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How to List Projects on a Resume (with Examples)

10 min read · Updated on February 23, 2024

Projects on your resume can prove you have what it takes to succeed

You've likely heard a few catchphrases related to resume writing. Things like “show, don't tell” and “be an achiever, not a doer.”  One of the most effective ways to put these principles into action is by including projects on your resume. But how exactly do you list projects on a resume, and why are they so important?

You've come to the right place. Here, you'll learn how to list projects on your resume in a way that catches the eye of hiring managers and helps you to stand out from the competition. 

It doesn't matter if you're fresh out of college or have a decade of experience under your belt; including projects on your resume can significantly enhance your chances of landing your dream job.

Your old resume may have been a list of work experiences, but your new resume will outshine the competition and win you the interviews you seek. 

Projects vs work experience

Depending on where you're at in your career, it can be tough to separate projects from actual work experience, especially if you're a freelancer or regularly tackle projects as a part of your job. While both are exceedingly valuable in telling your career story, you have to be a bit discerning to determine which is more important. 

Obviously, you gain experience from working at jobs and completing projects, but listing projects separately can help you to highlight specific skills that might get lost when you explain work you did in a previous job. 

The main differences can be summarized as: 

Projects are concise and specific

Work history provides a broader view of your career trajectory

At the end of the day, you must pick the things you want to include on your resume with the aim of balancing your knowledge and skills with what's being called for in the job description. Relevancy and tailoring your resume are critical, allowing prospective employers to see what you have to offer their team. 

Why listing projects can be good for you

When you're trying to prove to an employer that you're an achiever rather than a doer, having a project or two to back up your claims can do wonders for your candidacy. Not only do projects on your resume have the ability to demonstrate relevant skills, but they also allow you to showcase initiative and accomplishments. 

In the context of standing out from the crowd, projects on your resume can add depth to your experience to paint a more well-rounded and comprehensive picture of what you bring to the table for the new employer. One thing that a lot of people miss is that you can also use projects on your resume to fill in any experience gaps that may be present. 

Types of projects you can highlight on your resume

While the projects you list on your resume are as unique as you are, there are some common types. Knowing what type of project you're going to list on your resume will help you to determine if the project is relevant and can also guide you in knowing where on your resume to list it. 

There are four basic types.

This is any project you've done in your position with a company. It was probably part of your job description, but it could've also been something you were called on to do outside of your day-to-day role. Perhaps you led a team to launch a new product or created a new process for doing something that saved time and money. Work projects are good to have on your resume because they demonstrate that you're the type of person to go above and beyond to achieve an objective. 

2. Academic

These are projects that you complete in a classroom or educational setting. You'll definitely need to include academic projects if you're fresh out of college and have little to no work history or relevant professional experience. Academic projects for your resume can be anything from conducting a research study and writing a thesis or dissertation to developing a software application as part of a class project. Including academic projects on your resume gives you a chance to highlight relevant skills and prove to a future employer that you have a passion for learning and development. After all, continuous improvement is a highly sought-after skill. 

3. Personal

Sometimes, you get bored at home and decide you want to build a personal website or create a blog. There have even been folks who've created apps that work with their smart home devices to automate activities. It doesn't matter that these are personal projects, if you find that your resume is lacking particular skills or achievements you can use these projects on your resume to round out your candidacy. That said, adding a personal project to your resume should be a last resort. 

4. Freelance

'Tis the time we live in – a lot of people work as independent contractors or freelance. It's a great way to fill in employment gaps or have some income if you're on a sabbatical . The most common freelance projects center around things like graphic design, marketing, tech, and writing. These types of projects can be valuable additions to your resume. 

How to add projects to your resume

Since you want to keep your resume relevant to the job you're applying for, the first step is to create a list of projects from your history and compare them to what employers need. 

Analyze the job description to dissect out the keywords and phrases. Once you have that list, compare it to the skills and achievements you can talk about with each project. Beyond picking the right project to match the job, you also have to consider space.

Bear these guidelines in mind:

Pick projects for your resume that match the job description

Pick projects that allow you to keep your resume on the right number of pages

The final step is to properly format the project entries in their respective sections. 

Where to include projects on your resume

For the most part, you'll format a project listing the same way you would a work history listing. The only difference is that you may not have a company to list indicating where you did the project. If you can't list the client or location associated with the project, don't let that stop you from adding it. 

As you would expect, work projects would be listed in the Professional Experience section, academic projects are best suited in the Education section, and some projects may even merit having their own special section. 

What does all of that look like? Let's take a look.

Projects in their own section 

For the most part, your resume should have at least five sections:

Contact information

Profile (which contains your title and summary paragraph)

Work history

You can also add an entirely new section called “Projects,” “Selected Projects,” “Relevant Projects,” or “Academic Projects.” 

Depending on how hard you have to lean on those projects to wow a hiring manager will be the deciding factor on whether you place this new section above or below “Professional Experience.” If you really need them to make your candidacy, then put them above. If you want them on there just to give the hiring manager one more glimpse into what you can do, then put them below. 

Example of projects in their own section

You should create a title for the section and then list each project with relevant bullet points that call out things you achieved in working on that project. It's also appropriate to put the dates you were working on each project. 

Selected Projects

Post Evaluation Platinum LEED Office Building | 04/2022 - 10/2022

Used advanced knowledge of Occupant Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Survey benchmarks and performed literature review / precedent studies to present data-driven solutions regarding visual and thermal comfort. 

Authored and presented findings related to underfloor air distribution (UFAD) system analysis. 

Integrated Façade Simulator: Hybrid Reality Simulations for Assessing Human Façade Interaction | 09/2020 - 05/2021

Created a novel integrated hybrid system that simulated a multi-sensory environment and observed participants and the impact of environmental stimuli for sensation, perception of comfort, and energy consumption. 

Projects in the experience section

If you're one of those people who get chosen by a boss to work on a project or if you've spent a significant time as an independent contractor , then it's probably going to serve you best to include projects within the “Professional Experience” section of your resume. 

Example of projects in the experience section

Format it like you would any other position within your experience section, including the name of the company, the dates you were employed, your position title, and some achievement bullets. Then, beneath those achievement bullets for your job, add “Noted Projects” and talk about the project as separate from what you accomplished as an employee. 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

XYZ Company | Location 05/2015 to Present

Senior Biologist

Achievement bullet #1

Achievement bullet #2

Achievement bullet #3

Noted Projects:

Major Development Plan and Infrastructure Project – 03/2019 - 06/2021

Monitored site conditions to ensure the protection of sensitive species, including California gnatcatcher, cactus wren, least Bell's vireo, arroyo chub, arroyo toad, and general nesting birds.

Oversaw end-to-end project management processes, including scoping, planning, timelines, delivery, execution, and status reporting. 

Subdivision Development Project – 04/2013 - 01/2017

Directed biological resource protection initiatives for a 180-acre development project, resulting in approximately 475 acres of preserved, restored, and enhanced habitats. 

Conducted protocol and non-protocol environmental impact surveys for 3 years, in the wake of a widespread wildfire, to assess gnatcatcher habitat, population density, and movement. 

Projects in the education section

It can be hard to craft a resume when you've just graduated college and have no real experience to show future employers. Fortunately, you can lean on things you did at school to inject experiences, achievements, and skills into your resume. You just write an expanded education section. 

Relate reading: How to List Education on Your Resume (with Examples)

Example of projects in the education section

Whether you're listing your GPA or relevant coursework, you can always add some college projects to your resume education section if you need to prove your salt to a new company. 

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Bachelor of Finance, | State University – Location (Expected May 2024)

Coursework : Current Economic Problems, Macroeconomics, Accounting Principles, Money and Capital Markets, Business Statistics, Spreadsheet Modeling in Finance, Global Financial Markets

Academic projects

Secured funding for a non-fungible token (NFT) from State University's Board of Trustees and generated a 100% return on investment (ROI). 

Placed in the top 10% of a financial modeling competition. Analyzed comparative values over time to predict future performance and identified a portfolio of stocks that were graded and ranked in terms of profit and loss and accuracy of predictions. 

Projects on your resume win interviews

Remember that the main goal of your resume is to win interviews. Adding projects can be just the thing that makes you stand out from the crowd of job seekers. Use projects wisely, though. Leverage them to boost your skills, enhance your achievements, and inject necessary keywords into your resume that align with what the job description asks for in a new employee. 

Once you get all of that written, we'll give it a once-over for you with a free resume review . After all, it's always good to get expert, objective feedback on your resume. 

Recommended reading:

Guide to Writing a Great Resume with No Work Experience

Ask Amanda: How Do I List Self-Employment & Freelance Work On My Resume?

47 Accomplishment Examples for Your Resume: Expert Picks

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

See how your resume stacks up.

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How to make an academic resume?

[ Click here to directly go to the complete academic resume sample ]

Writing an academic resume is more or less the same as writing any other role-based resume.

Whether you are a scholar or a researcher applying for an academic job profile you need to write an impeccable resume that highlights the best features of your academic and professional achievements.

Here is the summary of our Academic Resume Blog:

• Update yourself about the ATS and stay a step ahead of everyone else by making your academic cv stand out.
• Highlight your best professional achievements and academic accomplishments to identify yourself as a suitable applicant.
• Make your resume clear to read and comprehend by describing your professional achievements in understandable one-liners.
• Captivate the recruiters by providing the details of your mention-worthy achievements and accomplishments.

Resume writing is not just about documenting your details and particulars.

It a mixture of presenting yourself in the best light while making sure that it is presented in a clear and readable format that keeps you connected with the targeted job or post.

in this blog, you will find suitable academic resume examples, a complete academic resume template, and many other tips and guides that can help you curate the perfect resume.

The following resume tips can help you write the perfect academic resume:

Pick a suitable resume format to build your academic resume

Include distinct sections to structure your academic resume, mention your personal details in the topmost section of your academic resume, frame the professional experience section of your academic resume with perfection, provide the details of your educational background in your academic resume, highlight your skills effectively in your academic resume, give an overview of your academic resume flawlessly.

Our Online Resume Builder has a lot more to offer apart from helping you curate a resume. Make sure to explore it today!

This blog consists of the following topics that can help you fabricate your academic cv/academic resume:

[ Back to Table of Content ]

You need to write a constructive resume whether you are writing an academic resume high school, academic resume for college, academic cv for masters application, academic cv template for phd application, or an academic resume to apply for a targeted job position.

And by any means, you need to fashion your academic resume by picking a suitable resume format.

The most advisable resume format being the reverse chronological resume format.

It allows you to describe your career trajectory in the reverse format wherein your most recent profile is mentioned upfront.

