Why You Need a ‘Relevant Experience’ Section in Your Resume
For specialized roles, like technical writing, simply listing your past jobs may not be enough. A well-placed “Relevant Experience” section on your resume highlights the most applicable skills and experience for the job you want. This focused section helps hiring managers see why you’re a great fit—and fast. Here’s how to make the most of it.
What Is a “Relevant Experience” Section?
A “Relevant Experience” section is a separate part of your resume. It is positioned above or before your work history. This makes it the first thing hiring managers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) notice. This section spotlights the roles and skills directly related to the job you’re applying for. Think of it as a highlight reel for your most relevant work.
Why You Need One for Specialized Roles
Specialized roles, like technical writing or project management, require specific skills. You may have experience that’s perfect for the job but hidden under unrelated roles. By adding a “Relevant Experience” section, you’re:
- Saving the hiring manager’s time.
- Increasing the chances of passing ATS scans.
- Showing a direct link between your experience and the job.
This approach is especially useful for technical writing, where skills in documentation, user manuals, and collaboration matter most.
How to Build Your “Relevant Experience” Section
Building this section is simple. Here’s a quick guide to get started:
- Identify the Key Requirements: Review the job description closely. Highlight must-have skills and duties. For technical writing, this might include “user documentation,” “API guides,” or “collaborating with cross-functional teams.”
- Choose Your Most Relevant Roles: Look through your past jobs. Which roles align best with the job description? Focus on 2-3 key roles that highlight the experience you want to showcase.
- Use Short, Impactful Bullets: Describe your duties and accomplishments in short bullet points. Keep it concise. Focus on measurable achievements when possible.
- Example: “Developed and updated 50+ user manuals, improving user comprehension by 20%.”
- Example: “Collaborated with engineers to create API documentation for three major projects.”
Formatting Tips for Maximum Impact
A “Relevant Experience” section should be clean and easy to read. Here are a few formatting tips:
- Use Clear Headings: Label this section as “Relevant Experience” so it stands out.
- Order by Importance: Put the most relevant experience at the top, not by job date.
- Stay Consistent with Bullet Points: Stick with standard bullets for readability. Avoid complex formatting that might confuse ATS software.
When to Use a “Relevant Experience” Section
You don’t need this section for every application. Use it for:
- Highly specialized roles with unique requirements.
- Positions where you have direct, related experience.
- Roles that prioritize specific skills over general experience.
For example, a technical writer applying to a role focused on API documentation should highlight API-related projects. If your main experience is in creating training manuals, that might be less relevant here.
Why This Section Works
Creating a “Relevant Experience” section helps you stand out. It shows hiring managers that you’ve done your research and tailored your resume. By focusing on the skills and achievements that matter most, you can make a strong first impression. And it’s ATS-friendly, increasing the likelihood of your resume reaching human eyes.
In specialized fields, this is an extra step worth taking. A “Relevant Experience” section does more than highlight your qualifications. It tells the employer, “I know what you’re looking for, and I have it.”
