How far back should I list my employment history?

Question

I'm currently employed at my first "real" job out of college and am looking for my next job. Since I've only been out of college for two years, how far back should I list my previous experience? Do I list organizations I was involved in during college (the organizations are relevant to my work field)?

Also, I currently have a weekend job working for an upscale retail store. It doesn't have anything to do with my field, but the store is related to one of my main hobbies. Should I list that position, even though it's only a part time weekend job? I was a part of the staff when we opened the store and it shows that I have team building skills (we literally gutted an entire shop and rebuilt it from scratch in a week).

10 years ago I was 14 years old. I'm not going to list "Paper Boy" on my resume.

Answer 1

When you get older, the answer to the question will be 10 years.

But right now, list everything you have done that is relevant to the job you are applying for.

Answer 2

I would list your work experience back 10 years, but describe those that are relevant in a little more detail than something like "cashier." I would also list the organizations that you were involved with during college and, again, explain how your experience in them is relevant to the position you're applying for.

I would include your weekend job...clarify that it's part-time but make sure to also point out that you were part of the initial team.

Good luck!

Answer 3

It can really depend, but considering your age, starting with your first job to present would provide job history consistency for your future employers. I wouldn't include any extremely short tenure jobs, i.e. 3 months. The best advice is to have a strong resume. Your objective statement should include your career goal, and attributes that make you an ideal candidate. Even if your jobs have been unrelated to one another, (McDonald's vs. intern for law firm), when listing duties, include what was needed to make your job a success. Although your duties vary from job to job, dependability, dedication, patience, multi-tasking....all could have been used in each setting, and can be tied into your resume. Your resume is a glance for employers, and your time to shine. It sounds like your were proud of yourself for being apart of the team building project, include this! List any clubs, organizations, or volunteering under a "PERSONAL HOBBIES" category. List any accomplishments, i.e. the team building project, under "ACCOMPLISHMENTS" category. Although your retail job is out of sync with your career goal, I would still list it since it proves of your current employment. I wish you the best, friend. Remember: your resume should be strong, inviting, and tailored around your career goal! My best!

Answer 4

Being just out of college, list them all.
Now, if , for example, you worked out of temp agency for a year, you can lump it all together by saying,
Jan 2006- Feb 2007, TJ&J Temp agency, Chicago, Ill. Various temporary assignments.
Do list your weekend job. What you did there might be very interesting to a prospective employer.
College activities too, are worth noting. It shows you can work with other people.
Don't underestimate the value of your limited experience.
Go get "em,and good luck.

Answer 5

As far as the job application requires, in some case's you may have to go back 10 years.

Answer 6

You want to show enough work history to show that you are dependable. Use the volunteer gigs to document skills that will be useful to an employer rather than a list of dates.

Answer 7

10 years back