Technical, measurable abilities like historical analysis, research methodology, and data interpretation are considered hard skills, which a historian should highlight.
Resume Template—Easy to Copy & Paste
Michael Jones
Riverside, CA 92517
(555)555-5555
Michael.Jones@example.com
Skills
- Historical Research
- Data Analysis
- Digital Archiving
- Cultural Trends
- Publication Writing
- Document Review
- Symposium Planning
- Reader Engagement
Certifications
- Certified Historical Analyst - Global History Association
- Advanced Archiving Techniques - National Archival Institute
Languages
- Spanish - Beginner (A1)
- French - Beginner (A1)
- Italian - Beginner (A1)
Professional Summary
Expert in historical research, data analysis, digital archiving. Proven record in enhancing publication reach and structuring analytics models.
Work History
History
Antiquity Studies Lab - Riverside, CA
June 2022 - October 2025
- Led research on historical cultural trends
- Increased publication citations by 35%
- Developed digital archives improving accessibility
Historical Analyst
Heritage Consulting Co. - Lakeside, CA
June 2019 - May 2022
- Reviewed historical documents for accuracy
- Improved data collection efficiency by 20%
- Structured analysis frameworks for key projects
Historians Specialist
Timekeeper Research Center - Riverside, CA
June 2016 - May 2019
- Authored articles on modern interpretative methods
- Increased reader engagement by 40%
- Introduced historical symposiums for professionals
Education
Master of Arts History
University of History Studies Hometown, State
May 2016
Bachelor of Arts History
Institute of Historical Analysis Historyville, State
May 2014
How to Write a History Resume Summary
Your resume summary is the first impression you give to hiring managers, making it important to capture their attention right away. This section should succinctly represent your professional identity and demonstrate how you meet the job's expectations.
As a history professional, it's essential to highlight your research skills, analytical abilities, and any relevant teaching or publication experience. Showcase what sets you apart in this competitive field.
To illustrate effective summaries, we’ll look at examples that will clarify what works well and common pitfalls to avoid:
Weak resume summary
I am an experienced historian with a passion for history and research. I seek a position where I can use my skills to contribute to a team. A job that values my work and gives me the chance to grow is what I'm after. I believe I can really help advance the goals of your organization if given the chance.
- Lacks specific details about historical expertise or accomplishments, making it too vague
- Overuses personal language, which detracts from professionalism and clarity
- Emphasizes what the applicant desires instead of showcasing how their skills benefit potential employers
Strong resume summary
Compassionate registered nurse with 7+ years of experience in emergency and trauma care, excelling in high-pressure environments. Achieved a 20% improvement in patient satisfaction scores through effective communication and rapid response protocols. Proficient in advanced life support, triage procedures, and using electronic health record systems to improve patient care delivery.
- Starts with the applicant's specific experience and area of expertise
- Highlights quantifiable achievements that indicate a positive impact on both patient outcomes and satisfaction
- Mentions relevant technical skills that are important for emergency nursing roles
PRO TIP
Showcasing Your Work Experience
The work experience section is the cornerstone of your resume where you’ll find the bulk of your content. A good resume template will always emphasize this critical area.
This section should list your previous roles in reverse-chronological order, allowing hiring managers to see your most recent experience first. Be sure to use bullet points to highlight key achievements and responsibilities in each position.
To further clarify what makes a strong work history section, we’ve prepared a couple of examples that illustrate effective practices for presenting your experience. These examples will show you what works and what doesn’t work:
History Teacher
Springfield High School – Springfield, IL
- Taught students about history
- Graded assignments and tests
- Participated in school events
- Helped students with projects
- No details about the employment dates
- Bullet points are overly simplistic and fail to highlight achievements
- Lacks specific information on student outcomes or engagement success
History Teacher
Lincoln High School – Chicago, IL
August 2018 - Present
- Develop engaging lesson plans that incorporate historical analysis and critical thinking, improving student engagement by 30%
- Lead interdisciplinary projects that connect historical events to current issues, improving students" understanding of relevance in today’s society
- Mentor new teachers on effective classroom management strategies, fostering a collaborative environment for professional growth
- Starts each bullet with compelling action verbs that clearly convey the teacher’s contributions
- Incorporates specific metrics to illustrate improvements in student engagement and educational effectiveness
- Highlights mentorship and collaboration skills that are vital for success in an educational setting
While your resume summary and work experience are important components, don't overlook the importance of other sections. Each part of your resume deserves careful attention to ensure a well-rounded presentation. For more in-depth guidance, refer to our how to write a resume guide.
Top Skills to Include on Your Resume
A skills section is important on your resume as it quickly showcases your qualifications to potential employers. This highlights your capabilities and helps you stand out in a competitive job market.
For those in history-related roles, emphasize technical skills such as data analysis software or archival research tools. Familiarity with platforms like JSTOR or digital archiving systems can also be beneficial in demonstrating your expertise.
Interpersonal qualities such as critical thinking, communication, and adaptability fall under soft skills, which matter for this role because they improve collaboration and the ability to convey complex ideas effectively.
Selecting the right resume skills is important to align with what employers expect from applicants. Many organizations use automated systems to filter out applicants lacking essential skills for the position.
To effectively showcase your abilities, closely examine job postings for insights on which skills to emphasize. This approach not only helps you attract recruiters' attention but also increases your chances of passing through ATS filters.
PRO TIP
10 skills that appear on successful history resumes
Highlighting key skills on your resume is important for attracting the attention of recruiters in the history field. By showcasing these in-demand capabilities, you can improve your application and increase your chances of landing an interview. Our resume examples illustrate how to effectively present these skills.
Here are 10 skills you should consider including in your resume if they align with your experience and job requirements:
Research skill
Analytical thinking
Attention to detail
Historical knowledge
Communication skills
Writing expertise
Project management
Cultural awareness
Data interpretation
Teaching ability
Based on analysis of 5,000+ history professional resumes from 2023-2024
Resume Format Examples
Choosing the right resume format is essential because it highlights your key skills and experiences, helping potential employers easily understand your professional journey and qualifications.
Functional
Focuses on skills rather than previous jobs