Considered to be the best and ideal format to highlight your professional experience, the reverse chronological resume format is also ATS friendly.

ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is used by recruiters to filter resumes that contain suitable keywords and are formatted to be ATS-compliant. Hence the chronological resume format can help your resume get past the ATS without any hassle.

The Functional resume format is to be avoided unless you are someone looking for a change in career or in need of covering up your career gap(s).

It has a skill-based approach and hence tends to keep the timeline of your career on the sideline which may not be preferred by most recruiters.

The Combination resume format is a fusion of the reverse chronological resume format and the functional resume format.

Hence it has a skill-based approach while also gives equal attention to the timeline of your career trajectory.

Academic Sample Resume

Here is an academic resume template that we have created on Hiration's Online Resume Builder:

• Assisting the senior professors in developing lesson plans from different sources
• It aids in providing an insightful understanding of various topics
• Guiding students in creating a project plan for the final projects and researches
• Evaluating examinations and writing assignments to monitor students’ progress and gain an understanding of the subject
• Researching new curriculum and implementing new concepts and ideas to refine research quality and optimize time
• Promoting classroom discussion by suggesting topics and modeling best practices
• Effect of Thyroid on women's fertility | Dec '20
• Analyzed the data of 1500+ women and re-engineered the data to be more accurate
• Implemented Regression Analysis to find out the fertility rate of women with Thyroid between the age of 25 - 35 years
• Effect of poor sanitization practices on the children | Apr '20
• Recorded the cases of diarrhea and vomiting in children aged 3 - 5 years old to determine the cause of illness
• Deployed Multinomial Logistic Regression for analyzing the data as part of facilitating the process of identifying and resolving data anomalies
• Lifetime member of Indian Association for the study of Population (IASP)
• Student membership of Asian Population Association (APA) | 2021
• Article - 'The availability of facilities at Community Health Centre' | Population Weekly | Dec '20
• Journal - 'The system of distributing elementary medicines to the general public' | BMC Public Health | Apr '20
• Volunteering UNICEF's Unite India to advocate the prioritization of funding policies for children | Dec '20 - Present
• Volunteered Red Cross's Blood Donation Program to raise awareness | Sep '20

Observe the distinct features incorporated in the given academic resume example that makes this academic resume sample perfect for you while applying for any academic job profile.

We assist those professionals who are looking for the best resumes and not just good a resume.

And we are just a click away so make sure to explore the amazing features that we provide on our Online Resume Builder.

Once you pick the right resume format, start framing your academic cv by including suitable sections that will give form to your resume.

Every segment of your resume plays a fundamental role in attracting the required recognition from the recruiters.

The following sections are the standard segments that you should always include while writing a resume for academic job profiles:

• Personal Information
• Profile Title
• Summary/Objective
• Professional Experience

Though not mandatory the following optional sections can boost the impact of your academic CV on the recruiters:

• Certifications (if any)
• Awards & Recognition (if any)
• Additional Information (if any)

Get a clear understanding of the importance of resume sections from Hiration's Guide to sections in a resume .

Our huge library of pre-filled resume templates is made available that you can easily personalize.

The top section of your resume is always in the spotlight hence you need to include those details that can make the recruiters acknowledge your job application.

Keep it precise and refrain from including unnecessary details on the top part of your resume at all times.

Academic Resume: Header

The header simply refers to the first thing that you frame in your resume and that is your name.

Some people write "CV" or "Resume" but it is a waste of space as it is as clear as day that you are writing one and there is no point in mentioning the same.

Use the largest text in your academic cv to write your resume header. The ideal 16-20 font size will do the job for you.

Simply leave a space between your first and last name. If you have a middle name then placing the initial between your first and last name is enough.

Here is an example of how your name should look in a resume:

• Lenny Halls
• Lenny M. Halls

Read Hiration’s Guide To Writing The Perfect Resume Header to learn more about the importance of a resume header and learn how to frame a flawless one for your academic resume or academic CV.

An ideal resume header is illustrated in the below-given academic resume sample:

Academic Resume: Personal Information

Before you start giving out your personal details in your resume make sure to read the guideline of the organization where you are applying for a job.

Some countries and organizations do not allow you to mention certain details like your age, gender, nationality, etc in your resume whereas some make it mandatory. Hence it is always advisable that you go through the hiring guidelines beforehand.

Now back to the personal information section in a resume it should ideally contain the following details:

• Contact Number
• Email Address
• Current Location

Hiration Pro Tip : You can also provide the links to your personal website, blog, Github, or LinkedIn profile. It can help the recruiters and like-minded professionals to connect with you for professional interests.

Contact Number: Your resume would go to waste if you do not provide your contact number because if there is no means to get in touch with you the recruiters will not be able to update you even if your resume is shortlisted.

Your phone number should be correct and active so that you do not miss out on any possible call from potential employers and hiring managers during your job application.

Email Address: Your email address is equally important as your contact number on a resume as it is another means of communication between you and the hiring managers.

Do not make the mistake of giving out childish email IDs like "[email protected] " or "[email protected] " because can make you seem unprofessional.

Always create an official email ID that has your real name to maintain a professional approach and be acknowledged as one by the recruiters.

Current Location: Your current location simply refers to the location of your residence and all you need to do is mention your state and city.

In case you are on the lookout for a job that requires you to move outside the country then you can mention your state and country.

Do not give out your home address by mentioning your house number or street number nor mention the name of your locality as they are useless information on a resume.

Fabricating the personal information section in your academic cv can be made easier by going through Hiration's Guide to composing your contact information .

Here is an ideal personal information section from our academic resume template to visually help you understand this section:

Go to our Online Resume Builder and get professional assistance to frame your academic CV.

You can rely on it as an academic resume builder!

Academic Resume: Profile Title

There are so many profile titles out there that you can find when it comes to professional job profiles.

But you need to know that every resume should have a profile title that is relevant to the targeted job profile and be justified to validate your suitability for the specific job profile.

For example, to become a Full Professor you need to have a minimum of five years of experience as an Associate Professor.

Now, if you do not have the required qualification or experience you should not exaggerate your profile title in the hope of landing the targeted job profile.

The recruiters will only consider it as lying on the resume and it may bring negative remarks on your job applications.

Hence make sure to mention only the specific profile title that rightfully identifies you with the profile that you are applying.

Keep in mind that your academic resume profile title should communicate the following facts:

• Your current designation.
• Your functional industry.
• Your seniority level.

The simple guidelines mentioned below can help you write your profile title effortlessly:

• Frame it as the second-largest text in your resume after the resume header
• Use the ideal 14-16 font size to frame it.

Your profile title should be framed as illustrated in the given academic resume example:

The professional experience section is one such segment of a resume that allows you to brag about your achievements and capabilities.

It can help you present the highlights of your career to make your resume stand out amongst the rest.

But only those who incorporate the distinct factors explained below can make an effective impact on the recruiters.

One-Liner Points: There is no arguing that one-liners are the best way to describe your work experience in a resume.

Instead of elaborating on your roles and responsibilities in a lengthy paragraph, you should stick to framing one-liners as they are easy to read and comprehend.

Power Verbs : Always start your one-liners using a suitable power verb as it can bring about a positive impact in your sentences.

By using power verbs you can avoid repeating words and instead emphasize your professional involvements in a broader sense.

Achievement Figures: The straight forward way to make the recruiters recognize the value/degree of your contributions on a professional level is your achievement figure.

Provide the average or exact figure of your contributions and achievements in your one-liners to indicate the value achieved for an organization.

Bucketing and Bolding: One of the best ways to organize your one-liner points is by bucketing them under distinct headings. Then bold the significant words or phrases that highlight your relevant achievements, contributions, or potential.

It is simple and easy for you to implement while making your work description clear for the recruiters to read through your professional experience section.

Academic Resume Sample for Professional Experience

Hiration's Blog on how to compose the work experience in your resume has more about this section. Hence make sure to go through it and learn everything about perfecting the professional section on a resume.

You can refer to our academic resume sample showcasing an ideal professional experience section:

In addition to helping you create the perfect resume, Hiration provides Free Online Resume Service.

All you need to do is upload your resume on our online resume nuilder and our resume experts will provide you feedbacks on perfecting your existing resume.

Your academic record can have a huge impact on the shortlist of your resume.

Therefore you should provide the details of your educational background in your resume and make an impression on the recruiters.

While doing so you need to keep in mind that the following details of your education background should be provided in your academic cv:

• Name of the school/university from which you have passed out.
• Name of the courses you have completed.
• The location of your school/university.
• The dates of your admission and graduation dates in the month & year format .

Not satisfied with the details provided above?

No worries!

You can read Hiration's Guide on how to list education on your resume to learn more about the education section in a resume.

The attached snapshot of the education section is taken from our academic resume template.

Refer to the given academic resume example and frame your education section in your resume effortlessly:

Academic Resume: Additional Credits

Apart from the details of your education, you can mention any relevant certification(s), Researches, Training, and Languages (that you speak or write).

You can also include details of any mention-worthy project(s) that you have credits for as it can boost the effectiveness of your academic cv.

Academic projects on resume can also raise the chances of your resume being shortlisted.

The credits that you mention should be relevant to the profile that you are applying for and should be justified likewise.

In the course of mentioning your credits do not get carried away and stuff your resume with unnecessary details that would not have any impact on your resume being shortlisted.

Make sure that all you include in your resume throws light on your potential and caliber that can validate your professional capabilities.

If you are still wondering how to make an academic resume, waste no more time and visit our Online Resume Builder!

Your skills say a lot about you at the professional level and you should make sure to highlight them in your resume while applying for your dream job.

To be acknowledged as an expert in your line of work you should possess a certain set of skills that connects you with the targeted job profile.

A resume is your banner that you can raise to brag about your potential.

While doing so remember to keep it subtle and humble yet intriguing because the whole point is to get the attention of potential employers and hiring managers who can give you the required shortlist.

You should also keep in mind that your resume should have relevant and enough keywords that can get you past the ATS.

For a non-technical job, you may not be required to be equipped with technical skills. But that does not mean you cannot mention the ones that you are proficient with.

Simply list it below your functional skills.

Look at the given academic resume sample displaying the skills section on a resume:

Hiration's guide to skills on resume contains all the detailed tips and guides. Go through it and learn more about skills on resume.

Include a resume summary or resume objective for your academic resume.

It is the best way to wrap up your resume as well as give the recruiters an insight into what they are about to observe in your framed academic resume.

