The Inverted Pyramid

When crafting your resume, the most impressive aspects of your experience should be featured as close to the top of the page as possible, to make sure that prospective employers spot these details as soon as they start reading.  Each role from the top of your resume (most recent) down should be granted a bit more real estate than earlier positions, to show how you’ve grown and evolved professionally over the course of your career.
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But what if you’ve just been promoted and haven’t had a chance to accomplish much? The first few bullets under each company can actually give the reader overview of the size and scope of the organization, their clients and yearly revenue, with a broad description of what your contributions have been.  These initial 2-3 bullets can actually include the improvements that you’ve contributed to during the full tenure of your employment, not only in your most recent position. 
 
Example #1:
 
MAJOR RETAILER                                                                                                                              New York, NY
Department Manager                                                                                                                 2016 - Present

• Oversaw relationships with hundreds of clients each day on behalf of flagship Times Square location which consistently generated more than $20 million in sales annually.
• Managed weekly orders valued at up to $80,000 for major spas and independent retailers, working with key clients including the Ritz Carlton, Renew Spa and Bliss Bar.
• Worked with account executives and brand ambassadors from Clinique, Philosophy and Clarins, analyzing performance metrics and introducing processes which achieved substantial increase in revenue.

Sales Associate                                                                                                                                             2014 - 2016

• Provided the highest caliber of service for 200+ clients each day, greeting guests and providing information regarding key products, features and benefits. 
• Worked to ensure adherence to corporate standards regarding merchandising and client relations policies.
• Earned promotion to supervisory role in recognition of strong sales performance and leadership skills.

 
In the example above, the lower-level role includes tasks that are less measurable and quantifiable, while the higher-level and measurable accomplishments are included in the more recent position. 
 
 
Example #2:
MADISON DIGITAL MEDIA                                                                                                        New York, NY
Account Manager                                                                                                                                  2009 - 2012

• Oversaw major accounts for marketing agency generating more than $850 million in yearly revenue, securing partnerships which achieved close to $4 billion in new revenue for clients.
• Managed relationships with major clients including XYZ, personally securing accounts which generated more than $2.75 million in yearly revenue.
• Trained and supervised 15 staff of high-performing division earning more than $25 million in yearly revenue.

Client Relations Associate                                                                                                                       2007 - 2009

• Provided full-service support to key accounts across technology, entertainment and financial services sectors.
• Analyzed a high volume of data pertaining to campaign performance for submission to senior staff.

 
 
Example #3
 
BUMBLEBEE MARKETING                                                                                                 San Francisco, CA
Vice President of Marketing                                                                                                           2015 - 2016

• Directed key projects for company generating more than $900 million in annual revenue, working with global brands including Delta Airlines, Morgan Stanley, Pfizer and Goldman Sachs.
• Oversaw operations of department which generated more than $65 million in annual revenue, implementing procedural improvements which impacting millions of end users.
• Trained and supervised 25+ specialized staff, promoting adherence to timelines and client specifications.

Senior Manager - Marketing & Promotions                                                                                      2011 - 2015

• Coordinated logistics of industry meetings and events attended by 120+ stakeholders from startup incubators, media agencies and technology companies.
• Created monthly newsletter, authoring dozens of original articles regarding industry developments and client campaigns which was distributed to thousands of contacts.

 
When there’s been a promotion, it’s perfectly fine to elevate your higher-level experience to your most recent role. The goal is for your job descriptions to resemble an inverted pyramid, meaning that the most recent roles should be given more weight than your earlier positions.  This tactic can be especially useful if you’ve been promoted to a position with an impressive title, but your strongest accomplishments happened prior to your promotion.