Resume writing can be very challenging, especially when you’re unsure about the standard practices. For example: how far back should a resume go back when it comes to the job experiences you want to add?
As a standard, most recruiters prefer 10-15 years of work history as it’s enough to show the professional growth of an individual. However, you want to keep your job experiences extremely relevant and show that you have the ability to commit and grow within an organization.
But there’s more to tackle with this question as there is room for exceptions. Let’s explore it more in-depth.
How Far Back Should a Resume Go?
As mentioned, going back 10-15 years is the standard practice when you have all relevant job experiences on your resume. Having said that, how far back to go on your resume depends mostly on your career trajectory.
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Jobs For People Over 50Let’s take a look at cases that justify deviating from the 10-15-year rules.
Over 15 Years
Here’s an example of when you should go over the 15-year limit:
You have been the regional sales manager for the past 16 years, in that case just listing this one position doesn’t look as good. Going back a few years to show your journey to this senior position is a good idea.
You just don’t want to overdo it by mentioning the internships you did during college. Adding only 3 work experiences is fine. As long as you can show growth in the industry you are working in, you can go back a few extra years.
Do remember, this is a very special case as most people aren’t in the same position for that long. In general, you should stick to the 10-15 years rule.
5-10 years
If you had a significant change in the path you took career-wise, it doesn’t make sense to add the education experience, job experience, or training from your earlier industry.
Let’s say you were on your way to becoming an accountant or you were an accountant for a few years and then jumped ship to become a nurse. Since nursing and accounting don’t have matching skill sets for the most part, you want to avoid adding experiences related to accounting.
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Jobs For 20 Year OldsThis will help you keep the focus on your nursing career during the interview instead of having to talk about why you made the decision.
How Many Job Experiences Should Be Listed On A Resume?
You can put 2-4 job experiences on your resume relevant to the position you’re applying for. It’s a good range to stick to regarding how much work history on a resume is ideal for most positions. However, this rule does vary depending on the position.
For entry-level jobs, you can just list one relevant job experience and that’s what is expected. Even if you have more experience than just one, you should hide it as recruiters may think of you as overqualified.
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Office Jobs With No ExperienceAgain, for senior positions, you can go up to 6 jobs as these positions require you to be highly qualified and as impressive as possible.
5 Research-backed Ways to Optimize Your Resume to Land Your Dream Job
Austin Belcak, the founder of Cultivated Culture sat down and analyzed 125,484 resumes and our tips are backed by the findings of this study. If you’re someone who loves relying on data rather than just pure instincts, these tips are definitely worth a try.
1. Add Your LinkedIn Profile
Adding your LinkedIn profile gives you a higher chance of landing an interview. But your LinkedIn profile has to be optimized for this to work.
Your profile picture has to be a professional headshot and your work history and other information has to be updated fully. It’s even better if you post frequently and have lots of connections on the platform.
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How to Use LinkedIn to Find a JobIf you think your LinkedIn profile has all that, you should definitely add it to your resume. However, you should hide your LinkedIn profile if it’s only bare bones as that actually hurts your chances of landing an interview.
2. Edit Your Resume for Every Job to Add Relevant Skills
Your resume first gets screened by an Application Tracking System or ATS before a human takes a look. For that reason having relevant keywords in your resume is essential as that’s how the ATS matches your resume to the job.
On average, a job description has 43 keywords. That’s a lot. But you don’t have to be intimidated. Resume Worded or other similar tools help you find the keywords on any job description and also score your resume on its ATS-friendliness.
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Cover Letter Do’s and Dont’sAlthough it will still take a lot of your time to update your resume for each job you apply to, doing this gives you the best shot.
3. Include Measurable Metrics for Each Job Experience
Using vague and generic terms like “excellent at driving successful social media campaigns” doesn’t tell employers anything. You need to mention measurable results that you were able to achieve. This sets you apart from the crowd who are also claiming the same thing.
I use the formula below to formulate my measurable metrics:
Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y] by doing [Z]
“Achieved a 20% increase in engagement rate, a 15% growth in follower base, and a 25% rise in website traffic referrals as measured by social media analytics by refining content strategies.”