Academic Resume Summary

The following is a list of all that you should keep in mind and follow while writing your summary for academic resume:

• Include a summary for academic resume only if you have work experience for more than 3 years to mention in your resume.
• Save time and avoid unnecessary editing of your resume summary by composing it once the rest of your resume is done.
• Go through your professional experience section wherein you should pick the highlights of your career to mention in your summary.
• Mention your achievements, skills, and any significant points that reflect your professional expertise in your summary.
• Compose your resume summary in 3-4 lines. Only those professionals with 10+ years of experience can consider writing a limit of 5 lines.

The given academic resume example can give you a clear picture of what an ideal summary for academic resume should look like:

Writing a resume should be hassle-free hence the professionals at Hiration's Online Resume Builder are here to provide you with the best online resume service.

Academic Resume Objective

Include an academic resume objective if you have no work experience or have limited work experience of less than 3 years.

You can also include an academic resume objective if you are a fresh graduate writing an entry level resume to get an entry into the workforce for the first time.

Keep it low-key while composing an academic resume objective because the whole idea is to sell your skills and not come forward as a demanding amateur.

Before you start writing your academic resume objective make sure to read Hiration's guide on resume objectives .

Resume Review Service

Simply upload your existing academic resume on our Online Resume Builder and get insightful from professionals on what changes you can make in your resume to make it shortlist-worthy.

Your resume will be reviewed by our experts in compliance with the following parameters:

• Content Relevance
• Recruiter Friendliness
• Design Compatibility
• Conversion Scope
• ATS Compliance
• Global Compatibility
• Performance Assessment
• Resume Formatting
• Compliance with industry norms

Make the best use of our Resume Review Service today!

Online Resume Builder

The resources listed below comes with Hiration Resume Builder

• Option to save unlimited resumes
• Intuitive next text suggestion
• Auto bold feature
• 25+ resume designs
• LIVE resume score
• JD-resume matcher
• Full rich-text editor
• Unlimited PDF downloads
• 100+ pre-filled resume templates
• 1-click design change
• A sharable link
• LIVE resume editor

Go ahead and try our Online Resume Builder and experience the professional resume-writing experience like never before!

Key Takeaways

Here are some key takeaways from our academic resume guide:

• Always make your resume ATS-compliant and include suitable keywords to stay a step ahead of every other professional.
• Include the distinct sections to build your resume effectively and make an impact in the job-world.
• Remember to go through the hiring guidelines before giving out any of your particulars and details.
• Construct an impeccable resume by describing your work experience in one-liners and applying bucketing and bolding.
• Mention noteworthy certifications, awards/recognitions, academic projects on resume to highlight your professional caliber.
• Create a separate section wherein you can highlight all your skills that are relevant to the job description.
• Include a suitable academic resume objective or summary for academic resume.

Go to Hiration resume builder and create a professional resume for yourself. Additionally, reach out to us at [email protected] and you can get 24/7 professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries.

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Projects on Your Resume: How to Include Them the Right Way

When it comes to crafting a resume that stands out from the crowd, listing your work experience and educational background are just the basics. One way to make your resume more competitive is by including relevant projects that showcase your skills and capabilities.

Projects on a resume can refer to any work you have completed that goes beyond your day-to-day responsibilities. This could include special initiatives, team collaborations, independent research or creative endeavors that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and innovation.

Importance of Projects on Resume

By listing projects on your resume, you can demonstrate your practical experience and accomplishments that extend beyond your job function. Projects can show your proactive approach to learning, your ability to execute on a plan, and your creativity. Additionally, listing popular projects that relate to your field can help attract potential employers who are looking for candidates with a specific set of skills and experience.

When you list your projects on the resume, do not forget to add details of the positive outcome that you achieved from the project. For example, if you worked on a team to reduce customer complaints by 15%, be sure to include this information. Write your descriptions of the project in a clear and concise manner so the reader can easily understand your accomplishments.

Incorporating projects into your resume provides a great opportunity to showcase your problem-solving abilities and demonstrate your potential as a strong candidate for the job you aspire to. So, whether you are a seasoned professional or a job seeker looking to break into a new career, including relevant projects on your resume is the right way.

Types of Projects to Include on Resume

When it comes to crafting a resume, including projects can be a great way to showcase your skills and accomplishments. However, not all projects are created equal. Here are four types of projects you should consider including on your resume:

Professional Projects

Highlighting projects that you’ve worked on during your time in the workforce is a great way to demonstrate your expertise and value as a potential employee. Professional projects can include anything from leading a team to completing a major project or implementing a new strategy. These types of projects show prospective employers that you have relevant experience and can be trusted to deliver results.

Academic Projects

While academic projects may not seem as relevant as professional projects, they can still demonstrate your ability to work independently and apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. You can showcase academic projects by including class projects, research papers, or even independent studies. Highlighting these academic projects can show potential employers that you are a well-rounded individual with valuable skills.

Personal Projects

Personal projects are the perfect opportunity for you to showcase your creativity and passion outside of work or school. They can also show potential employers that you are self-motivated and interested in continuously developing your skills. Personal projects can include anything from starting a blog to developing a mobile app. Highlighting these types of projects can demonstrate your ability to think outside of the box and take initiative.

Volunteer Projects

Volunteer projects allow you to give back to your community while also developing your skills. Whether you are volunteering at a local nonprofit or organizing a charity event, these types of projects demonstrate your dedication to making a positive impact. Highlighting volunteer projects on your resume shows potential employers that you have a strong work ethic and are committed to making a difference.

Including projects on your resume can be a great way to stand out from the pack and showcase your skills and accomplishments. By focusing on these four types of projects – professional, academic, personal, and volunteer – you can create a well-rounded resume that demonstrates your expertise and potential value to prospective employers.

Selecting Relevant Projects

One of the most critical factors that employers consider when reviewing resumes is the relevance of job experiences and projects to the position being applied for. As such, job seekers should be mindful of including only relevant projects on their resumes. In this section, we’ll discuss three essential aspects of selecting relevant projects:

Identifying Required Skills

To identify the relevant projects to include in your resume, you must first understand the critical skills required for the job position. Carefully analyze the job description and identify the required technical and soft skills. Once you have this information, you should compare it with your project experiences to determine which ones showcase your proficiency in those skills.

For example, if the job position requires proficiency in a particular programming language, you should ensure that the project you highlight on your resume demonstrates your expertise in that language. This will demonstrate to the employer that you have the necessary skills to perform the job effectively.

Matching Projects with Job Position

After identifying the required skills, the next step is to match relevant projects with the job position. This involves carefully selecting projects that align with the job description and showcase your skills and experiences. You should focus on projects that demonstrate your abilities in areas that are relevant to the job position.

For example, if the job description requires proficiency in project management, you may want to highlight a project you worked on where you had to manage a team to achieve deliverables within a specific timeline. This will demonstrate to the employer that you not only possess the necessary skills but also have the experience to apply those skills in a real work environment.

Achievements and Goals in Projects

A strong resume not only showcases your skills and experiences but also highlights your achievements and goals in each project. By including your achievements in each project, you demonstrate to the employer that you have a record of delivering results that make an impact.

For example, if the project you worked on involved implementing a new software system, you can highlight how this improved the efficiency of the team or company. This allows the employer to see the value of your work and the potential value you can bring to the organization.

Selecting relevant projects is a critical step when crafting your resume. By identifying the required skills, matching projects with the job position, and emphasizing your achievements and goals in each project, you can demonstrate to the employer that you have the necessary skills and experiences to excel in the desired role.

How to List Projects on Resume

When it comes to listing projects on your resume, it is important to provide clear and concise information about each project you have worked on. This section will cover the four essential elements to include when describing your projects on your resume: project title and description, duration and date of completion, roles and responsibilities, and impact and results.

Project Title and Description

Begin each project by specifying its title and providing a brief description of the work you did. This will give the employer a quick idea of what the project was about and how you contributed to its success.

For example:

Project Title:  Marketing Campaign for Product Launch

Description:  Led a team of three to create and implement a marketing campaign to drive awareness and sales for a new product launch.

Duration and Date of Completion

Employers want to know how long you worked on each project, so be sure to include the duration and completion date for every project you list on your resume.

Duration:  6 months

Completion Date:  January 2021

Roles and Responsibilities

Clearly outlining your roles and responsibilities is vital when describing a project on your resume. This will help demonstrate your skills and highlight your contributions to the project.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Conducted market research to identify target audience and develop messaging strategy
• Created a project plan and timeline to ensure the campaign was delivered on time and within budget
• Designed and executed email marketing and social media campaigns to support the product launch
• Coordinated with product team to ensure consistency between marketing messaging and product features

Impact and Results

Lastly, make sure to include the impact and results of each project. What were the goals of the project and did you achieve them? Be specific about the outcomes and highlight any metrics that demonstrate the success of the project.

Impact and Results:

• Increased product sales by 25% during the first month of launch
• Grew social media following by 15% and engagement by 20% during the campaign
• Obtained coverage in multiple media outlets, resulting in a 30% increase in website traffic

Listing your projects on your resume is an excellent way to showcase your skills, experience, and achievements. By including the four essential elements, project title and description, duration and date of completion, roles and responsibilities, and impact and results, you can impress potential employers and stand out from the competition.

Formatting and Styling Project Section

When it comes to organizing projects on your resume, it’s important to ensure that they are clear, concise, and easy to read. Here are some tips for formatting and styling the project section of your resume to make it stand out.

Organizing Projects on Resume

Start by organizing your projects in reverse chronological order, listing your most recent project first. This makes it easier for the hiring manager to see your most recent work and gauge your current skillset.

Next, give each project its own section, and include the following information:

• Project title
• Brief description of the project
• Role(s) you played on the project team
• Dates of the project
• Contact information for the project manager or supervisor

Using Bullet Points and Action Verbs

Bullet points are your best friend when it comes to making your projects section easy to read. Use them to highlight the key tasks and responsibilities you had on each project. Be sure to start each bullet point with an action verb to showcase your skills and accomplishments.

For example, instead of saying “Worked on a website redesign project,” say “Developed wireframes and mockups for website redesign project, resulting in a 25% increase in user engagement.”

Showcasing Projects with Metrics and Results

Employers want to see results, so be sure to include metrics whenever possible. This could include stats like the number of users impacted, revenue generated, or cost savings achieved.

For example, instead of saying “Developed a new marketing campaign,” say “Developed and implemented a new marketing campaign that resulted in a 15% increase in lead generation and a 10% increase in conversions.”

Highlighting Projects with Bold and Italics

Finally, use bold and italics to make certain aspects of your projects section stand out. This could include the project title or your specific role and responsibilities.

For example, you could bold your project titles to make them more prominent, and italicize your role or specific accomplishments within the bullet points to draw attention to them.

