finally, describe the feeling and overall lesson you had from the reading or experience.

There are a few good ways to conclude a reflection paper:

• Tie all the ideas from your body paragraphs together, and generalize the major insights you’ve experienced.
• Restate your thesis and summarize the content of your paper.

We have a separate blog post dedicated to writing a great conclusion. Be sure to check it out for an in-depth look at how to make a good final impression on your reader.

Need a hand? Get help from our writers. Edit, proofread or buy essay .

How to Write a Reflection Paper: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: create a main theme.

After you choose your topic, write a short summary about what you have learned about your experience with that topic. Then, let readers know how you feel about your case — and be honest. Chances are that your readers will likely be able to relate to your opinion or at least the way you form your perspective, which will help them better understand your reflection.

For example: After watching a TEDx episode on Wim Hof, I was able to reevaluate my preconceived notions about the negative effects of cold exposure.

Step 2: Brainstorm Ideas and Experiences You’ve Had Related to Your Topic

You can write down specific quotes, predispositions you have, things that influenced you, or anything memorable. Be personal and explain, in simple words, how you felt.

For example: • A lot of people think that even a small amount of carbohydrates will make people gain weight • A specific moment when I struggled with an excess weight where I avoided carbohydrates entirely • The consequences of my actions that gave rise to my research • The evidence and studies of nutritional science that claim carbohydrates alone are to blame for making people obese • My new experience with having a healthy diet with a well-balanced intake of nutrients • The influence of other people’s perceptions on the harm of carbohydrates, and the role their influence has had on me • New ideas I’ve created as a result of my shift in perspective

Step 3: Analyze How and Why These Ideas and Experiences Have Affected Your Interpretation of Your Theme

Pick an idea or experience you had from the last step, and analyze it further. Then, write your reasoning for agreeing or disagreeing with it.

For example, Idea: I was raised to think that carbohydrates make people gain weight.

Analysis: Most people think that if they eat any carbohydrates, such as bread, cereal, and sugar, they will gain weight. I believe in this misconception to such a great extent that I avoided carbohydrates entirely. As a result, my blood glucose levels were very low. I needed to do a lot of research to overcome my beliefs finally. Afterward, I adopted the philosophy of “everything in moderation” as a key to a healthy lifestyle.

For example: Idea: I was brought up to think that carbohydrates make people gain weight. Analysis: Most people think that if they eat any carbohydrates, such as bread, cereal, and sugar, they will gain weight. I believe in this misconception to such a great extent that I avoided carbohydrates entirely. As a result, my blood glucose levels were very low. I needed to do a lot of my own research to finally overcome my beliefs. After, I adopted the philosophy of “everything in moderation” as a key for having a healthy lifestyle.

Step 4: Make Connections Between Your Observations, Experiences, and Opinions

Try to connect your ideas and insights to form a cohesive picture for your theme. You can also try to recognize and break down your assumptions, which you may challenge in the future.

There are some subjects for reflection papers that are most commonly written about. They include:

• Book – Start by writing some information about the author’s biography and summarize the plot—without revealing the ending to keep your readers interested. Make sure to include the names of the characters, the main themes, and any issues mentioned in the book. Finally, express your thoughts and reflect on the book itself.
• Course – Including the course name and description is a good place to start. Then, you can write about the course flow, explain why you took this course, and tell readers what you learned from it. Since it is a reflection paper, express your opinion, supporting it with examples from the course.
• Project – The structure for a reflection paper about a project has identical guidelines to that of a course. One of the things you might want to add would be the pros and cons of the course. Also, mention some changes you might want to see, and evaluate how relevant the skills you acquired are to real life.
• Interview – First, introduce the person and briefly mention the discussion. Touch on the main points, controversies, and your opinion of that person.

Writing Tips

Everyone has their style of writing a reflective essay – and that's the beauty of it; you have plenty of leeway with this type of paper – but there are still a few tips everyone should incorporate.

Before you start your piece, read some examples of other papers; they will likely help you better understand what they are and how to approach yours. When picking your subject, try to write about something unusual and memorable — it is more likely to capture your readers' attention. Never write the whole essay at once. Space out the time slots when you work on your reflection paper to at least a day apart. This will allow your brain to generate new thoughts and reflections.

• Short and Sweet – Most reflection papers are between 250 and 750 words. Don't go off on tangents. Only include relevant information.
• Clear and Concise – Make your paper as clear and concise as possible. Use a strong thesis statement so your essay can follow it with the same strength.
• Maintain the Right Tone – Use a professional and academic tone—even though the writing is personal.
• Cite Your Sources – Try to cite authoritative sources and experts to back up your personal opinions.
• Proofreading – Not only should you proofread for spelling and grammatical errors, but you should proofread to focus on your organization as well. Answer the question presented in the introduction.

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