How to show promotion on your resume: demonstrating your professional growth

Congratulations on your recent promotion! You've worked hard, and it's time to showcase your achievements to potential employers. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of showing your promotion on your resume in a way that highlights your growth and expertise while keeping your resume easy to read and engaging.

From choosing the best method for displaying your promotions to focusing on accomplishments and tailoring your resume, we'll provide practical tips and advice to help you make your resume stand out. So let's dive in and update your resume to reflect your latest career milestone.

The importance of showing promotions on your resume

Promotions are valuable indicators of your career progression and success in your field. By effectively displaying your promotion on your resume, you can:

Demonstrate your ability to grow and excel within a company.
Show your adaptability to new roles and responsibilities.
Highlight your commitment to continuous learning and skill development.
Attract the attention of potential employers who value professional growth.

Choosing the best method for displaying promotions

Two standard methods to show promotions on your resume are stacking job titles under one company name or listing each position separately. To help you better understand the differences, let's take a look at examples for both methods.

Stacking job titles

Stacking job titles is a straightforward method for displaying promotions within the same company. To use stacking job titles:

List the company name and employment dates, encompassing the entire period you worked there.
Start with your most recent job title, followed by the dates you held that position.
Beneath the most recent title, list your previous title(s) and the dates you had each role.
Include a summary of your accomplishments and responsibilities for each job title.

Stacked job title example:

XYZ Manufacturing Company, Los Angeles, CA
Production Supervisor (August 2021 - Present)
Production Operator (June 2020 - July 2021)

Supervised a team of 10 production operators, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and quality standards.
Implemented process improvements that increased production efficiency by 12%.
Assisted in developing production schedules and managed resources to meet tight deadlines.
Trained new employees on equipment usage, safety procedures, and company policies.

Stacked job titles might be the right formatting choice for you if:

Your promotions show a clear progression within the same company. Stacking job titles under one company name highlights your growth and commitment to the organization. It demonstrates that you've earned increased responsibilities and trust over time, which is valuable information for potential employers.
You have limited space on your resume. If you're trying to keep your resume to a single page or want to ensure it remains uncluttered, stacking job titles can help you save space.
Your promotions are within the same department or function. If your career progression has been within a specific department or function, stacking job titles can emphasize your expertise in that area. This method allows potential employers to quickly understand your depth of experience and knowledge within the domain, making it easier for them to see the value you can bring to their organization.
The roles have overlapping responsibilities. Stacking job titles is an excellent option if your promoted positions have similar or overlapping responsibilities. By grouping these roles, you can succinctly present the shared duties and emphasize the unique contributions and achievements you made in each position without repeating information.

Creating separate sections for each role

Another approach is to create separate sections for each role you held within the same company. This method allows you to emphasize the differences between your positions and provide more detailed information about your accomplishments. It is also easier for applicant tracking systems to read.

Separate job title example:

XYZ Manufacturing Company, Los Angeles, CA
Production Supervisor (August 2021 - Present)

Oversee a team of 10 production operators, monitoring performance and providing guidance to ensure smooth operations.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize production processes and resource allocation.
Develop and implement production schedules, working closely with suppliers and logistics teams to meet deadlines.

XYZ Manufacturing Company, Los Angeles, CA
Production Operator (June 2020 - July 2021)

Operated production machinery, maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols and quality standards.
Assisted in implementing process improvements, resulting in a 10% increase in production efficiency.
Conducted routine maintenance and troubleshooting of production equipment to minimize downtime and ensure optimal performance.

Separate job titles might be the right format choice for you if:

You had distinct responsibilities and accomplishments in each role. If your promotions involve taking on entirely new tasks and projects, using separate job title sections allows you to emphasize your unique contributions in each position, providing a comprehensive view of your diverse skill set.
You want to highlight the versatility of your experience. Listing each position independently calls attention to your ability to adapt and excel in various roles within a single organization. This versatility can appeal to potential employers, demonstrating your flexibility and capacity to take on new challenges.
The roles were in different departments or functions. If your promotions spanned across various departments or functions, listing them separately can emphasize your cross-functional experience. This can be valuable for potential employers looking for candidates with diverse expertise and knowledge across multiple areas.
You have ample space on your resume.
If you're not constrained by space limitations on your resume, this comprehensive approach can give potential employers a better understanding of your experience.

"Promotions are valuable indicators of your career progression and success in your field."

Tips for effectively showcasing your promotion

When highlighting your promotion on your resume, keep these tips in mind:

Emphasize your accomplishments. For each position, provide specific examples of your achievements and quantify them whenever possible. Each achievement helps demonstrate your impact and the value you brought to each role.
Use action verbs. Begin each bullet point with strong action verbs, such as "managed," "developed," or "increased." Action verbs help convey a sense of purpose and make your accomplishments stand out.
Tailor your resume. Customize your resume for each job application, ensuring that your listed accomplishments and responsibilities align with the requirements of that specific job.
Highlight relevant skills you gained. As you describe each role, emphasize the skills you developed that apply to the job you're applying for. Most recruiters want you to have relevant experience and skills that transfer to the job they are hiring for. Remember to include any relevant soft skills you strengthened.
Proofread your resume: Make sure your resume is error-free and formatted consistently. A resume without grammatical errors or typos shows professionalism and attention to detail, which are essential qualities in any role.

Addressing gaps between promotions

If there's a significant gap between promotions, consider addressing this in your resume or cover letter. For example, explain how you used this time to develop new skills, gain additional certifications, or work on projects that eventually led to your promotion.

Updating your online profiles to show promotion

In addition to updating your resume, update your online career profiles to reflect your promotion and any additional accomplishments or responsibilities. If you still need an online career profile, create one with CareerBuilder so employers can easily find you. Many potential employers will review your career profiles as part of their evaluation process, and having a consistent, up-to-date profile will further demonstrate your professional growth.

Showcasing your hard-earned promotion on your resume is essential for highlighting your career progression and the value you bring to potential employers. By carefully choosing the correct method for displaying your promotions, focusing on your accomplishments and responsibilities, and tailoring your resume, you'll create a powerful impression that can lead to new opportunities and continued career growth.

Keep up the great work and continue striving for success — you've got this!