By following these tips for formatting and styling your projects section, you can ensure that it stands out and showcases your skills and accomplishments in the best possible way.

Example Project Sections

When it comes to including projects on your resume, it’s essential to highlight your accomplishments effectively. Depending on your role, you may want to approach this section differently to showcase your skills and experience accurately. Here are some examples of project sections for various positions:

Sample Project Section for Managerial Position

As a manager, you’re expected to lead by example and accomplish team goals. Your project section should offer a comprehensive view of your leadership and management skills. Here are some tips for crafting a project section for a managerial position:

• Highlight any successful projects you led or coordinated that resulted in significant business outcomes. This may include increased profits, higher customer satisfaction rates, improved productivity, etc.
• Emphasize your ability to manage a team effectively. Indicate how you implemented processes that boosted team efficiency, facilitated communication amongst team members, and led to better team morale.
• Showcase your project management skills, including your ability to manage timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure successful project delivery.

Example of a project section for a managerial position:

Project Manager, XYZ company, 2017-2020

• Coordinated and successfully delivered a digital transformation project resulting in the implementation of new automated tools which decreased processing time by 30%.
• Implemented a project management methodology for the IT department, leading to an 89% on-time delivery rate.
• Developed a leadership development program resulting in 80% of team members receiving promotions to management positions.

Sample Project Section for Entry-Level Position

As an entry-level candidate, you may not have a lot of professional experience to draw on. Highlighting your projects, however, can demonstrate your passion and potential, as well as your ability to learn and contribute to projects. Here are some tips for crafting a project section for an entry-level position:

• Focus on projects from internships, volunteer positions or relevant coursework – especially those that demonstrate your passion for the industry, willingness to collaborate with a team or showcase your problem-solving ability.
• Quantify your results. Use numbers and statistics to show how your effort translated into meaningful outcomes.
• Describe how you contributed to the project team, what your part of the deliverables was, and what you learned from the experience.

Example of a project section for an entry-level position:

Marketing Events Coordinator Intern, ABC Company, Spring Semester 2020

• Facilitated the coordination of the annual Women in Tech conference, with over 1,000 attendees, resulting in a 15% increase in participant satisfaction.
• Conducted market research and provided recommendations which were included in the company’s new product launch strategy.
• Collaborated with the graphic design team to develop creative assets resulting in 30% more engagement in social media.

Sample Project Section for Senior-Level Position

As a senior-level candidate, you’re expected to demonstrate extensive experience and expertise in your field. Your project section should showcase the breadth and depth of your accomplishments, highlighting your strategic impact and leadership.

Here are some tips for crafting a project section for a senior-level position:

• Focus on high-impact projects that have made a significant difference to the organization.
• Highlight projects that have driven revenue growth, cost savings, process improvements, or other measurable outcomes.
• Highlight your strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
• Describe projects where you developed and executed strategic initiatives, implemented innovative solutions, or led organizational change.
• Demonstrate your ability to collaborate and influence cross-functional teams.
• Showcase projects where you successfully partnered with stakeholders from different departments and achieved collective goals.
• Quantify the results and impact of your projects.
• Use metrics, percentages, and tangible achievements to illustrate the scope and success of your initiatives.

Example of a project section for a senior-level position:

Director of Sales, XYZ Company, 2015-2021

• Led a sales transformation initiative that resulted in a 25% increase in annual revenue within two years.
• Implemented a customer relationship management (CRM) system, streamlining sales processes and improving sales team productivity by 20%.
• Developed and executed a market expansion strategy, leading to a 40% increase in market share and a presence in three new international markets.
• Led a cross-functional team in the successful launch of a new product line, generating $10 million in revenue in the first year.

Remember to customize the project section based on your specific achievements, industry, and job requirements. Focus on projects that are most relevant to the position you’re applying for and highlight the skills and expertise that make you a strong candidate. Use concise bullet points to clearly communicate the project details, outcomes, and your role in the success of each project.

Explaining Projects in Resume

When it comes to including projects on your resume, it’s not enough to simply list them. You need to effectively explain the project and its relevance to the job you’re applying for. Here are some key ways to explain your projects on your resume:

Describing Quantitative and Qualitative Results

Employers want to see concrete results from your projects. Therefore, it’s important to describe both the quantitative (numbers, measurements, etc.) and qualitative (improvements, successes, etc.) outcomes of your work. For example, instead of simply stating that you led a website redesign project, explain that the project led to a 25% increase in user engagement and a 15% increase in page views.

Emphasizing Transferable Skills

While the specific project you worked on may not be directly relevant to the job you’re applying for, the skills you used during that project likely are. Emphasize these transferable skills in your resume to show how your previous experience makes you a strong candidate for the job. For example, if you worked on a complex data analysis project, highlight your skills in data management, problem-solving, and communication.

Sharing Success Stories and Lessons Learned

Your projects can also be a great opportunity to share success stories and lessons learned with potential employers. Use specific examples of how you overcame project challenges and achieved success to demonstrate your problem-solving and leadership abilities. This can also show your ability to adapt and learn from mistakes, which can be a valuable asset to any team.

Parsing Technical Jargon

Projects can often involve technical jargon or industry-specific terms that may not be familiar to everyone. It’s important to describe your projects in a way that is clear and understandable to everyone, not just those in your field. Explain any technical terms or acronyms and use language that is straightforward and easy to understand.

Effectively explaining your projects on your resume is about more than just listing them. By describing outcomes, emphasizing transferable skills, sharing success stories, and using accessible language, you can show potential employers the value of your past experience and make a strong case for your candidacy.

Addressing Gaps and Inaccuracies in Projects

When it comes to including projects on your resume, one of the most important things to consider is accuracy. It’s essential to ensure that the information you present is honest, truthful, and representative of your skills and achievements. However, it’s not always straightforward to capture every detail of a project in a resume. There may be gaps in your knowledge or information, or you may be uncertain about certain terms or acronyms used in the project. In these cases, it’s crucial to address these gaps and inaccuracies in a meaningful way.

Explaining Challenges and Obstacles

Sometimes, projects can pose significant challenges and obstacles that can impact the outcome. It’s essential to acknowledge these hurdles and explain how you overcame them. This will help demonstrate your problem-solving skills and your ability to navigate complex situations. Don’t shy away from discussing any difficult or challenging aspects of the project. Instead, provide a brief explanation of the issue and how you addressed it. This will showcase your resilience and ability to work well under pressure.

Clarifying Ambiguous Terms and Acronyms

Projects can often use specific terms and acronyms that may not be immediately clear to readers. If you’re unsure about a term or acronym, it’s essential to clarify it within the resume. You don’t want the reader to be confused or misunderstand the project’s purpose or outcome because of a lack of understanding of specific terminology. Consider providing a brief explanation of the term or acronym within parentheses or in a separate bullet point under the project description.

Providing Relevant Context and Background

To paint a complete picture of the project, it’s important to provide relevant context and background information. This may include providing details on the project’s purpose, goals, target audience, and key stakeholders. By including this information, you can showcase your understanding of the project’s broader context and the role you played in achieving the project’s objectives.

Avoiding Misrepresentations and Fabrications

While it’s important to present a comprehensive and accurate view of the project, it’s equally important to avoid misrepresentations and fabrications. Lying or exaggerating about your role or achievements can damage your credibility and harm your reputation. Make sure that the information you present is true and verifiable. If you’re uncertain about a specific fact or detail, leave it out or find a way to address the gap in your knowledge honestly.

Accurately presenting your projects on your resume requires attention to detail and a commitment to honesty. By addressing gaps and inaccuracies in a meaningful way, you can showcase your skills and achievements while maintaining your credibility and professionalism. Remember that including projects on your resume isn’t just about showcasing your abilities – it’s about demonstrating your integrity and respect for the reader’s time and attention.

Using Projects in Cover Letter or Portfolio

When applying for a job, it is essential to showcase your skills and achievements through projects that you have worked on. Including these projects in your application materials can provide context for your potential employer on your accomplishments and level of expertise. Here are some tips on how to use projects effectively in your cover letter and portfolio.

Referencing Projects in Application Materials

In your cover letter, you should mention one or two of your most impressive projects and what you gained from them. You should make sure to talk about how your experience on this project directly correlates with the job you are applying for. This can show that you have experience in that area and can bring value to the company. Additionally, mentioning specific projects in your resume or application can help set you apart from other candidates and can give potential employers a better understanding of your work style and capabilities.

Expanding on Projects in Portfolio or Website

Your portfolio or website is a great place to showcase your projects in more detail. You can include project timelines, your role on the project, and any specific deliverables that you were responsible for creating. Additionally, you can include pictures, videos, and other multimedia to visually represent your work. This can help potential employers better understand the scope of the project and what you contributed.

Relating Projects to Company or Industry

When discussing your projects in your cover letter or portfolio, it’s important to relate them to the company or industry you are applying to. If you can show that your past projects align with their values or industry, it can give you an advantage in the application process. You can also demonstrate how your experience on previous projects can be an asset to the company, and potentially lead to new projects or initiatives that would benefit both parties.

Including your projects in your application materials can help set you apart as a candidate and showcase your skills and accomplishments. By referencing these projects in your cover letter and expanding on them in your portfolio or website, you can highlight your most impressive work and provide details on your involvement. Additionally, by relating your projects to the company or industry you are applying to, you can demonstrate how your experience can benefit the company and potentially lead to new opportunities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Project Section

When it comes to your resume, including your project section can be a great way to showcase your skills and experience to potential employers. However, there are some common mistakes that you should avoid in order to make the most out of this section.

Overloading Resume with Too Many Projects

One of the biggest mistakes that you can make is overloading your resume with too many projects. While it may be tempting to list every single project that you’ve ever worked on, it’s important to remember that quality is better than quantity. Instead, try to focus on a few projects that showcase your skills and experience in the best possible way.

Focusing on Unrelated or Outdated Projects

Another mistake to avoid is focusing on unrelated or outdated projects. This can be a red flag for potential employers, as they may question your ability to prioritize and select the most relevant projects. Instead, try to choose projects that are relevant to your current career goals and demonstrate your ability to tackle real-world challenges.

Copying and Pasting Job Description

Avoid the mistake of copying and pasting job descriptions when describing your projects. This can give the impression that you lack creativity and initiative. Instead, use clear and concise language to describe your role and contributions to the project. Highlight your unique achievements and make sure to use active verbs to showcase your impact.

Neglecting Soft Skills and Personal Attributes

Lastly, avoid neglecting soft skills and personal attributes in your project section. While it’s important to highlight your technical skills, it’s also important to showcase your interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team. This can include things like communication, problem-solving, leadership, and collaboration. By highlighting these skills, you can demonstrate your ability to make valuable contributions to any project team.

