So, you want to figure out the best way to write experience on a resume.
Of course, you don’t want to sound too repetitive or generic. After all, it’s quite a popular word already.
Well, you’re in luck!
This article will explore some alternatives to teach you what you can say instead.
7 Synonyms for “Experience” on Your Resume
Feel free to refer to these 7 alternatives to see how to say experience on a resume:
- Skill set
- Knowledge
- Expertise
- Background
- Proficiency
- Competence
- Familiarity
1. Skill Set
To start with, skill set is one of the best ways to replace experience on your resume.
It’s a direct and simple way to show someone that you’ve picked up experience over the years.
Generally, this works well because it shows you’re happy to use your experience in the field you apply for.
It’s considered a buzzword, so it’s a good way to get a recruiter’s attention when used correctly.
You can also refer to these resume samples:
My skill set helps me to understand a lot about this field. I’m very proud of the work I put in to get here.
I have an important skill set that sets me up for success in the workplace. I’m sure you’ll be pleased with what I bring to the team.
2. Knowledge
You can also spice up your job application with a simple word like knowledge.
Sure, it might not look like much, but it’s another great example of keeping things simple yet effective in your writing.
It’s a formal synonym that shows you have an expansive understanding of a field. This is a great way to show that you’ve put a lot of time, effort, and ideas into something, and it’s paid off.
Here are some great cover letter examples to help you understand more about it:
It’s important to bring my knowledge with me to this role. I believe it’ll help me to understand what’s needed of me.
My knowledge of this field sets me apart from other candidates. Feel free to ask me anything at my interview.
3. Expertise
Feel free to try expertise as another synonym for experience. It’s quite a common choice, making it another buzzword to help spice up your resume.
Generally, expertise is more valuable than experience. After all, experience can come quite quickly. It simply means you know something.
Expertise comes through years of hard work, dedication, and study. That’s why it’s considered a better word to include in a resume.
We also recommend reviewing these samples:
I have expansive expertise in this area. Therefore, I know I’m going to be a great fit for this role when the time comes.
My expertise sets me up for success in this role. I hope you consider me for the position so I can prove what I can do.
4. Background
You might also want to try background as another way to say experience on your resume.
It’s not quite as common, so you won’t find it coming up as often in other applications. Therefore, it’ll help your application stand out amongst other applicants.
The more unique your language choices are, the more interesting your resume becomes. This will encourage recruiters to look into you and take you to the next stage (an interview).
If you’re still unsure, check out these examples:
My background in this area helps me to understand more about what’s expected of me. I’m also willing to teach my peers if they need more training.
It’s important to have a solid background when applying for a position such as this one. Therefore, I know I’m a good fit for the role.
5. Proficiency
It’s also worth using proficiency as another word for experience on a resume. You can’t go wrong with it!
It shows you’ve spent a lot of time understanding something.
Generally, this is a great way to let people know what you’re capable of.
Most employers will be very impressed if you can highlight specific proficiencies. The more they relate to the job field, the more likely the recruiter will be to consider you.
Here are a few great examples to help you understand more about it:
I have a keen proficiency in this field. It would be a shame to let it go to waste without showing you what I can do.
My proficiency in this area helps me to fill a supervisory role. I believe I’m a great team leader for that reason.
6. Competence
Next, we recommend trying competence. Talking about your competence is a great way to show that you can bring valuable skills to a field.
It suggests that you already know a great deal about the field you’ve applied for.
Most of the time, recruiters will like to see words like this. After all, it suggests that you need less training than the average candidate, which will save them time and money.
You can also refer to these examples if you’re still stuck:
I have a lot of competence that I’m willing to take to this role. Feel free to ask me any questions to learn more.
My competence sets me apart from other candidates. I’m certain you’ll be impressed with what I can bring to this position.
7. Familiarity
You may also benefit from writing familiarity in your resume.
This is a great way to spice up your job application that shows you’re already familiar with a lot of things required of you in the workplace.
Generally, this suggests that you’ve taken the time to pick up new experiences.
Employers will prefer to see words like this, especially if you relate your familiarity to the job you’re applying for.
Of course, you shouldn’t just take our word for it! Use it yourself when you next fill in an application and see how effective it can be.
Also, check out these resume samples to learn more about how it works:
I have a lot of familiarity with Microsoft Office. I’ll happily bring what I learn with me to help train the others.
My familiarity with this field is second to none. I’m very proud of the work I’ve put in to get to where I am.
Can You Say “Experience” on a Resume?
You can say experience on a resume. It’s actually a great word to include that shows you’ve picked up a lot of experience over the years.
We recommend using it to show what you’ve picked up from other jobs.
We highly recommend it because it’s a buzzword that encourages employers to look into you and find out more about what you can do.
Here are some resume samples to help you understand more about how it works:
I have gained a lot of experience over the years that has helped me to understand more about this field.
My experience has led me to great success. I’m so proud of the work I’ve put into achieving these positions.
While experience is a great word to include on a resume, it’s also not the only one. We recommend exploring some alternatives to give you other terms to help spice up your resume.