Best for:
Recent graduates and career changers with up to two years of experience
Combination
Balances skills and work history equally

Best for:
Mid-career professionals eager to highlight their skills and growth potential
Chronological
Emphasizes work history in reverse order

Best for:
Seasoned experts excelling in leadership and specialized healthcare roles
History Salaries in the Highest-Paid States
Our history salary data is based on figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the authoritative source for employment trends and wage information nationwide.
Whether you're entering the workforce or considering a move to a new city or state, this data can help you gauge what fair compensation looks like for historys in your desired area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I include a cover letter with my history resume?
Certainly. Adding a cover letter can greatly impact your application by showcasing your unique qualifications and enthusiasm for the role. It provides an opportunity to connect with potential employers personally. If you need help, explore our resources on how to write a cover letter or use our Cover Letter Generator to create one effortlessly.
Can I use a resume if I’m applying internationally, or do I need a CV?
When you're applying for jobs outside the U.S., it's important to use a CV instead of a resume as it provides a more comprehensive overview of your academic and professional history. To create an effective CV, explore our resources that offer detailed formatting guides and CV examples tailored to international standards. Additionally, learn more about how to write a CV effectively by following practical tips and guidelines.
What soft skills are important for historys?
Interpersonal skills, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration are essential in history. These skills enable historians to analyze information effectively, share insights with others, and engage with diverse perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of the past and its relevance to today.
I’m transitioning from another field. How should I highlight my experience?
Highlight skills like research, critical thinking, and communication from past roles. These transferable skills show you're well-equipped for history-related tasks. Share examples of how you've used these skills in previous projects to illustrate your potential impact in historical analysis and interpretation.
Should I use a cover letter template?
Yes, using a tailored cover letter template for registered nursing is advisable as it improves your ability to present your clinical skills, patient care experience, and relevant certifications in a well-organized manner, making it easier for hiring managers to identify your qualifications.
Should I include a personal mission statement on my history resume?
Yes, incorporating a personal mission statement in your resume is advisable. It effectively conveys your core values and career aspirations, making it especially compelling for organizations that prioritize mission-driven cultures or those aligned with specific industry values.





