should i have incoming experience on resume

3 min read 15-04-2025

should i have incoming experience on resume

The question of whether or not to include incoming experience on your resume is a common one for job seekers, especially those new to the workforce. The answer isn't a simple yes or no; it depends on several factors. This guide will help you navigate this decision and optimize your resume for maximum impact.

Understanding "Incoming Experience"

Incoming experience refers to any relevant activities or roles you've undertaken that aren't traditional jobs, but still demonstrate valuable skills and experiences. This can include:

Volunteer work: Showing commitment and skills gained through volunteering.
Internships: Providing practical experience in a professional setting.
Freelance projects: Demonstrating initiative and entrepreneurial skills.
Academic projects: Highlighting research, teamwork, or problem-solving abilities.
Extracurricular activities: Showcasing leadership, teamwork, and organizational skills.
Personal projects: Demonstrating passion, initiative, and relevant technical skills.

The key is to determine if these experiences align with the job you're applying for and showcase transferable skills.

When to Include Incoming Experience

Including incoming experience is beneficial in several situations:

Limited work experience: If you're a recent graduate or career changer with limited formal work history, incoming experience can significantly strengthen your resume.
Skill demonstration: If the job description emphasizes specific skills you've honed through incoming experiences, highlight them to demonstrate your capabilities.
Quantifiable results: Always quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. Instead of saying "volunteered at a food bank," say "organized and managed food drives resulting in a 20% increase in donations."
Gaps in employment: If you have gaps in your employment history, incoming experience can help fill those gaps and demonstrate your continued engagement and skill development.

How to Effectively Present Incoming Experience

The way you present incoming experience matters. Avoid simply listing your activities; instead, frame them as professional accomplishments.

Use Action Verbs and Quantifiable Results

Start each bullet point with a strong action verb and quantify your achievements whenever possible. This makes your accomplishments more impactful and easier for recruiters to understand.

Tailor to the Job Description

Carefully review the job description and highlight the skills and experiences that align with the requirements. Don't include irrelevant information.

Use a Consistent Format

Maintain a consistent format for both your work experience and incoming experience sections. This ensures a clean and professional look.

When to Omit Incoming Experience

There are times when including incoming experience might not be beneficial:

Irrelevant experiences: If the experience is not related to the job you're applying for, it's better to omit it.
Overcrowded resume: If your resume is already lengthy, prioritize relevant work experience over less impactful incoming experiences.
Strong work history: If you have a strong and consistent work history, adding incoming experience might dilute the impact of your professional achievements.

Example: Transforming Incoming Experience into Resume Bullets

Let's say you volunteered at a local animal shelter. Instead of simply writing "Volunteered at Animal Shelter," try these options:

Managed daily animal care routines, including feeding, cleaning, and administering medication, resulting in a consistently healthy animal population.
Organized and implemented a successful fundraising campaign, exceeding fundraising goals by 15% and securing vital resources for the shelter.
Collaborated with a team of volunteers to improve shelter efficiency, streamlining adoption processes and increasing adoptions by 10%.

Conclusion: Strategic Inclusion is Key

Whether or not to include incoming experience on your resume is a strategic decision. Carefully consider the relevance of your experiences, the target job, and the overall strength of your resume. By strategically presenting your accomplishments using strong action verbs and quantifiable results, you can effectively leverage incoming experiences to bolster your candidacy and land your dream job. Remember, the goal is to present a compelling narrative that showcases your skills and potential to potential employers.