How To Show Promotions or Various Positions on Your Resume (With Examples)

September 2, 2020

If you've been with a company for a long time, reflecting a promotion or job change with your long-term employer shows growth and stability on your resume. This will make you a competitive candidate in the job market, which will make you stand out from the rest.

Once the decision has been made to move to a new organization - voluntarily or involuntarily - getting started on your resume can sound like a daunting task. A successful resume should paint a clear picture of your career for the hiring manager or recruiter, showcasing promotions or lateral moves within your organization.

Here’s a quick breakdown of scenarios when adding to your resume:

Scenario 1 - The Promotion

Receiving promotions within your organization should be celebrated and acknowledged even on your resume, especially in public accounting. That’s a huge achievement, right?

If you are climbing the ladder at a Big 4 or Mid-Tier Accounting Firm, you will typically receive a promotion every 1 – 3 years. Starting out as an Associate and progressing to Senior or even Manager is very impressive to virtually any hiring manager or recruiter.

Often a promotion means a new title, salary, and increased level of responsibilities. The scope and nature of your work change. Be sure to stack all job titles on your resume and bullet point list your daily responsibilities, and don’t be scared to mention your promotion as a bullet point!

XYZ Accounting Firm, Atlanta, GA

Tax Manager (January 2017 – Present)

Tax Senior (March 2015 – January 2017)

• Accomplishment or value you brought to the company that resulted in promotion
• Responsibilities
• Responsibilities
• Responsibilities

Scenario 2 – The Lateral Move

So, you changed to a different position in the same company? Lateral moves can be really helpful in showing your adaptability and ability to work cross-functionality (especially in larger companies) with different lines of business.

To show this type of transition on your resume, it is best to use the company name as and then list each position underneath. As you go back in time, feel free to add less detail. Recruiters and hiring managers are going to read more about your most recent experience and see your achievements in that role.

XYZ Accounting Firm, Atlanta, GA

Forensic Audit Manager (January 2017 – Present)

• Accomplishment or value you brought to the company that resulted in promotion
• Responsibilities
• Responsibilities
• Responsibilities

Audit Manager (March 2015 – January 2017)

• Accomplishment or value you brought to the company that resulted in promotion
• Responsibilities
• Responsibilities
• Responsibilities

Remember that your resume should tell a story about your career. Try to highlight as many accomplishments and give the hiring manager or recruiter as much insight as possible into the value that you've brought to previous companies. It is also important to remember that you should be prepared to talk about the different items listed on your resume. Be prepared to share a story that relates to the point you are making.

Want to discuss how we can serve your professional needs—and start achieving more of your career goals? Contact us today or apply to a position.