help with cv writing

[cvhelp]

I am applying for jobs after a 4 year break. I have too many companies on my CV. I am wondering if I should skip jobs I did between my bachelor and masters degrees?

My real CV is like this -

2014 - 2018 - Gap, business attempt
2007 - 2014 - 5 jobs with different companies
2005 - 2007 - masters degree
2003 - 2005 - 2 jobs
2000-2003 - Bachelors degree

I am thinking of making my cv like this

2014 - 2018 - Gap, business attempt
2007 - 2014 - 5 jobs with different companies
2005 - 2007 - masters degree
2003 to 2005 2 jobs
2000-2003 - Bachelors degree

Can you please help me decide? Many thanks.

I would be wary of anyone applying for a job with a big gap on their CV with nothing next to it. I would rather see the 2 jobs, in my line of work it's very competitive and we get lots of applicants a gap like that would mean the bin for you (sorry).

Thank you Frostyapples. I appreciate your input.

Would you also bin cv like mine seeing 5 companies in 7 years and 2 companies in 4 years (prior to masters) and recent long gap?

What is your line of work?

I am afraid either way my cv will be binned :( On the other hand, I end up not applying because of this confusion.

I would still apply as you will be fine as long as you don't leave gaps. Your CV shows a breadth of experience across a variety of roles which you took to gain experience.

Without knowing what the jobs are, it's hard to say. On the one hand, it could demonstrate a wealth of diversity and skills. On the other hand it could give the impression that you don't settle with an employer (sorry).
I would include the 2 jobs before your Masters, but literally just list the employer, role and dates (one line each)

Echo what Sluggish Snail says, don't leave a gap but if you don't want to say what the roles are, you could just put '"2003-2005: temporary work in a variety of roles, details available on request" or similar? I have a line like this on my CV as I did a whole bunch of temp work for a year a long time ago and don't find it worthwhile to list every individual employer. One job did want me (after I'd been offered the role!) to give them details of every job for security clearance purposes but this was fine. No-one else has ever even asked!

For what it's worth, as a recruiter I am a bit put off by gaps on a CV (not to the point of automatically binning the application, but definitely makes me a bit suspicious as I would tend to assume something happened in the gap that they don't want me to know about) but I absolutely understand that life happens and am not put off by gaps that are explained by the person looking after family/children, travelling, studying, job-hunting, starting their own business etc etc.

Good luck with the job hunt!

Thanks everyone. I will mention all jobs on my cv.

I am filling up a job application form on company's website. They have asked to enter employment history with separate fields for job title, company name, start and end month, year and reasons for leaving job, etc.

Would you suggest that I mention gap period under employment history on the website?
Or should I mention it on the CV / cover letter (to be uploaded within online application).

thanks a lot in advance.