Writing
How to Format Work Experience on a Resume (2026 Guide)
The definitive guide to formatting work experience on your resume. Learn the reverse-chronological format, bullet point structure, and how to handle employment gaps.
5 min read
work experience resumeresume formatemployment historyreverse chronologicaljob history
Reverse Chronological Is the Standard
List your most recent job first, with 3-5 bullet points per role. Include: company name, job title, location, and dates. Use consistent date formatting (MM/YYYY - MM/YYYY).
How Far Back to Go
Go back 10-15 years max. Older experience can be summarized as 'Earlier Career' without bullet points. ThreeArrow.ai automatically structures your work history for maximum ATS compatibility.
Handling Employment Gaps
Be honest about gaps. Use a functional skill focus rather than chronological. Mention relevant activities during gaps: freelance work, education, volunteering, or personal projects.