CV question

[georgedawes]

How far back should I go on my work history? The role I am applying for is directly relevant to my current role, so obviously focusing on that. Just wondering how much space I should dedicate to post University work (18 years including a career break). It's not directly relevant so tempted to take it out but not quite sure how to, or if I should.

I've heard no more than 5-10 years in detail or your last 3 ish roles. If you want to include things from further back you can simply add a list with names and dates.

That's good advice, thank you

I tend to put my employment history under a heading called 'Relevant Work Experience'.

So if I were applying for a job as e.g. head chef (not my field, just an example), I wouldn't bother putting down the part time job I had ten years ago working in a clothes shop, but would mention the job around the same time working in a restaurant kitchen. That way you can make sure your CV remains short and snappy, without missing out important experience you may have.

Hi,

Your CV should be no more than 2 pages long. Employers only look at CV for 15 seconds or less ( to get hooked) ,and if it is more than 3 pages long they will not bother as they have other CV to go through.

So your Personal Profile at the beginning needs to be'on point'.
Everyone should not have 1 standard CV, as they may be applying for different roles, so always change your Personal Profile to reflect the role you are applying for - by changing / or adding a sentence to focus on the specific role.

Up to 10 years work experience is sufficient (between 5 - 10 years). They will be paying attention to dates to how long you have been in all your roles.

But as your applying for a role which is currently relevant to your existing role,then focus on your skill set and experience and what you have achieved in your current role and what you can bring to the other role.

Good luck in your application.

Thanks for all the tips, I knew a lot but think I was just stuck in listing my history chronologically which is too much really! Quite liberating to cut it out. I added in a lot of relevant training instead and more info on my current role. It's gone now so fingers crossed!