“Hey. How do you reflect being promoted at your company, when your responsibilities didn't change realistically?”
Promotions are a big deal—they show you've worked hard, stepped up, and grown in your career. But figuring out how to list promotions on your resume can feel like a puzzle. Do you lump them together or split them up? How do you make sure recruiters and those automated tracking systems (ATS) notice your progress? In this guide, we'll break down three proven methods to show promotions on your resume, plus share writing tips and examples to help you nail it and impress potential employers.
3 Proven Ways to List Promotions on a Resume
There's no single "right" way to list promotions—it depends on your story. Here are three solid options to choose from.
Method 1 – Stacked Job Titles Under One Company Entry
This method keeps it simple: stack your job titles under one company, starting with the latest role. It's great if your promotions built on similar work or if you want to highlight your loyalty.
- When to use it: Your roles were related, or you want to show long-term growth with one employer.
Method 2 – Separate Job Titles Listed Under One Company
Here, you list each job title under the company name but give them their own sections. This works well if your promotions brought new duties or bigger responsibilities.
- When to use it: You want to spotlight how each role leveled up your skills or impact.
Method 3 – Separate Entries for Each Job Title
This approach treats each promotion like a standalone job, even if it's the same company. It's perfect if your roles were totally different or you want each one to stand out.
- When to use it: Your promotions took you in new directions (like from analyst to manager).
Visual Examples of Listing Promotions
Let's see how these methods look in action. Here are resume promotion examples that might guide you.
Method 1: Stacked Job Titles
ABC Corp, Austin, TX
Senior Marketing Associate | May 2021 – Present
Marketing Associate | Jan 2016 – May 2021
- Launched 3 social media campaigns that grew engagement by 25%.
- Supported team in creating 10+ client presentations annually.
Method 2: Separate Job Titles Under One Company
ABC Corp, Austin, TX
Senior Marketing Associate | May 2021 – Present
- Led a team of 3 to develop campaigns, boosting sales by 15%.
- Managed a $50K budget for digital ads.
Marketing Associate | Jan 2019 – Aug 2023
- Created content for 5 social platforms, growing followers by 10%.
- Assisted in event planning for 20+ client meetings.
Method 3: Separate Entries for Each Job Title
Senior Marketing Associate | ABC Corp, Austin, TX | Sep 2021 – June 2024
- Directed a team of 3 on campaign strategy, increasing ROI by 15%.
- Oversaw $50K in ad spend with zero budget overruns.
Marketing Associate | ABC Corp, Austin, TX | Jan 2019 – May 2021
- Built social media content that gained 1K new followers.
- Coordinated logistics for 20+ client events.
What to Include When Listing Promotions
Listing promotions isn't just about titles—it's about showing why you moved up and what you did next. Here's what to include.
The Reason You Were Promoted
Quickly explain what got you the promotion. Did you exceed goals? Solve a big problem? Show leadership?
- Example: "Promoted to Senior Marketing Associate for driving record-breaking campaign results."
New Responsibilities and Scope
Highlight what changed. Did you take on a team? Manage bigger projects? Expand your role?
- Example: "Stepped into team lead role, managing 3 staff and overseeing campaign planning."
Notable Achievements in the New Role
Prove your impact with specifics—numbers, projects, or wins that show you thrived.
- Example: "Grew sales 15% by launching a targeted digital ad strategy."
How to Highlight Promotions for ATS & Recruiters
Your resume will meet two different systems: ATS systems and recruiters. Here's how to win over both.
Formatting for ATS Compatibility
ATS scans for keywords and structure, so keep it simple:
- Use clear headings like "Work Experience."
- Add job-specific keywords naturally (e.g., "team lead," "project management").
- Skip fancy designs—stick to plain text and standard fonts.
- Include dates (e.g., "May 2021 – Present").
Showing Career Progression Clearly
Recruiters want to see your growth at a glance. Make it easy:
- Start with your latest role.
- Use action words like "led," "built," or "increased."
- Add metrics (e.g., "cut costs by 10%") to show results.
Alternative Ways to Show Promotions
Not sold on the three methods? Here are other ways to show promotion on your resume.
In Bullet Points Within One Role
If your promotion was small, mention it in a bullet under one job entry.
- Example: "Promoted to Senior Associate in May 2021 for strong client feedback and results."
Through a Career Summary or Highlights Section
Add a quick blurb at the top of your resume to call out your growth.
- Example: "Career Summary: Marketing pro with 4+ years at ABC Corp, promoted to Senior Associate for campaign success."
In a Cover Letter or LinkedIn Summary
Use these spaces to tell the story behind your promotions.
- Example: "At ABC Corp, I earned a promotion to Senior Associate in just two years by delivering campaigns that beat targets."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't trip over these pitfalls when listing multiple positions.
- Hiding your promotions - If it's not clear you moved up, recruiters might miss it. Make it obvious.
- Messy formatting - Random dates or layouts confuse ATS and people. Keep it consistent.
- Obsessing over titles - Titles are cool, but your results sell you. Focus there.
- Forgetting updates - Got promoted last month? Update your resume—don't let it lag.
- Skipping customization - One-size-fits-all resumes flop. Tailor yours to the job.
FAQs About Listing Promotions on a Resume
Still unsure? Here are answers to common questions.
Should I list promotions separately or together?
If your roles were similar, stack them. If they were distinct, separate them to show your range.
What if I was promoted but my job didn't change much?
Call out the promotion anyway—say why it happened (e.g., "Promoted for top performance").
Can I list the same company twice?
Yep! Either under one header or as separate entries—both work.
How do I show promotions if I changed departments?
List each role separately and note the department to show your versatility.
Should I include promotion dates?
Yes, dates show your timeline and how fast you climbed.
Final Tips: Show Your Growth with Confidence
- Own it. Promotions prove you're a star—put them front and center.
- Quantify your wins. Numbers like "grew revenue 20%" grab attention.
- Tweak for the job. Highlight promotions that match what the employer wants.