Understanding 'Worked In' vs 'Worked With' When Describing Organizational Experience

Introduction

When describing your work experience on a resume or in a professional context, using the correct verb can convey the nature of your role and association with various organizations accurately. In this article, we will explore the subtle distinctions between 'worked in' and 'worked with,' helping you choose the most appropriate phrasing for your resume or professional communication.

Verb Choices for Describing Organizational Experience

Both 'worked in' and 'worked with' can be correct in different contexts, but they carry slightly different connotations:

1. Working In an Organization

To clarify, stating 'I worked in many organizations' means you were a part of these organizations, typically as an employee. This verb suggests:

Being a member of the organization A subordinate or junior role within the organization Part of the division or department mentioned, like a 'bank,' 'office,' or 'warehouse'

For example:

I worked in a bank where I managed customer accounts.

2. Working With an Organization

On the other hand, saying 'I worked with many organizations' suggests a more collaborative or remote association. This phrase can imply:

Consulting or advising these organizations Providing services or expertise to external entities Having a professional relationship without being a full-time employee

For instance:

I worked with several non-profit organizations to establish educational programs.

Verbs in Action

To provide a clearer understanding of how to use these verbs, here are a few examples:

Proper Usage

Work for the Company

This phrase indicates that you were part of the organization:

I worked for XYZ Corporation for five years.

Work with Somebody or a Group of People

This suggests a collaborative relationship, often as an external consultant:

I worked with the AstraZeneca team on a drug development project.

Work at the Name of the Company

Similar to 'in,' this implies you were employed by the organization:

I worked at the Amazon headquarters as a software engineer.

Technical Aspect

From a technical standpoint:

'In many organizations' implies you were part of the organizations. 'With many organizations' suggests you were collaborating with the groups as an outside consultant or contractor.

For example:

She worked in multiple tech firms throughout her career. He worked with the leading-edge healthcare companies to develop innovative solutions.

Choosing the Right Verb

The choice between 'worked in' and 'worked with' depends on the nature of your association with the organizations mentioned:

Worked In

Use 'worked in' if:

You held a full-time position within the organization. Your experience is a part of your employment history. You were part of the organization's internal workings.

Worked With

Use 'worked with' if:

You were an independent contractor providing services to multiple organizations. You provided expertise or guidance to the organizations while not being a full-time employee. Your role involved external collaboration rather than internal employment.

Examples for a Resume

Here are a few examples to help you choose the right verb in a resume:

To work in:

- I worked in A Challenger Blizzard with the marketing team for three years.

- I worked in IBM’s research and development department.

To work with:

- I worked with several startups to develop their marketing strategies.

- I worked with the Fortune 500 companies to enhance their product line.

Conclusion

Choosing the right verb to describe your work experience is crucial for clarity and accuracy. Whether you opted to work in or work with organizations, both are correct and convey different nuances. Understanding the subtle differences between these phrases can greatly enhance the professionalism and impact of your resume or professional correspondence.