Including your project section on your resume is an opportunity to showcase your skills and experience to potential employers. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make the most out of this section and demonstrate your ability to tackle real-world challenges.

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How To List Projects On Your Resume

Including past projects on your resume shows potential employers concrete examples of your skills and experience, and can help you prove that you are a good fit for their company. Whether you are a student, a freelancer, or an experienced professional, listing projects on your resume can boost your chances of scoring interviews and potentially getting hired.

This article will cover when you should include projects on your resume, types of projects that you can include, and some tips and examples for how to list your projects effectively.

Should You Include Projects On Your Resume?

Adding projects to your resume can be helpful in a few key situations, such as if you are a student or recent graduate without much professional experience, if you are a freelancer whose work experience is entirely project-based, or if you are traditionally employed and have worked on some impressive projects in the course of your career.

Listing projects on your resume can also be helpful if you are making a career change, as you can highlight relevant projects that you worked on within past roles as well as volunteer , freelance, or other external projects. This allows you to showcase transferable skills that will be useful in your target role.

If you have plenty of professional industry experience, skills, and achievements to cover on your resume, you may not need to include projects. Remember that your resume should be one page if you have less than 10 years of experience and no more than two pages if you have more experience than that. So, if you don’t have space to include your projects after adding all of your other pertinent details, there’s no need to do so.

You can also list your projects on your LinkedIn or your portfolio website and include those links on your resume. That way, the employer will likely get the same information, but you won’t have to use up valuable resume space. Additionally, you can go over your projects with a potential employer in an interview.

Types of Projects To List On a Resume

There are three main different types of projects to consider listing on your resume: freelance projects, traditional employment projects, and academic projects.

Freelance Projects

If you are a freelancer, it can be much more impressive to frame your work experience in terms of projects that you’ve worked on rather than simply saying that you’ve been a freelancer for several years. For example, if you are a freelance writer, you might want to include several projects that showcase your various specialties, like technical writing, creative writing, copywriting, email campaign creation, and so forth.

It can be most effective to create a functional resume to showcase your freelance work, which focuses more on skills and projects than the chronology of your work experience.

You can include a projects section instead of a work experience section to list your most impressive tasks. Include the project name, the company you worked for, your role, the duration, and up to five bullet points that outline your contributions to the project and highlight your skills.

Example of Freelance Projects on a Resume:

Project 1: Created a New Branding Package for ABC Consulting - Graphic Designer

Duration: 2 months

Technologies Used: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Dreamweaver

• Revamped tired logo and brand guidelines with an entirely new clean, modern package
• Came in under budget for the client and completed the work well before the deadline of three months
• New branding has led to a 25% increase in sales in the last 3 months

Traditional Employment Projects

It can also be beneficial to list projects that are part of your traditional employment role. Doing so can provide real-world examples of how you have applied your skills and expertise to accomplish things.

Reverse chronological resumes are often the best option for those with plentiful professional work experience. You can easily add your projects by adding a “key projects” line after the bullet points below each of your positions. Write a couple of brief sentences that describe the project, what you contributed, and the successful outcome.

Example of Traditional Employment Projects on a Resume:

XYZ Solutions, San Antonio, TX

Sales Associate

May 2018 - present

• Brought in 20+ new accounts each quarter
• Performed 50+ cold calls per day with 2.5% conversion rate

Key Projects: Worked closely with company’s IT team to streamline the lead-generating system, which increased sales rate by over 20% and grew profits by $750,000 in one year.

Academic Projects

If you are a student or a recent graduate, you may not have any professional work experience to showcase, but you can absolutely highlight your academic projects and accomplishments. You can add your projects to your education section with bullet points under your school entries, or you can create a separate section for key projects or relevant coursework .

Consider including big class projects, honors or capstone projects, your thesis, research projects, internships , and so forth. For each one, describe the project and quantify the results if possible - include impressive grades that you earned, distinctions, and so forth.

If you are relying heavily on your academic accomplishments to flesh out your resume, you might also wish to include details like your GPA, latin honors, other awards or honors that you’ve earned, publications , the degree that you’ve earned or are pursuing, and your graduation date.

Remember that if you are already in college or have graduated from college, you do not need to include your high school information. But, if you are currently in high school or if high school is your highest level of education, you can include that information. And, once you’ve landed your first full-time position, you can remove your academic projects from your resume and focus on your professional achievements. The only exception to this would be if you are applying to a role in academia and your academic projects are relevant to your target position.

Example of Academic Projects on a Resume:

Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design

UCLA, Los Angeles, CA

Anticipated Graduation Date: Spring 2022

Key Projects: Completed capstone project in Fall 2021 semester. Created a branding package for a spec company that included a logo, website, letterhead, and branding guidelines. Earned a 98% on the project and passed with distinction.

Tips for Listing Projects on Your Resume

If you’ve decided that it makes sense to include projects on your resume, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Tailor Your Projects to Each Position

One of the best and easiest ways to boost your chances of scoring an interview is to take the time to tailor your resume to each position that you apply for, and this includes tailoring the projects you include. Read the job posting carefully and identify keywords that describe the skills and experience that the employer is looking for, and then use applicable keywords in your project descriptions.

Only include projects on your resume if they are relevant to the job that you are applying for. The entire project doesn’t have to be directly related to your target position, but be sure there are at least clearly transferable skills that you can showcase in the description.

Use Action Words, Numbers, and Problem-Action-Result Formula

When you are describing projects on your resume, be sure to use action words to add excitement and give your work a dynamic feel. Present the information with the problem-action-result (PAR) formula for extra impact - describe a problem that needed addressing, what you did about it, and how your efforts benefited the company.

For example, you might say that you “developed a new onboarding process that cut lead times by 25% and saved the company $50,000 per year.” In this case, the slow onboarding lead times were wasting money (problem), you developed a better process (action), and it decreased the lead time and saved money (result).

Whenever possible, quantify your project descriptions with numbers and data. Concrete numbers like the example above will be more impressive to a potential employer than simply saying that you “developed a new onboarding process to cut lead times and save money.”

Decide Where To List Your Projects

You can list your projects in your work experience section (or instead of your work experience section in a functional resume), in your education section, or in a separate projects section. Consider which location makes the most sense based on the nature of your projects and where that information will be the most impactful.

Use Consistent Formatting

No matter where you decide to list your projects on your resume, use formatting that is consistent with the rest of the document. Mirror the format of your other sections in terms of headings, subheadings, fonts , colors, and bullet points.

Add Links To Online Portfolios

In some cases, it can be more effective to show potential employers your projects rather than describe them. This is particularly true for creative and visual industries, like graphic design, photography, web design, illustration, and so forth. If you want to include these types of projects, add a hyperlink to your personal or portfolio website so employers can see and experience your work. You can also take a hybrid approach by describing your projects in one of the methods outlined above and hyperlinking the project title so employers can check it out if they wish.

Key Takeaways

Listing projects on your resume can be helpful whether you are a freelancer, a student or recent graduate, or a traditionally employed professional. Be sure to include only projects that are relevant or that showcase your transferable skills, and tailor your description of each project to match the employer’s desired qualifications. Quantify your project-based accomplishments with numbers and data whenever possible, and use action words and the PAR formula to make your projects impactful and exciting.

Not sure how to incorporate your projects into your resume? Consider using Jobseeker ’s professional resume creation tool. You can enter in all of your information and easily swap between formats and layouts, which can help you discover where your projects will be most effectively presented. Then download your polished resume instantly and get started applying to your dream job!

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How to List Research Experience on Your Resume

Applying for a role that requires research skills? Here’s how to list your research experience on a resume, with examples you can follow.

3 years ago   •   7 min read

Research experience isn’t just for science and academia. Research is a valuable skill that’s required for a number of roles and industries, which means it almost certainly has a place on your resume. And no — that doesn’t mean writing “research” in your skills section and moving on.

Why you should list research experience on your resume

If you’re applying for a job that involves research, listing research experience is a no-brainer. Research-specific positions, scientific jobs like Research Assistants , Lab Assistants or Technicians, graduate school applications, and most jobs in academia all require evidence of research skills. Even outside these positions, research experience demonstrates valuable transferable skills, like critical thinking and attention to detail . Which is not to say that you need to include research experience on every resume — if it makes you a stronger candidate, include it, but if it isn’t relevant and doesn’t add anything else to your candidacy, leave it off.

Research experience resume example

Before we dive right in, here's a sample resume that emphasizes research skills. You can use this as a template or as inspiration to write your own resume from scratch.

Download: PDF | Google Docs

How to list research experience in your resume

Like a lot of desirable skills, research is a soft skill , meaning it’s not something you can claim as an objective fact on your resume without backing it up. What you can do instead is prove it — what previous role involved a lot of research? What resume accomplishments do you have that highlight your research experience? Showing how you used research skills in action is the best way to demonstrate the value you could bring to the company and role you’re applying for.

There are a number of ways you can highlight research experience on your resume:

In a dedicated section

In your work experience, in your education section, listing research publications, in a projects section, in your skills section, in your resume summary.

Let's take a look at each of these options in a little more depth. But first, let's look at an annotated example to help set the context.

If you come from a research background, you might want to title your work experience ‘Research.’ Alternatively, you could create two experience sections — one titled ‘Work Experience’ and one titled ‘Research Experience’ — if you also have a lot of non-research experience but want to highlight your most relevant experience first. You can go into more detail when applying for a research-focused role by describing the project and specifying the nature of the research and your role in it.

More information: How to title different sections of your resume

Including research experience in your main work experience section is appropriate if it was paid work or if it was your most recent and relevant experience. List the employer — for example, the university or research department — job title, dates, and accomplishments, just like you would any other work experience.

More information: How to list your work experience on your resume

If you’re a current student or recent graduate, you can list your education section at the top of your resume. You can also make this section a little more comprehensive if you don’t have a lot of work experience, by including things like awards, coursework, and academic research.

If you undertook research as part of your studies and it demonstrates skills relevant to the job you’re applying for, list your research accomplishments in bullet points under the education section of your resume.

More information: The must-haves when writing your education on your resume

If you have a lot of publications that came out of your research, and you want to draw attention to them — and if they’re relevant to the job you’re applying for — consider creating a separate publications section . Formal publications like these are an excellent way to add credibility to your research experience.

List each publication in a new bullet point with the title, year, and name of the magazine, website, or journal. Academic publications can be listed more formally if it’s relevant, like if you’re applying for graduate school or a role in academia.

