How to List Work Experience on Your CV

The work experience section is the core of your CV. It shows recruiters what you have done, where, and with what results. Listing it clearly and consistently helps both human readers and ATS. Here is how to do it well for Gulf and international jobs.

Use Reverse Chronological Order

List your jobs from most recent to oldest. For each role, include: job title, company name, location (city and country), and dates (month and year, or year only if that is your norm). This format is expected in most markets, including the Gulf, and makes it easy for recruiters to follow your career path.

Write Strong Bullet Points

Under each role, use bullet points to describe what you did and what you achieved. Start with action verbs (e.g. "Managed," "Developed," "Implemented"). Where possible, add numbers or outcomes (e.g. "Reduced costs by 15%," "Led a team of 8"). Focus on impact and relevance to the job you are applying for.

Tailor for Each Application

You do not need to rewrite your entire CV every time, but adjust the bullet points for each role to emphasise experience that matches the job description. Highlight relevant projects, skills, and achievements. This increases the chance that both ATS and recruiters see you as a strong fit.

Handle Short Roles and Gaps Honestly

Include short-term or contract roles if they are relevant; you can group similar short contracts if needed (e.g. "Contract roles in project support, 2022–2023"). For gaps, a brief, honest explanation in the CV or cover letter is better than omitting dates or falsifying information. Many employers understand career breaks or periods of study.

How Much to Include

For senior roles, the last 10–15 years often matter most; you can summarise earlier experience in a short section. For mid-level and entry-level candidates, include all relevant roles. Typically use three to six bullet points per role, with more detail for recent and relevant positions.