Work experience- it may make or break your chances of getting hired. What is the best way to convey you and your experience to your future employer?

Work experience shows future employers what you have been qualified to do in the past, and it also shows what type of worker you have been, and potentially what type of worker you will be. It is imperative to make your work experience section as clear and articulate as possible so your future employer can recognize your value and your potential. Below are some tips to accomplish those goals.

How work experience should be phrased:

1.  Use the STAR method. It stands for “Situation, Task, Action, Result,” and you should utilize this method when describing your past responsibilities and jobs. It keeps things succinct and easy to understand. Furthermore, the STAR method gives your future employer the impression that you have quantified successes under your belt, which you could do for his or her company. 
2. Buzzwords, buzzwords, buzzwords. If you incorporate the right buzzword with your job description, you can catch your future employer’s eye and show him or her your skills more effectively.
3. Be honest.  Although it might be tempting to fudge the truth on your past accomplishments, it is quite easy for employers to Google you to verify your credentials, and, if there is any discrepancies, they can and will throw out your resume.; It is also easy to tell who is fibbing. CareerBuilders reports that 58% of employers spot fabrications or exaggerations on resumes.  Just be honest and avoid all the trouble.

What should be included:

Truly, a good work experience section is:

1. Simple. Keep it short, keep it sweet, keep it easy to follow. The only things that you should include in a previous job are: the company name, the dates worked, your job title, and your description. 
2. Direct. Try to strictly work experience that pertains to the job you are applying for, or to incorporate work experience from an unrelated job whose skill set is relevant for the job you are applying for. Through the incorporation of words that appear in the job advertisement, you can translate your skill set from your work history to your application a lot easier. For example, if you are applying for a research assistant position, but you have experience as an academic librarian, then you can focus more on your research skills that you have gained through that position.

Happy job-hunting!