The appropriate length of work history to include on a curriculum vitae depends on several factors. For example, a recent graduate with limited experience might detail all relevant internships and projects, while a seasoned professional with a decades-long career may choose to focus on the most recent 10-15 years, highlighting accomplishments most relevant to the target position. Including irrelevant or outdated information can make a resume appear cluttered and detract from the candidate’s key qualifications.
A concise and relevant work history allows recruiters to quickly assess a candidate’s suitability for a role. By focusing on recent and applicable experience, applicants can demonstrate career progression and emphasize skills aligned with the job description. Historically, resumes were comprehensive chronological accounts of one’s entire career. However, as career paths have become more dynamic and the volume of applications has increased, the focus has shifted towards showcasing relevant experience that demonstrates value to a prospective employer.