When it comes to listing research on your resume, like other soft skills, you need to show you’ve used this skill in your previous roles by showcasing your research related accomplishments. Upload your resume to the tool below to find out if your resume highlights your most relevant research experience and achievements.

If your research experience is less extensive or wasn’t quite relevant enough to include alongside your work experience or education, you can still highlight it in a projects section. Keep this brief and include 1-2 bullet points showcasing your key research accomplishments.

More information: How to list projects on a resume

Research skills can go in your skills section — as long as they’re hard skills. Steer clear of listing generic skills like “Research” — instead, use our keyword finder to look for relevant skills and keywords and include specific hard skills like data analysis, project management, software proficiency, and certifications.

You can also use the skills search tool below to get a list of hard skills relevant to the research-focused role you’re applying for.

More information: How to write a resume skills section

If you’re applying for a position where research experience is essential, consider emphasizing your experience by including a short resume summary at the top of your resume. This should include the title of the job you’re applying for and a brief overview of your background and key skills.

More information: Generate a summary for your resume

Examples of listing research experience on your resume

No matter where you choose to include it, always list research experience in concise, accomplishment-focused bullet points . These should follow the structure of action verb + what you did + what the result was. Here are some examples of resume bullet points you can use or modify to suit your own research experiences.

Highlight research projects

• Assisted with cell development research projects as part of the Leukemia Research team — identifying cell changes, determining cell counts and coulter counters with 98% accuracy.

If you have significant research experience, describe it! The more relevant it is to the position you’re applying for, the more detail you can go into. Make sure to specify exactly what stages of research you worked on and what your contribution was.

Mention awards for your research

• Awarded “Total Quality Award” in recognition of consistent high standards of quality work for research excellence (only 3 awarded in class of 500).

If the high quality of your work has been acknowledged by an award, early promotion , or similar outside recognition, include it! In addition to the name of the award or accolade, don’t forget to specify context (e.g. 'out of class of 500 people' to increase its credibility.

Demonstrate technical expertise

• Created over 75 3D models with CAD tools such as Solidworks and ANSYS.

If you have experience with specific software or tools that you’ll be using in the position you’re applying for, include a bullet point accomplishment specifying how you’ve used them. While this isn't direct 'research' experience, it uses tools that are relevant to research projects — this is a good way of showing that you have research skill sets without having formal research experience.

Use 'research-focused' action verbs

• Researched and edited two articles and one book chapter on prenatal substance abuse, policy implication of Human Genome Project.

Use action verbs like "Researched" or "Scoured" which clearly emphasize research skills. In some cases (like in this example), you can list publications in your bullet points itself. If you’ve authored academic papers, books, or articles, this is a great way to show the validity and importance of your research.

Include accomplishments related to research studies

• Oversaw screening and recruitment of over 100 participants to study, liaised with laboratory personnel and site coordinators to ensure study is completed on time with 100% success.

Not all research positions involve pure research. Make sure you highlight appropriate related accomplishments, like managing research study participant data and enrolments or managing a team of research assistants.

Include accomplishments relating to research in your field

• Conducted legal research; organized and analyzed data and evidence for over 50 cases annually.

If research is part of the job description, make sure you include at least one bullet point highlighting how you’ve used those skills in the past. Including metrics, like the number of cases you’ve researched, contextualizes your accomplishments and helps them stand out.

• Conducted marketing research for both buy-side and sell-side resulting in 15 strong leads.

Research isn’t just limited to science and academia. Demonstrate your skills in action by the context and end results of your research, like the number of leads it generated or the increase in sales figures.

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How To Put Research On Your Resume (With Examples)

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Find a Job You Really Want In

Research experiences and skills are an incredibly important aspect of many job applications, so it’s important to know how to put them on your resume correctly. Hiring managers and recruiters want employees who can help drive innovation by being able to apply research skills to problem solve and come up with creative growth solutions.

If you’re a job seeker looking to include your research skills on a resume , we’ll go over how to list research on resume, where you can include it on a resume, and give you some examples.

Key Takeaways:

If you don’t have traditional research experience, highlight the skills used for research that you’ve used in past jobs.

Consider creating a separate research section in your resume if you have a lot of research experience or merge sections, depending on which section you want to bolster with research.

Research experience is one of the best assets to include on a resume so be on the lookout for more opportunities.

What are research skills?

Where to put research experience on your resume

How to include research on your resume, examples of research on a resume, how to put research on your resume faq.

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Research skills are any skills related to your ability to locate, extract, organize, and evaluate data relevant to a particular subject. It also involves investigation, critical thinking , and presenting or using the findings in a meaningful way.

Depending on what job you’re applying for, research skills could make or break your ability to land the job. Almost every job requires some research skills and you probably already have some of those skills mastered by now.

For most careers, research is a vital process to be able to answer questions. “Research skills” are not a single skill, but multiple ones put together.

Some skills that are necessary for research are organization, problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and specific technical skills, like coding, Excel, and copywriting.

Including research experience and skills on a resume can be incredibly flexible. When thinking about how to add it to your resume, you want to consider how the research experience adds to your resume.

Your research experience can be included in a few different sections of your resume. Some of those sections include:

Academic accomplishments

Research experience

Work experience/history

College activities

Volunteer work

Presentations and publications

Skills section

If you’ve had smaller research roles but no “official” research experience, you can highlight the skills associated with the types of research mentioned above in your job description under the work history section in your resume.

If your job history is a research position, then naturally, you would include research under the work history section. You can also merge your sections depending on what type of position you are applying for.

For example, you could create a “Research and Education” section or a “Research and Publications” section. If your research is not related to your education and you don’t have any publications, you can also detail it in a separate “Research” section in your resume.

To include your research on your resume, you should gather all the necessary information and then quantify your accomplishments to fit into specific sections. Here is a more detailed list of how to write about research experience in resume:

Gather all the necessary information. The first step is to collect all of the important details like the title of the research project, the location of the research project, the principal investigator of the project (if applicable), and the dates of the project. You will list these details much like you would list a company you have worked for in the past.

Read the job description carefully. Every resume and cover letter you write should be tailored to the job you’re applying for. When a hiring manager puts a necessary qualification in their job posting, you must be sure to include it in your resume.

Make sure that you highlight the right types of research skills on your job applications and resumes.

Quantify your accomplishments. When describing your role on the project, you will want to summarize your accomplishments and deliverables. Hiring managers and recruiters love seeing numbers. When you write out the deliverables from your project, make sure you quantify them.

Incorporate into your work history section. If there were times when you used your research skills in your past employment opportunities, include them in your work experience section. You can also include publications, conferences you may have presented at, and any awards or recognition your research had received.

If you have completed research in an academic setting, then presentations (oral and poster) are an important part of the research process. You should include those details along with the titles of your publications.

Add to your research section. Other aspects of research that you can detail to make your application more competitive are adding skills specific to your project to the skills section of your resume.

These skills will vary depending on the subject matter, but some examples include coding languages, interviewing skills, any software you used and are proficient in using, managerial skills , and public speaking if you have presented your research at conferences.

Add research to your skills section. If the specific research you did is less important than the skills you used to perform it, highlight that in your skills section. That way, you don’t have to take up a lot of work or education history with slightly irrelevant information, but hiring managers can still see you have research skills.

Just be sure you’re more specific about a research methodology you’re an expert in because the skills section doesn’t give you as much room to explain how you leveraged these abilities.

Sprinkle research throughout your resume. If you have a lot of experience performing research in professional, volunteer, and educational settings, pepper it in a few different sections. The more hands-on experience you have with research, the better (for jobs that require research).

Let’s look at some examples of how research can be included on a resume:

University research example

EDUCATION Undergraduate Thesis, University of Connecticut, Dec. 2017-May 2018 Worked alongside UCONN English Department head Penelope Victeri to research the poetry of New England writers of the 20th century. Explored common themes across the works of Elizabeth Bishop, Wallace Stevens, and Robert Lowell. Performed online and in-person research on historical documents relating to each author , including information on the political, religious, and economic landscape of the US at the time. Analyzed poetic works of each author and drew on similar contemporary regional authors’ works. Prepared 20,000 words thesis entitled “Place, Allegory, and Religion: Three 20th Century New England Poets” and defended my written arguments to a panel of English professors.

Customer service research example

WORK EXPERIENCE Conducted interviews with 20 customers each week to gain insight into the user experience with company products Used Google analytics to determine which pages were driving most web traffic, and increased traffic by 11% Reviewed thousands of customer surveys and compiled findings into monthly reports with graphic findings Presented at weekly marketing meeting to inform marketing team of trends in customer experience with our products

Laboratory research example

RESEARCH Conducted experiments on rat brains by introducing various novel chemical compounds and levels of oxygen Ran electricity through brain slices to view interaction of different chemical compounds on active brain cells Prepared sterile samples for daily check and maintained 89% percent yield over the course of a 3-month study Presented findings in a final 15 -page research report and presentation to the Research and Development team

Examples of common research skills to list on your resume

Here are examples of research skills in action that you may have overlooked:

Searching for local business competition

Sending out customer satisfaction surveys

Summarizing current policies and laws in effect for a particular topic

Creating lesson plans based on current education standards

Reading literature reviews and implementing changes in clinical practice

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Critical thinking

Project management skills

Communication skills

Why are research skills important?

Research skills are important because they can help you identify a problem, gather information, and evaluate that information for relevancy. Including your research skills on a resume will show hiring managers that you have the ability to suggest new ideas and help their organization adapt and change as the industry changes.

Some common research skills include:

critical thinking

Computer skills

Can I list research as a skill?

Yes, you can list research as a skill on your resume. Including your research skills in your resume can help show a potential employer that you have the ability to suggest new ideas and use critical thinking to find solutions to problems. Most research skills will use attention to detail, problem-solving, and project management skills.

California State University San Bernardino – Incorporating Research Project Experience on Your Resume

University of Missouri – How to Put Research on Your Resume

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Heidi Cope is a former writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog. Her writing focused primarily on Zippia's suite of rankings and general career advice. After leaving Zippia, Heidi joined The Mighty as a writer and editor, among other positions. She received her BS from UNC Charlotte in German Studies.

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How to List Academic Achievements on a Resume

This in-depth article covers how to list awards on a resume. If you are looking for academic achievements, check out this detailed guide on listing academic achievements on a resume  or our Career Center for more job seeker resources. 

In an increasingly-competitive marketplace, sometimes it really can come down to the little things that we often overlook in resumes, such as awards and achievements, that may make a big difference.

The awards and achievements listed in a resume might be the final factor that can get you a callback for a job interview — instead of being forgotten in their email inbox.

