The more obvious you can make your experience on your resume, the better you’ll look. Employers always look for the most qualified and experienced candidates before anyone else.
Therefore, “experience” is good to talk about. Although, you should probably use some good synonyms to help you keep your CV interesting.
This article has gathered some alternatives to show you how to say “experience” on a resume.
Is “Experience” a Good Resume Word?
“Experience” is a good resume word. It’s a buzzword that helps employers to see exactly what you’re talking about.
Generally, “experience” will be a list in itself. It allows recruiters to see what experience you’ve had in the past.
It’s a great way to quickly list your work history to explain what you know and what you can bring.
Here’s a quick example showing you how it works:
My experience in this field is second-to-none. I’ve been working in this role for twenty-five years.
Pros
- It’s a good buzzword that employers look for.
- It allows you to talk about your past and qualifications easily.
Cons
- It’s a bit bland.
- It’s very generic and doesn’t stand out.
While “experience” is certainly a great resume word, that doesn’t mean it’s the only choice. You have options, and it’s worth exploring them to see what’s available.
Keep reading to learn what to write instead of “experience.” We’ve also provided examples under each heading to demonstrate how the alternatives work in context.
What to Say Instead of “Experience” on a Resume
- Expertise
- Background
- Skill set
- Proficiency
- Knowledge
- Competence
- Track record
- Work history
- Portfolio
- Accomplishments
1. Expertise
Job applications might seem tricky at first. However, once you master the art of using the right words at the right time, you’ll find them much easier.
Take “expertise,” for example. It’s a great formal buzzword in a CV. It shows you have gained experience throughout your career.
Also, if you think you have “expertise,” it means you’re better than most people. So, if you really value yourself and want to prove how good you are, this could be a good way to go about it.
You can also refer to these examples:
I don’t want to brag, but I have a lot of expertise in this subject. Feel free to refer to my portfolio to learn more.
My expertise in this area helps me when I need to understand the next steps. That’s why all of my projects are completed to the highest standard.
2. Background
For a slightly simpler alternative, try “background.” It’s another synonym for “experience” that shows where you’ve come from.
Generally, our experience comes from our past. We learn as we go, and we tend to develop skills and ideas as we grow from our backgrounds.
Therefore, it’s good to discuss what your “background” is. This helps you to sound more formal and honest about what you’ve done in the past.
Here are some resume samples to help you with it:
I have a good background in analytics. Therefore, I think I’ll be a good fit to fill the position you’re hiring for.
My background in this field makes me a star candidate. It’s why my previous employer was so keen to keep me.
3. Skill Set
You can also use “skill set.” It’s a formal synonym for “experience” that comes as two words rather than one.
It works in much the same way as “experience,” too.
You should discuss your skill set when it relates directly to a job. For example, explain how good you are with computers if you’re applying for an IT role.
As long as you directly link your skills to the job in a resume, you’ll set yourself up for success. You can’t go wrong with this option!
Check out these examples if you still need help:
It helps to have an impressive skill set like mine. It’s why I know I’m the right candidate for this role.
My skill set helps me to stand out from others. I’m sure you’ll find that I’m one of the more impressive applicants.
4. Proficiency
Next, you can try “proficiency” as another word for “experience” on a resume. It’s useful because it shows you value your own skills and experience.
You should try to include it when you trust your abilities. It’s a formal choice that shows you’ve learned a lot relating to the job you’re applying for.
There’s no better way to sell yourself, really. If you can prove that you’re proficient enough to take on the challenge of a new role, you should do so.
Also, you should refer to the following examples:
It helps that my proficiency carries me through this role. I’m certain you’ll find I have my uses.
I’m proud of my proficiency in this. It didn’t come easily, but I’m glad I’ve practiced and gotten a lot better.
5. Knowledge
Going back to something more simple, you can write “knowledge” in your job application. It works well as a simpler choice on a cover letter to show you have gained experience.
“Knowledge” typically relates to things you’ve learned in the past. Therefore, it goes hand in hand with experience, showing you’ve spent time learning about something.
Feel free to include it to spice up your resume. It’ll keep things slightly more interesting if you avoid repeating “experience” and drop “knowledge” in there occasionally.
Here are some CV samples to help you understand it better:
I have a lot of knowledge because I took the time to learn all I could about this. I’m sure you’ll be impressed with my work.
My knowledge trumps most of my peers. Therefore, I think I’m one of the best fits for this position.
6. Competence
“Competence” is another way to say “experience” on your resume. It’s great because it shows you can do things successfully relating to the job role.
The more competent you are, the more hireable you become.
It relates to experience because it shows you are efficient and experienced. It’s a great choice because it really sells your capacity without sounding too arrogant about what you can do.
You can also review the following examples:
I have a lot of competence in this field. It helped me to understand how to climb the ladder at my previous job.
My competence shines through in my previous work. I’m sure you’ll agree when you read what I’ve achieved.
7. Track Record
You can also say “track record” instead of “experience.” It’s a great way to establish what you’ve learned in the past.
You can refer to your track record when filling in a job application. It’s a formal yet exciting alternative that shows you’ve got experience related to a job.
Usually, if you talk about your track record, you should have a portfolio to match. It’s great to show that you’ve got the required knowledge before jumping into a new career.
Check out these resume examples if you’re still unsure:
I have a good track record in this field. I think I’m one of the best people for the job because I know what I’m doing.
My track record speaks for itself. I’ll happily share some of my experience with the team to help them understand what’s expected.
8. Work History
One of the simplest options is “work history.” It’s a good formal synonym because it shows what you’ve done in the past.
We recommend using it to explain your experience. It’s a simple way to show you’ve already done things relating to the job you are applying for.
This will be an easy one for the reader to understand as well. It doesn’t use ambiguous or confusing language. It keeps it readable and easy to figure out.
Here are some great examples to help you with it:
My work history has helped me get to where I am today. I’m very proud of everything I’ve done until now.
I have a strong work history that I rely on in times of need. It’s gotten me through a lot, and I’m sure it’ll help me in this role.
9. Portfolio
It’s always worth talking about your portfolio when the time is right. Your portfolio relates to everything you’ve experienced or learned.
While portfolios tend to be physical things (i.e., you can provide one for demonstration), this doesn’t always have to be the case.
Here, “portfolio” means “experience.” It shows you have gathered a lot of experience to help you excel in the workplace.
You can refer to these cover letter samples as well:
You can refer to my portfolio to learn more about what I can do for you. I’m very excited to share more about myself.
I have a strong portfolio that lists all my experience. I’m certain you’ll be impressed by the work I’ve put in.
10. Accomplishments
It’s worth using “accomplishments” instead of “experience” as well. It’s another synonym that shows you’ve earned your experience by putting the work in.
Generally, an accomplishment is something you took time to complete. It refers to courses or projects you carried out and succeeded with.
It’s still a formal word, too. So, it works really well when including it in your resume to demonstrate what you’re capable of.
Here are some resume examples to show you how it works:
My accomplishments speak for themselves. I’m very proud of the work I’ve put in to get this far.
I have a lot of accomplishments relating to this field. I believe I’m one of the best fits for this role because of them.