How long back do I have to go on a resume about my work history?

Question

The last two jobs I had took more than 20 years. Also resumes are said to be made for a particular job a person is applying for. If I have no idea what job I am applying for, how should I make it? I thought I would just make it straitforward, but not really sure. Thanks.

Answer 1

If I understand you correctly, the last two jobs you were employed at were for 20 years each or either 10 years each. If the jobs were in two different fields you could make two seperate resumes but if they are in similar fields you want them on the same resume.  

Answer 2

The general rule is to only go back 10 years; however, it also depends on whether the first job adds to your credibility for the job you are applying for (of course if you don't have a job in mind, this would take some consideration.) If you'd like my services, please visit my website: http://www.abaediting.com

Answer 3

i would go back 10 years.  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 4

I'd go back as far as the entries had any bearing on how people looked at you. However, if doing so creates an obvious gap (e.g. what exactly were you doing during those five years?), you might want to fill it in. It's a judgment call. Pretend you were hiring. What does it look like to you?

Answer 5

You should either be applying for a specific job posting or if you’re sending an unsolicited resume, for the type of job you want. You’re not going to get a response if your objective statement is “I want a job, any job.”  You have to give the company an idea of what you want.

As for past experience, you’re in a tough spot. The general rule of thumb is that anything more than 7 years old is irrelevant. Listing 20 years worth of work history tells employers you’re at least in your late 30s if not older. We’d all like to believe that age discrimination doesn’t happen, but younger workers tend to work for less than their more experienced counterparts. That doesn’t mean that no one values experience, but it does mean you have to be cautious of how you present yourself.

I would try to list only your last job, if you can make that experience relevant to the type of job you’re applying for and it can fill an entire page. I’ve been with one company six years, and by the time I list everything I’ve done here, I don’t have room for anything else.

If you will be listing any college information, leave off graduation dates as well.

Answer 6

Typically, no more than 10 years is shown on a resume.  If you have a specific skill from a job beyond 10 years, that applies to the position you are applying for, you certainly could add that position too.  Highlight your strengths on your objective and tailor your resume for each job you apply to so that it matches the job description.

I have had up to 5 resumes that I use for different jobs.  The key is to remember which one you sent to which employer!  Save them with the employer name and date sent, or keep an accurate file.  

Good for you for longevity at your jobs.  Employers DO NOT see that anymore on applications.  THAT ALONE, will get you noticed!  Good luck :)

Answer 7

Go back to your first job, or your first time of experience with the work your applying with.