How far back should I go when adding work experience on my resume. I am 55 and have been working for 30 yrs ?

Question

I have had experience in education for most of my professional career and would like to get a job in this arena, but do future employers really want to hear about things I did in the 70s?

Answer 1

A resume is designed by you, so you can organize it in whatever way you think will look best.  Potential employers are busy, and they don't want to read your entire life story, so it is probably a good idea to list in detail the most recent, (say, about twenty years, assuming that you had no more than about five or six jobs during that time) with particular attention to those positions which gave you experience in the area of the job you are applying for.  Then make a notation saying something like "Additional work experiences in the positions of ... " and list the job titles.  You've been complete, without overdoing it.  The application is another matter.  If you have too many jobs to list on the application, make a note below the last available space saying "see also attached addendum" and staple a list of whatever won't fit.  While it is true that most employers aren't concerned about what you did 30 years ago, some of that information may attract their attention for interview questions, particularly if it highlights special skills or outstanding qualifications.

Answer 2

Never go beyond 2 pages for your whole resume.

That includes the other info you've included.

Answer 3

Employers may want to hear it, but for the wrong reason; i.e. because there is a bias against older workers in some cases. Here's a site with some good advice. There is lots more on the web as well.

Answer 4

depends on how many jobs you've had in the last 5 to 10 years, i'd say...  if you've got only 1 or 2 jobs to list that are more recent, possibly you could pick a couple of the more interesting/liked jobs from the first 20 years of working.  this sometimes helps to offer a glimpse into your character, as well as possible experience in other arenas.  just don't get too wordy/ long with it seeing as how the last 10 years is probly a bit more important.

Answer 5

Most employers only care about the last 7-10 years.

Answer 6

I would say 7 - 10 years or you can just put relevant experience for the job you are applying to but do not put the years you worked and make sure you have an up to date resume as far as structure and formating , I used this resume writing service in my area, this is the email address, ([e-mail]) you should try them, it only cost me $35.00 and I got a great job from this new resume, I never thought about the format that they use but the turn around time was less then 24 hrs.  I would have to say it was the best service I have ever used and it was worth every dime.  Also they let me pay through paypal.

Answer 7

Good question. I'd say no.

I've been job-hunting lately and had a couple of applications that ask for my last 10 yrs only - which is a problem considering I stayed home with the kids and only worked part time).

What you could do is a single line to indicate the employer, job title and dates only for these "older" jobs.

Good luck.

Answer 8

employers only care about relevant work experience and work ethic.  if you have been a crane operator for the last 10 years, a school isn't going to care how may buildings you've knocked down when you're applying for a geography teacher's position.  list your experience in the field you are applying for.  you may use your previous employers as references, however, but don't emphasize them much.  this allows your prospective employer the chance to verify your work ethic with your previous boss.