4. Keep Your Resume Between 475-600 Words
This one is the simplest tip to follow. Keeping your resume between 475-600 words gives you a higher chance of success as research shows most recruiters favor resumes of this length.
It seems to happen at a subconscious level but either way, you get a statistical advantage by following this rule.
5. Cut Down on Fluffy Buzzwords
Overused buzzwords like “detail-oriented”, “creative mindset”, “highly motivated”, etc. may be killing your chances of landing an interview.
Recruiters are constantly looking at resumes and their eyes have grown tired of these words. To stay ahead of the curve, avoid using buzzwords as much as possible.
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Why Am I Not Getting InterviewsAdditionally, to empower you to put these research-backed strategies into action, JobScope offers expert resume optimization services.
Building on the research from Austin Belcak’s study of 125,484 resumes, our team of resume experts understands the science behind what gets a resume past the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and into the hands of a hiring manager.
We take the valuable tips you just read, like tailoring your resume with relevant keywords and quantifying your achievements, a step further. Here’s how our resume optimization service helps you leverage these research-backed strategies:
- In-depth analysis: We go beyond simply identifying relevant keywords. We take a deep dive into your skills and experience, crafting a personalized keyword strategy that reflects your unique value proposition for your target job description.
- Compelling storytelling: We use data-driven insights to craft a captivating narrative that showcases the measurable results you’ve achieved. We don’t just say you’re “detail-oriented,” we showcase how your meticulous approach led to a 20% reduction in errors.
- ATS optimization: We ensure your resume is formatted for Applicant Tracking Systems, using the keywords you need to bypass automated filters and land on the recruiter’s desk.
- Industry-specific tailoring: Our knowledge of various industries allows us to tailor your resume to resonate with hiring managers in your field, ensuring you leverage the right keywords and achievements they’re looking for.
- Confidence boost: We provide personalized feedback and guidance, equipping you with the confidence to ace your job interview.
Don’t settle for a generic resume that gets lost in the crowd. Let our experts craft a document that truly reflects your potential and gets you noticed by the right employers. Contact us today and take the first step towards landing your dream job!
Final Words
Writing your resume should be an ongoing process. You have to edit the skills section and work experience based on the position you’re applying to.
When it comes to how far back a resume should go, 10-15 years is ideal for most candidates. Hiring managers can usually tell enough about a candidate from 15 years of working history. But still, take it more as a general rule of thumb.
Your goal ultimately is to show that you have the relevant work experience and the ability to grow and commit. For that, your work experience timeline may vary a little from the standard.
FAQs
1. Can I write my resume without work experience?
Yes, you absolutely can. When you’re just starting out, you’re forced to write a resume without work experience. Instead, emphasize your extra-curricular activities, academic achievements, online certifications, and training programs you participated in. Highlight your skills and write a killer bio.
2. What is the best resume format?
Universally, the best CV writing format is the reverse-chronological format. This is because your most recent experiences are likely the most relevant ones. So, your educational and professional info sections start with the most recent degree or role.
3. Should you add a picture to your resume?
Most recruiters advise against including a picture on your resume. It’s better to focus on your achievements and experiences. This is best to avoid discrimination in hiring practices and truly provide EEO.
4. Should I include my address on my resume?
In most cases, including your full address on your resume is no longer necessary. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) used by many companies primarily rely on your email address for communication.
However, there are a few exceptions:
- If you’re applying for a local job and want to emphasize your proximity to the workplace, you can include your city and state.
- Some traditional industries may still expect a full address. If you’re unsure, check the job posting or company website for any specific guidelines.
5. How many pages should a resume be?
Ideally, your resume should be one page long. This keeps it concise and recruiter-friendly. If your experience is extensive, a two-page resume might be acceptable, but make sure the second page adds significant value.
6. Should I include my high school on your resume?
Generally, you can exclude your high school diploma or GED from your resume if you have a college degree or relevant certifications. However, if you’re a recent graduate with limited professional experience, including your high school (especially if it’s a prestigious institution) and relevant achievements can be beneficial.
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