How to Show Promotions
on a Resume

1. If Your Job Responsibilities Didn’t Change

If you were granted a title change with your promotion but your job responsibilities remained exactly the same, then you should format your promotion by stacking your job titles on top of each other.

Here’s how you can format your work experience to reflect those title changes (even if the duties remained the same):

1. List the company on the first line
2. List your most current position with dates on the second line
3. List your next most recent position with the dates on the third line (repeat as necessary)
4. Write one list of bullets. The first bullet should help explain why you were promoted, and the following bullet points should describe your most relevant work accomplishments and responsibilities. Each bullet should help make a strong case for why you’re a good fit for the role.

Example:

Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA
Senior Software Engineer (2018–Present)
Software Engineer (2017–2018)

• Promoted within one year for determining optimal direction for company on a strategic level
• Quality Assurance testing of 100+ software modifications and fixes
• Provided technical advice on bugs and enhancements
• Resolved average of 47 customer issues a week with the Support team
• Assisted the Advance Support team when necessary
• Addressed and fixed internal and external defects

This way of listing your promotions is great because it makes it instantly clear to the hiring manager that you received promotions, and groups your responsibilities and accomplishments in an easy-to-read format.

2. If Your Job Responsibilities Did Change

If your promotion came with new job responsibilities, list your job titles separately under the company name. Here’s how to put these positions on a resume:

1. Add the company’s name and location first
2. Include your most recent job title (and the dates you’ve held that title) under the company name
3. Add bullets outlining your responsibilities while working that specific role
4. Repeat this process, starting with your second most recent job title

Here’s a good example of how to list multiple positions in the same company on a manager resume example:

Walmart, Bentonville, AR
Store Manager (2016–2019)

• Increased staff retention 25% through better training and communication
• Managed busy retail environment and raised $500K revenue per year through local marketing and strong inventory redesign
• Created budgets that saved 15% on operating costs
• Streamlined recruiting and dismissal procedures to create an expert team that increased customer loyalty by 20%, contributing to the company’s substantial revenue boost

Assistant Store Manager (2015–2016)

• Implemented more robust training methods to increase sales revenue from $700,000 per year to $1M
• Raised profitability to 10% through vigorous marketing campaigns

Store Supervisor (2012–2015)

• Provided excellent customer service at all times and answered customer inquiries effectively
• Assisted with an average of 50–150 customer transactions per shift
• Managed every aspect of store presentation to ensure customer satisfaction
• Processed payments by automatic debit, cash, check, and credit card
• Promoted store sales and profit goals
• Ensured cash drawer was always balanced

Store Cashier (2009–2012)

• Received payment by automatic debit, cash, credit card, check, and voucher
• Issued receipts, change, or refunds due to customers
• Identified or established prices for tabulated bills and goods using cash register or calculators
• Performed in-store duties (for example, stocking shelves
• Managed and maintained cash drawer to requirements

This is a good format to use if you’re submitting your resume via an online system or email. That’s because all of your positions at the same company will be listed under one heading, so the recruiter can easily see that you’ve been promoted within the same company.

3. If You Worked Elsewhere Then Returned to the Same Company

If you’ve worked elsewhere between two stints at the same company, format your resume by mentioning your experience chronologically.

Here’s an example:

Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA
Lead Web Designer/Developer (2018–2019)

• Designed and maintained complete websites from basic sites to responsive sites
• Instrumental in branding, creative, and art direction
• Successfully developed and implemented new look and style for unique web presence
• Recognized with several recognition awards for unique and polished style

Dell, Round Rock, TX
Lead Web Designer (2017–2018)

• Spearheaded design of all online and marketing materials
• Designed all sited from scratch using Java, clean hand coded HTML5, and CSS3
• Photographed products used on site and maintained company ecommerce-based website
• Marketed social networks
• Repaired computers and laptops; performed printer troubleshooting and maintenance
• Designed email flyer

Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA
Web Designer/Developer

• Designed and implemented a variety of media projects
• Ensured websites are in line with branding for clients and designed visual imagery
• Incorporated features and functionalities into websites
• Applied different content management systems to ensure smooth flow of operations

By using a chronological format resume like this, you can show the hiring manager how you’ve developed skills and grown in experience over your career.

Since you’re likely to have worked at different levels during your two stints at the company, separating them out on your resume allows the hiring manager to quickly see how your responsibilities, skills, and competencies have changed over time.

The fact that your former company welcomed you back also shows you’re a good person to work with, and someone who likely has effective interpersonal skills.

Once you’ve added your promotions to your resume, you can start applying for jobs. Good luck on your job hunt.