But just having an award or two on your resume isn’t enough for hiring managers. You need to know what awards are actually important to employers, and how to list them in a resume, to actually get noticed.

While some job seekers may want to include every award that they have ever received in a lifetime of school, work, and extracurriculars, other applicants are a little hesitant to tell their life stories in their resumes.

The best advice lies between these two views: include awards that are relevant to you and the job post.

Awards that provide clear evidence of experience or a skill relevant to your target job will help you to stand out. But you have to be critical, selective, and detail-relevant when it comes down to deciding which awards to include.

This is especially true in our fast-paced world. The latest resume trend is job seekers writing a specific resume based a particular area of expertise, instead of a general professional summary rolled into a one-page resume.

This resume-writing article covers:

• Exactly how to list awards on a resume
• How to describe them in a relevant way to employers
• List of common awards and recognitions to list in a resume

You should also know that while this article is primarily aimed at resumes for students, recent grads, and other professionals at all stages of their career, it also covers specialist professionals in academia, the medical industry, and STEM.

What Are Relevant Awards For Resumes?

An award is a general term for a broad range of official recognitions on a professional, academic, or personal level. There are many types of awards that a job seeker could have, but not all awards will be relevant for you and the job you’re applying for .

When deciding what awards to include in your resume, bear in mind that not every award needs to be listed. In general, only include awards and other recognition if these provide evidence of experience or hard skills that potential employers may be looking for. For example, if you received a ‘Team Player Award’ in recognition of your collaboration skills, you may consider omitting this unless at an early stage of your career (when you are more likely to seek ways to add grit to your resume).

The same advice goes for common awards that are no longer current, such as the Employee of the Month recognition you received more than five years ago. While the Boy Scouts of America Silver Buffalo Award from twenty years ago may seem attractive to include because of its recognition of national-level noteworthy or extraordinary service, it will be of little interest to a potential employer if you are a mid-career level professional.

When thinking about what awards to include in your resume, don’t forget that some awards don’t actually have the word ‘award’ in their title. These may range from the above-mentioned Employee of the Month (which often drops the word ‘award’) through to Dean’s List. What you ultimately decide to include in your resume, however, will depend very much on your job, industry, career level, and available page space.

In general, the further you progress in your career, the more career-related your listed awards should be. If you’re just starting out, potential employers are much more likely to be interested in that Dean’s List or Honor Roll recognition than they will later on. As you gain experience, academic awards can graduate to an honourable mention against the appropriate qualification under ‘Education’, or be removed altogether.

Some awards are highly valued in specific industries, but have little value in others. A Top Chef award from your days working in that local fine dining restaurant would be of interest if you stay within the food industry, but would be of no interest to a potential employer if you move into an unrelated sector or industry (unless you actually won the top prize on the TV show Top Chef, of course, in which case, go right ahead and tell the world!).

Don’t forget about hobby and personal interest awards, either! If you have been recognized for volunteer or extracurricular activities that are immediately relevant to professional skills, such as leadership, project management, interpersonal skills, then by all means include these in your resume. Such awards can be included in a separate Awards section, or towards the bottom of your resume under the Personal Interests section (an optional resume section).

Confused about what awards you should include in your resume, and which awards you shouldn’t list? Here is a quick list of do’s and don’ts for how to know whether you should list an award in your professional resume:

Award Do’s:

• Do include awards that highlight your skills and abilities related to the job you’re applying for
• Do remember to include all recognitions that you’ve received, even if they were not formal awards

Award Don’ts:

• Don’t include any award that is older than 10 years unless it is crucial for your resume
• Don’t include awards that are not important or relevant to your career
• Don’t list awards that do not add value to your job application

Popular Awards To List In Resumes – Examples

Here are example of common awards that job seekers list on resumes, divided by type:

Business and Specialist Industry Award Examples:

• Employee of the Month/Employee of the Year
• Top Salesperson Award
• Best Performer Award (financial or non-financial performance-based)
• Customer Service Award
• Chairman’s Award
• Leadership Award
• Medical Information Leader of the Year Award
• Scientist of the Year Award
• Young Professional Engineers Award

Academic Award Samples:

• Scholarships
• National Merit Scholar
• Dean’s List
• Valedictorian

Academic & Professional Award Examples: 

• Faculty Merit Award for Scholarly Activities
• Chancellor’s Teaching Excellence Award
• Distinguished Scholar Award

Relevant Extracurricular Award Examples:

• Distinguished Toastmaster Award
• Young Entrepreneur of the Year (such as from a Chamber of Commerce)

Exactly How to List Awards On A Resume

Now that you know which awards are relevant for you and your job application, you should learn how to include awards on a resume correctly. 

Here is a quick checklist on how to include awards on a resume: 

• Did I list awards in chronological order?
• Did I include a description when it was appropriate to list one (see next section for more help)?
• Is the award title correct? If you’re not sure, check the original award or do a quick Google search.
• Did I avoid using unusual or confusing acronyms or abbreviations?
• Did I avoid repeating the same information in an awards section and somewhere else on my resume?

If you’re just starting out in your career, or if you work in academia or a specialist field (such as engineering or medicine), it often useful to have a separate Awards section to add visual weight to your resume. Otherwise, awards can be listed in the actual job descriptions or in the Education section, depending on which section is more relevant to the award.

In a standard business resume where employers tend to quickly skim documents for relevance, award formats should be kept fairly concise yet usefully informative.

In academic or specialist resumes, or if you are just starting out in your career and need to add depth to your resume, more detail is broadly acceptable. We’ll look at each of these in more focus below.

There are 4 different ways to include and format awards in a resume. I will go into detail about each of these formatting methods for resumes:  

• Including awards in job descriptions
• Listing awards under an “Awards” resume section (concise)
• Listing awards under an “Awards resume section (detailed)
• Including achievements under “Personal Interests” or “Hobbies” resume section

Listing Awards In Job Descriptions

How to list awards in the job description of a resume (text example):

Employment History T-shirts for Tots, Boston, Massachusetts Sales Associate                                                                                                                                              November 2015 – Present

• Received Salesperson of the Year Award in 2016 in recognition for achieving 193% of annual target (nearest rival achieved 102%)

Listing Achievements Under “Awards” Resume Section – Concise

This is how to list awards under an “Awards” resume section with very little text: 

Awards 2016 Salesperson of the Year Award (Johnson & Associates) 2016 Top Performer Award Quarter 4 (Johnson & Associates) 2015 Salesperson of the Year Award (Johnson & Associates)

Listing Achievements Under “Awards” Resume Section – Detailed

This is how to include awards in a resume with more information for the hiring manager:

Awards 2016 Salesperson of the Year Award (Johnson & Associates)

• In recognition for achieving 193% of annual target; nearest competitor achieved 102%

2016 Top Performer Award Quarter 4 (Johnson & Associates)

• In recognition for achieving 127% of quarterly target (nearest competitor achieved 97%)

2015 Salesperson of the Year Award (Barnaby Scone Consultants)

• In recognition for consistently exceeding every quarterly target

How To List Awards In “Personal Interests” or “Hobbies” Resume Section

This is how to include an achievement under your “Personal Interests” or “Hobbies” section of a resume:

Personal Interests In addition to painting and hiking in my spare time, I am an enthusiastic member of Toastmasters International. As well as building my confidence in public speaking, my participation in Toastmasters has pushed me to truly develop as a leader. I was thrilled to receive the Distinguished Toastmaster Award in 2017.

How to Describe Awards on a Resume

If you decide to add a description to an award, a good rule of thumb is describe awards briefly and objectively .

When writing a description, only include information that is important to the job application. Avoid using a lot of unnecessary words to fill space in a resume. Having a full looking resume doesn’t mean that the hiring manager will be impressed unless the information is relevant and interesting. Stick to easy to understand and straightforward language.

Remember, awards can convey to a hiring manager insight into your strengths, both at work and in the wider community. Ask yourself what attributes you want your selected awards to highlight. For example, do you want to draw attention to your leadership skills or specific industry know-how? Ensure that your description emphasizes these attributes. When in doubt,  ask a friend or mentor to review your description with fresh eyes to ensure it sends the message you want to give to an employer.

Example of a Good Award Description

2016 Salesperson of the Year Award (Johnson & Associates) In recognition for achieving 193% of annual target; nearest competitor achieved 102%

Example of a Flawed Award Description

2016 Salesperson of the Year Award (Johnson & Associates) Despite a slow start, I still managed to reach my annual target by increasing my amount of cold calls and by contacting existing clients to upsell/cross-sell.

As you can see, the good description gets to the point concisely, uses objective language, and backs the award up with quantifiable evidence. On the other hand, the ineffective description rambles on without a clear purpose, uses subjective language, and forgets to include factual evidence to support the award.

Here is an easy checklist for making sure you’re describing an award on a resume properly: 

• Did I use objective and fact-based language?
• Did I use evidence to support the award, such as measurable achievements or metrics?
• Did I keep the award description concise and relevant to the job post?
• Did I avoid rambling and avoid details that aren’t relevant or interesting?
• Did I avoid including irrelevant information?
• Did I avoid misspelling the name of the award or any words I used to describe it?

Get Started On Your Resume! 

Including relevant awards or special recognition is a great way to catch the eye of potential employers and give the reader insight into your skills and capabilities. Selected carefully, awards can help to set you apart from the crowd and give the reader insight into your capabilities such as initiative, leadership, sales, and so forth. Depending on the resume, type of award, and how far along you are in your career, this information can be listed in your job descriptions, in a separate section, or under Education.

Our advice would be to only include awards and other recognition if these provide evidence of skills or abilities that potential employers are likely to be looking for. If you’re not sure, ask someone for a second-opinion.

If you need a little extra help to get started on your resume, use the customizable online resume templates from Resume.com  — no credit card or payment info required.

Final Awards Checklist

• Have you included the award date/year, award name, issuing organization, level (e.g. national or international, if relevant), and reason you received it (in the job description or in a separate section)?
• Have you used consistent formatting for all awards?
• Is the information easy to read?
• Is the award outdated/irrelevant?
• Have you been selective?
• Have you proofread it for grammar, spelling, and punctuation consistency?
• Have you avoided unfamiliar acronyms and abbreviations?
• Finally, does the award truly make you stand out?

30 Examples: How To List Volunteer Work on a Resume

By Status.net Editorial Team on April 26, 2024 — 10 minutes to read

Volunteering is a great way to acquire new skills, network with professionals, and make a difference in your community. When it comes time to update your resume, incorporating your volunteer experiences may give you a competitive edge. The key is to present your volunteer experience in a manner that highlights the relevant skills you’ve gained and what you’ve accomplished.

