The Difference between ''Work-Experience'' and ''Accomplishment Record'' in a Resume
Even professional resume writers often have unclear concepts and become confused when it comes to ''work-experience'' vis-a-vis ''accomplishment record'' in a resume. The reason is that both these functional parts of a resume have overlapping areas, and seem so similar that few feel the need to delve into the principles of resume writing and distinctly separate ''work-experience'' from ''accomplishment record.'' Another reason, of course, is that both the functional areas can be bundled and presented under the single heading of ''work-experience'' without the loss of meaning or purpose.

However, if we are not thinking of ''loss'' but ''enhancement'' then separating ''work-experience'' from ''accomplishment record'' on a resume demonstrates an analytic mindset, and proves professionalism on part of the applicant. It also makes the job of the recruiter easy, attracts his or her attention to relevant points in the resume in an organized manner, and is the main reason to extract and distinguish an ''accomplishment record,'' from generalized ''work-experience.''

Mentioning ''work-experience'' in a resume

When ''work-experience'' of a candidate is mentioned in a resume, what recruiters want to see is ''relevant'' work experience, and not a simple list or timeline of past designations and associated responsibilities. This is a particularly sensitive concern while tailoring a resume for a specific job offer.

A timeline of held designations and positions only serves to prove that an employee managed to remain employable, and was exposed to certain specific work-environments and responsibilities. It does not prove whether the employee possesses skills relevant to the offered job. The error in providing a simple timeline of job designations without highlighting or concentrating upon ''relevant'' work-experience is that it leaves the recruiter guessing and increases the number of questions and tests in an interview.

Thus, while communicating work-experience through a resume, a candidate should focus only on designations relevant to the job at hand, and must highlight skills acquired in past jobs that are relevant to the job applied for. Irrelevant work-experience does not merit more than a passing mention bundled in a separate paragraph at the tail end.

Putting your accomplishment record in a resume

While the information placed under the heading of ''work-experience'' indicates you have acquired relevant skills and have been exposed to relevant work-environments in past designations, the information placed under the heading of ''accomplishment record'' proves that the skills indicated under ''work-experience,'' have been internalized and applied by you successfully to create achievements.

Your record of accomplishments in past jobs that prove the application of skills relevant to the present job should always be organized and placed separately under an ''accomplishment record.'' Again, irrelevant accomplishments should never be mentioned in the first paragraph of an ''accomplishment record,'' but pushed to the tail end.

A well-organized resume clearly separating information into ''work-experience'' and ''accomplishment record'' helps the recruiter form a decision and allays the recruiter’s fears of making a wrong choice. If done properly, a well-formatted resume in the manner mentioned can answer most questions in the mind of the recruiter and reduce the physical interview only to a session of exchange of pleasantries and salary negotiation.