The appropriate length of work history displayed on a curriculum vitae depends on several factors, including career level, industry norms, and relevance of previous experience to the targeted position. For example, a recent graduate with limited experience might include internships and part-time jobs, while a seasoned professional might focus on the last 10-15 years of their career. Including irrelevant or outdated information can detract from the overall impact and make the document unnecessarily lengthy.
A concise and targeted resume effectively presents a candidate’s qualifications, highlighting the skills and accomplishments most pertinent to the desired role. By focusing on relevant experience, applicants can demonstrate a clear career trajectory and avoid overwhelming hiring managers with excessive detail. This practice has evolved alongside changing hiring practices and technological advancements in applicant tracking systems, which often prioritize keywords and relevant experience.