Begin by examining the volunteer work you’ve done and identifying the skills that would be most applicable to the job you’re seeking. For example, if you volunteered at an animal shelter, you might have developed strong communication and teamwork skills while coordinating with other volunteers and shelter employees. Or, if you volunteered as a tutor, you could highlight your ability to effectively teach complex subjects and demonstrate expert problem-solving skills.

Identifying Your Volunteer Experiences

Start by making a list of all your volunteer activities, including the organization, your role and responsibilities, and the length of time you were involved. For example:

• Nonprofit Organization A – Volunteer Coordinator (6 months)
• Community Event B – Event Volunteer (one-time event)
• Local Animal Shelter C – Dog Walker (3 months)

As you review your list, consider the skills and knowledge you gained from each experience. This could be anything from project management to customer service or even special skills like event planning or social media promotion.

Next, prioritize your experiences by relevance for the job you’re applying for. This means considering which volunteer activities showcase the most important skills, expertise, and qualities that the employer is looking for. After you’ve identified the most relevant volunteer experiences, it’s time to think about how to present them on your resume. One effective approach is to include a dedicated volunteer work section, ideally located near your professional experience section. This allows you to highlight valuable skills and experiences while also demonstrating your commitment to giving back.

Where to Place Volunteer Work on Your Resume

Main experience section.

Consider placing volunteer work in your main experience section if it relates closely to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you have volunteered at an animal shelter and are applying for a position as a veterinarian assistant, it would be relevant to include this experience with your professional work history.

When listing volunteer work in the main experience section, it should be formatted similarly to your regular employment:

• Organization Name, City, State
• Your role/job title
• Duration (Month Year – Month Year)
• Key accomplishments or responsibilities (use bullet points to make these easier to read)

Separate Volunteer Section

If your volunteer work is not directly related to the job you’re applying for, or if you already have extensive relevant employment experience, it might be more appropriate to create a separate volunteer section on your resume. This section should come after your main experience section, but before the education and skills sections.

In the separate volunteer section, you can still emphasize how these experiences contributed to your personal and professional growth. List your volunteer experiences by following the same format as the main experience section.

Volunteer Work on a Resume: 30 Examples

1. Community Service Volunteer – Organized weekly community clean-up events, managing teams of 20+ volunteers – Coordinated with local businesses for resource contributions

2. Hospital Volunteer – Provided companionship and support to patients, improving their hospital experience – Assisted nurses with non-medical tasks to enhance patient care

3. Animal Shelter Volunteer – Cared for and socialized animals to prepare them for adoption – Implemented a new system for tracking animal vaccinations and health records

4. Youth Mentor – Mentored a group of 10 high school students, providing academic and personal guidance – Developed and facilitated workshops on college readiness and career exploration

5. Event Planning Volunteer – Played a key role in organizing annual charity gala, raising over $50,000 – Managed logistics, including venue selection, catering, and guest list coordination

6. Environmental Conservation Volunteer – Participated in reforestation projects, planting over 1,000 trees – Educated the public on sustainability practices through workshops and presentations

7. Disaster Relief Volunteer – Assisted in rebuilding efforts after local flooding, contributing over 200 hours of service – Distributed food and supplies to affected families

8. Volunteer Tutor – Provided weekly math tutoring to underprivileged students, resulting in a 25% average grade improvement – Created personalized lesson plans and practice exercises

9. Food Bank Volunteer – Organized food drives that collected over 3 tons of food for the local community – Streamlined the food sorting process, increasing efficiency by 30%

10. Special Olympics Volunteer – Coached a team of 15 athletes, leading them to win gold in regional competitions – Coordinated travel and accommodations for team events

11. Habitat for Humanity Volunteer – Contributed to the construction of 5 homes for low-income families – Led a team of volunteers in framing and drywall installation

12. Volunteer Fundraiser – Spearheaded a crowdfunding campaign that raised $10,000 for a local animal rescue – Developed marketing materials and social media strategies to promote the campaign

13. Library Volunteer – Managed book inventory and assisted patrons with locating resources – Organized weekly storytime sessions for children, fostering a love of reading

14. Crisis Hotline Volunteer – Provided empathetic support to individuals in crisis, contributing to a 20% increase in positive outcomes – Completed 60 hours of specialized training in crisis intervention techniques

15. ESL (English as a Second Language) Volunteer Teacher – Taught English to adult learners, helping 30+ students achieve conversational proficiency – Developed culturally sensitive teaching materials

16. Nonprofit Board Member – Served on the board of a local nonprofit focused on youth development – Participated in strategic planning and fundraising efforts

17. Volunteer Translator – Provided translation services for a community health center, improving access for non-English speakers – Translated over 200 pages of health education materials

18. Legal Aid Volunteer – Assisted in providing free legal services to low-income individuals – Conducted legal research and prepared case documents under attorney supervision

19. Volunteer Web Developer – Designed and maintained the website for a local charity, increasing online donations by 40% – Implemented SEO best practices to enhance the site’s visibility

20. Art Program Volunteer – Facilitated art workshops at a community center, inspiring creativity in 50+ participants – Curated a successful art exhibit showcasing local talent

21. Senior Center Volunteer – Organized social activities and outings for seniors, improving community engagement – Provided tech support, helping seniors connect with their families online

22. Volunteer Coach – Coached a youth soccer team, emphasizing teamwork and sportsmanship – Organized fundraising events to support team equipment and travel expenses

23. Public Health Volunteer – Supported public health campaigns by distributing educational materials and organizing community events – Conducted surveys to assess the impact of health initiatives

24. Music Therapy Volunteer – Performed weekly music sessions at a local hospital to enhance patient well-being – Collaborated with therapists to tailor sessions to individual patient needs

25. Museum Docent – Led educational tours, engaging visitors with the museum’s exhibits – Assisted in the development of new exhibit materials and interactive displays

26. International Volunteer – Taught English and basic computer skills in a rural community abroad – Assisted with the development of a local microfinance program

27. Volunteer Social Media Coordinator – Managed social media accounts for a nonprofit, growing the follower base by 500% – Created engaging content that increased audience interaction

28. Literacy Advocate Volunteer – Participated in reading programs at local schools, helping to improve literacy rates – Organized book donation drives to provide resources for underfunded libraries

29. Volunteer Research Assistant – Supported a university research project by collecting and analyzing data – Co-authored a paper on the project’s findings, which was published in a peer-reviewed journal

30. Homeless Shelter Volunteer – Assisted with daily operations at a shelter, providing meals and support to residents – Developed a job search workshop to help residents gain employment

How to Describe Your Volunteer Work

Use action verbs.

It’s important to use action verbs to describe your duties and accomplishments in your volunteer work. This helps create a strong impression on the reader and showcase your proactive nature.

Examples of strong action verbs:

• Collaborated
• Implemented
• Coordinated
• Facilitated

Quantify Your Impact

When describing your volunteer work, try to quantify your impact whenever possible. This helps provide more context and shows the impact of your contributions.

• Coordinated a team of 15 volunteers
• Raised $5,000 for a local charity
• Organized a charity event with over 200 attendees
• Contributed 120 hours of tutoring
• Assisted in the construction of three homes for low-income families
• Led a group of ten in weekly park cleanups
• Mentored 50 students in an after-school program
• Facilitated team-building exercises for 100 employees
• Developed and implemented a new training curriculum
• Served meals to over 500 people in need

Tailoring Your Volunteer Experience to the Job Description

Emphasize the relevant skills you gained during your volunteer experiences by relating them to the job you’re applying for. This helps demonstrate how your volunteer work has prepared you for the position.

• Improved interpersonal communication through tutoring sessions
• Developed leadership abilities as a team coordinator
• Strengthened problem-solving skills as a volunteer mediator
• Enhanced project management abilities by organizing events
• Acquired customer service experience through volunteer receptionist duties
• Gained public speaking skills through community outreach presentations
• Developed multitasking abilities in a busy office setting
• Improved teamwork skills through group collaborations
• Enhanced negotiation skills through sales fundraising efforts
• Strengthened event planning skills by leading committee meetings

Carefully read the job description and make note of the key requirements and skills the employer is looking for. You can then try to match these with your volunteer experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some ways to present volunteer work on my resume.

You can present volunteer work on your resume in a few different ways, depending on how closely it relates to your desired job and how much experience you have. For example,

• Create a separate Volunteer Work section: This approach is suitable if your volunteer experience is not directly related to your career goals but still demonstrates relevant skills and responsibilities.
• Include volunteer work within your Professional Experience section: If your volunteer experience aligns with your career goals or if you have minimal professional experience, present it alongside your paid positions.
• Highlight related volunteer work under your Skills section: If your volunteer experience helped you gain specific expertise, showcase those skills in your Skills section and mention the relevant volunteer work.

Can you provide a description for including volunteer experience in a resume?

When including volunteer experience in your resume, it’s important to provide details such as the organization’s name, your role or position, the dates you volunteered, and a brief description of your accomplishments and relevant responsibilities. For example:

Volunteer Work

• Provided tutoring in math and English to underprivileged high school students, resulting in improved grades of over 90% of participants.

How should a student with volunteer experience showcase it on their resume?

As a student with limited work experience, emphasizing your volunteer work can demonstrate your skills, initiative, and commitment to potential employers. You can:

• Include your volunteer work in a dedicated Volunteer Experience section, or even within your Work Experience section if it’s directly related to your career goals.
• Highlight key skills gained through your volunteer work in the Skills section, mentioning specific achievements where possible.
• If relevant, mention any leadership roles or significant responsibilities within your volunteer work.

In what manner can I detail my contributions in volunteer positions?

When detailing your contributions, focus on accomplishments and the impact you made through your volunteer work. To do this, use action verbs, quantify results, and emphasize outcomes. For example:

• Organized an annual charity event that raised over $10,000 for children’s educational resources, resulting in a 20% increase in funds compared to the previous year.

Is it beneficial to describe volunteer activities in a resume, and if so, how?

Yes, describing volunteer activities in a resume can be beneficial as it showcases your transferable skills, commitment to the community, and ability to collaborate. To describe your activities effectively:

• Focus on any tasks that demonstrate relevant skills for the position you are applying for.
• Be specific in describing your role, responsibilities, and accomplishments.
• If possible, quantify the impact of your activities, e.g., dollars raised, number of attendees, or percentage improvements.

Are there any specific words or phrases that effectively convey volunteer experiences?

To effectively convey your volunteer experiences, use action verbs and descriptive language that highlights your accomplishments and transferable skills. Examples:

These words can show potential employers that you were actively engaged in your volunteer work and achieved meaningful results.

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