How far back should your resume go? Is five years the new standard?

When you’re getting your resume together to apply to a job, one of the biggest and most important sections is your work history. If you’ve been in the working world for a bit, you may find this section stretching further than you feel it should—but you’re quite sure where to trim it. So what can you do to ensure your resume is impressive to a hiring manager? 

Keep all Work History Relevant 

According to a leading provider of jobs in Valdosta GA, there’s no black-and-white answer when it comes to your work history section. For example, it’s not accurate to simply follow a rule such as—only list jobs from the past five years. Instead, the best rule to follow is to include any jobs that are relevant to the position to which you’re applying (and this can include any job you’ve ever had). If the work you did has in some way helped prepare you for the job to which you’re applying, it’s good to include because it will add to your body of knowledge and experience.  

Make Good Use of Your Cover Letter 

This is where you do a little storytelling for a potential employer. Sure, your resume lists all past work experiences in black and white. But your cover letter gives you a chance to translate what those experiences have meant to your career, and give more of an explanation about why you’ve included them.  

Include Relevant Words 

You may have heard about peppering your resume with keywords, i.e., words that are common within your industry. Because many hiring managers, employer and recruiter skim resumes using special software, including industry-specific words can help your resume avoid the chopping block. Choose words that will catch the attention of the system and then the reader—and make your resume resonate.  

Need Guidance? 

Your recruiter will help you draft a professional resume that catches the eye of potential employers. Recruiters are experts at helping candidates find the right jobs, and will extend their skills to help you succeed.  

Need a Recruiter? 

Contact Snelling Georgia Group. We’ll work with you to understand your career goals and help you find a job you love. To learn more, contact us today!  

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