What to Cite in Your Resume

One of the most common questions of job seekers is: “How far back should a resume go?” It’s a valid concern, as job seekers want to showcase their relevant experience while also avoiding making their resume too lengthy. In this article, we will explore the best practices for determining how far back your resume should go.

Consider the relevancy of your experience.

The first factor to consider is the relevance of your work experience to the position you are applying for. If your earlier experience is not relevant to the job, it may be best to leave it off your resume altogether. However, if you have had positions that are relevant to the job you are applying for, but they are from many years ago, you may still want to include them.

Limit the amount of information for older jobs.

If you do decide to include older experience, limit the amount of information you provide. You don’t need to include every detail of your duties and responsibilities for jobs that are ten or more years old. Instead, focus on the most significant accomplishments or skills you gained from those positions. This can help you save space on your resume and keep the focus on your more recent, relevant experience.

Use the “10-15 Year Rule.”

One general rule of thumb is to limit your resume to the past 10-15 years of experience. This means including only the most recent positions you’ve held, and leaving off earlier positions. However, keep in mind that this is a general guideline, and there are exceptions. For example, if you held a position that is particularly relevant to the job you’re applying for, and it was more than 15 years ago, it may still be worth including.

Highlight transferable skills.

Another approach to consider is to highlight your transferable skills instead of focusing on specific job titles and responsibilities. This can be particularly useful if you have experience in different fields or industries. By focusing on your skills, you can show potential employers that you have the ability to adapt and learn quickly, which can be a valuable asset.

Tailor your resume for each application.

Ultimately, the best approach to determining how far back your resume should go is to tailor it for each application. Carefully read the job description and requirements and highlight the experience and skills that are most relevant. If you have older experience that fits well with the job description, include it. If not, focus on your more recent experience and transferable skills.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how far back a resume should go. It depends on the relevance of your experience, the job you are applying for, and your individual circumstances. As a professional resume writer, I recommend using the above guidelines as a starting point, but always be flexible and adaptable to the specific needs of each job application. By doing so, you’ll be able to create a compelling resume that showcases your relevant experience and skills, and helps you stand out from other applicants.