Crafting a resume that truly stands out isn’t just about listing past job titles — it’s about showing what you did and why it mattered. That’s where duties and responsibilities come into play. If you’ve ever struggled with how to properly word what you did in a previous role, you're not alone. Including a well-thought-out sample of duties and responsibilities in resume can help recruiters understand your contributions, skills, and the value you bring to the table.
Whether you're applying for an entry-level position or aiming for a leadership role, accurately describing your responsibilities helps paint a clearer picture of your professional background. Below, we’ll walk through a real-world example and offer resume-writing advice specifically focused on describing duties and responsibilities in a way that grabs attention.
SAMPLE RESUME WITH DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Jane Applicant
123 Elm Street, Sample City, ST 12345
janedoe@email.com | (555) 123-4567
Professional Summary:
Results-oriented administrative professional with over 5 years of experience supporting business operations, coordinating team activities, and managing office procedures. Skilled in multitasking, maintaining high levels of accuracy, and providing superior internal and external communication.
Work Experience
Administrative Assistant
Brightwave Solutions, New York, NY
January 2020 – Present
Coordinate schedules and manage daily calendars for a team of 8 executives.
Organize and facilitate internal meetings, including logistics, minutes, and follow-ups.
Prepare reports, correspondence, and presentation materials with high accuracy.
Monitor office supplies and liaise with vendors to maintain stock and negotiate costs.
Handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
Office Clerk
Metro Partners Inc., Newark, NJ
June 2017 – December 2019
Maintained filing systems both electronically and physically, reducing retrieval time by 30%.
Assisted in preparing documentation for quarterly audits and monthly reviews.
Answered and directed calls, responding to client inquiries with professional courtesy.
Provided data entry support, ensuring records were updated in real-time.
Supported cross-departmental projects with timely administrative tasks.
Education
Associate Degree in Business Administration
Newark Community College, NJ – 2017
Skills
Calendar Management
Microsoft Office Suite
Data Entry & Record Keeping
Office Organization
Verbal & Written Communication
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR WRITING DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN A RESUME
Use Action Verbs: Start each bullet point with a dynamic verb like "managed," "organized," "created," or "coordinated" to give energy to your accomplishments.
Be Specific: Avoid vague phrases. Instead of "helped with paperwork," say "processed documentation for internal reports and compliance."
Include Results Where Possible: If you improved a process, saved time, or enhanced efficiency, mention it with a percentage or brief outcome.
Tailor to the Job Description: Match your responsibilities to the keywords in the job listing to increase relevance and ATS compatibility.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How detailed should duties and responsibilities be in a resume?
Include 4–6 concise bullet points per role. Focus on key functions that showcase your skills and contributions to that specific job.
2. Should I include every task I did at a job?
No, only highlight tasks relevant to the role you're applying for. Choose responsibilities that reflect your strengths and show career growth.
3. Can I use the same duties for multiple job applications?
You can reuse core responsibilities, but it's best to tweak them to match the job description of each application for better alignment.
4. What’s the difference between duties and achievements on a resume?
Duties describe what you were responsible for; achievements show the impact you made. Both are important, but achievements often help you stand out.
Let this guide be your go-to when writing or revising your resume. Remember, a strong resume doesn’t just tell your job history — it shows your value. Use these tips and examples to create a document that speaks for you before you even walk into the interview.
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