As a mid to senior level manager, you may have amassed years of work experience in your industry. However, when it comes to updating your resume, you may find yourself wondering if you should include all of your past work experience, or if it’s better to remove some of it. This is a common question among job seekers, and it’s one that deserves careful consideration.
In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of removing old work experience from your resume, as well as provide some helpful tips to help you make an informed decision.
The Problem:
When it comes to creating or updating a resume, one of the most common questions that mid to senior level managers ask is whether or not they should remove their old work experience. It’s understandable to feel conflicted about this decision. After all, you’ve worked hard to get where you are today, and you want to showcase your full range of skills and experiences.
However, including too much information on your resume can be counterproductive. Hiring managers and recruiters typically spend just a few seconds scanning a resume, so if it’s cluttered and difficult to read, it may be passed over in favor of a more streamlined document.
Furthermore, including old or irrelevant work experience can actually hurt your chances of landing a job. If your resume is too long or includes too many irrelevant details, it may give the impression that you’re not focused or that you lack direction in your career.
Solution 1: Tailor Your Resume to the Job You’re Applying For
One of the most important things you can do when updating your resume is to tailor it to the job you’re applying for. This means carefully reviewing the job posting and identifying the key skills and experiences that the employer is looking for.
Once you’ve identified these key skills and experiences, make sure to highlight them on your resume. If you have old work experience that’s not relevant to the job you’re applying for, consider removing it to make room for more relevant details.
For example, if you’re applying for a management position in the healthcare industry, it may not be necessary to include your experience working as a barista during college. Instead, focus on highlighting your management experience and any relevant certifications or training you’ve received.
Solution 2: Consider a Functional Resume
If you have a long work history and are finding it difficult to fit everything onto one page, you may want to consider a functional resume format.
Unlike a chronological resume, which lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, a functional resume focuses on your skills and experiences, rather than your work history. This format allows you to group your skills and experiences into relevant categories, making it easier for hiring managers to quickly identify your strengths.
A functional resume can also be helpful if you’re looking to make a career change or if you have gaps in your work history. By focusing on your skills and experiences, you can highlight how your past experiences have prepared you for a new role, even if your work history isn’t a perfect match.
Solution 3: Be Selective About What You Include
When updating your resume, it’s important to be selective about what you include. While it’s tempting to include everything you’ve ever done, this can actually hurt your chances of landing a job.
Instead, focus on including details that are relevant to the job you’re applying for and that highlight your strengths. If you have old work experience that’s not relevant to your current career goals, consider leaving it off or summarizing it briefly.
It’s also important to be honest about any gaps in your work history. If you took time off to care for a family member or to a sabbatical, it’s better to explain this on your resume rather than leaving it unexplained. You can do this in a brief summary statement, rather than listing every job you’ve ever had.
Solution 4: Consider Including a Summary Statement
A summary statement is a brief paragraph that appears at the top of your resume and highlights your key skills and experiences. This can be a helpful way to quickly communicate your strengths to hiring managers and recruiters, particularly if you have a lot of work experience to include.
In your summary statement, be sure to highlight the key skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. This will help to catch the attention of hiring managers and make it clear why you’re a good fit for the role.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether or not you should remove old work experience from your resume. Ultimately, the decision will depend on your individual circumstances, the job you’re applying for, and your career goals.
However, by considering the tips outlined in this blog, you can make an informed decision that will help you to create a resume that showcases your strengths and highlights your most relevant experiences. Remember to be selective about what you include, tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for, and consider using a functional resume format if necessary.
At the end of the day, your resume is your marketing tool, so make sure it’s working for you, not against you. By presenting yourself in the best possible light, you can increase your chances of landing the job of your dreams.