How far back should I go with my employment on my resume?

Question

I graduated in college in 1997, and started at my current place of employment in 1998. I've gone from the bottom rung to as high as I can get in those eight years, and I know I managed to portray it well so far on my resume. But now I'm kind of stuck: I only have ONE job listed. Should I include the administrative temp work I did in my year between college and career? The two part time jobs I had before I was full time at my current job? Retail in college?! I like that I can show I've had dedication and the ability to grow into a position, but I think having only one place of employment also kind of makes me look... not very well rounded. Or do the three positions I've worked to get to my current position count as other "jobs"?

Answer 1

They do count as "other jobs". I would include the job you did in college, and the transitional job after college, it will show your drive, hard work, and enthusiasm. Try to show a continual employment record from your job in college. If the others are related to the job you are applying for, list that too.

Mike :)

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Answer 2

I would break out each individual position as a job. Each position had a focus and you should show the skills developed under each position. If you have "other" jobs, you might just put the skills that you have learned as part of the other skills/experince. The biggest thing for potential employers is to hook them in within the first third of the page. If they don't see anything they are looking for, then they won't read any further. In the past, they wanted everything within two pages. Trend is moving towards a one page resume.

Answer 3

So you've only had one job since graduating from college, yet you seem to have made the most of it. List your last position first, with dates and responsibilities, and continue until you have listed all the positions held in the company over the last eight (8) years. If you so desire, you can add the college years' jobs. However, in my opinion, they are only relevant to show that you had initiative and drive in college and that it apparently carried over into the first job, and perhaps beyond.

XYZ Company 1998 - Present

2006: Director, Human Resources - Responsibilities included .

2003- 2006: Manager, Human Resources - Responsibilities included

1998 - 2003: Personnel Assistant - Responsibilities included



Prior to XYZ Corp., I held several jobs while at college:

* Assistant to the Intramural Director (Senior year)

* JC Penny's - Cashier/Stock Clerk (Junior year)

* Burlington Coat Factory - Stock Clerk (Sophomore year)

* Jack Nicholas Country Club - Caddie (Freshman year)

Answer 4

I've been told that as a rule of thumb you should include 5 years back from current....BUT you can throw in any jobs before the 5 years that are most important to the job you are applying for. And yes I would say include the admin work you did...even if it was temp it shows that you were flexible to work under those conditions AND you have office experience that is always a plus,.

Answer 5

I dont think Target should go on thats like a let me get my experience type of thing I would stick to the last three jobs Remember unless youre a professional youre resume should only be 1 page long and with key points that make the potential emplyer want to get to know you. So only leave the three Admin positions you have worked at because that is relevant to next job you are seeking.

Answer 6

If the job position related to the position that you are trying to get, I would list them. I work my first in 1993 and I list it on my resume because it relates to the position that I am applying to. I would list them. Good Luck!

Answer 7

Resumes are not one size fits all... your experience to date really depends on what job you are applying for. In some cases, your previous experience temping or in college may be relevant to your new job. So, keep it on your resume if you think it shows some other aspect of your work.

In some fields, you are REQUIRED to list all of your experience (like teaching)... the safest thing is to keep all your work history on file.

Answer 8

i would include everything. the more you show you've done can only make you look better. (unless you have 50 jobs in 3 months. that doesn't look good) i like to keep a running resume that i just add to as i gain more experience etc...

Answer 9

I would say one employer is great. To lengthen your resume you may want to break down the 1 job into multiple positions you held with individual time-frames (sub jobs...not summarized all in one). Remember to keep your resume to one page.

Good luck!

Answer 10

I would list them. Continuous employment and all. Plus, spin that into your cover letter. Tie them all together. Maybe it's customer service, or computer stuff, or working well as a team, blah blah blah.