Creating a Work History that Works on your Resume
Work history should be listed in descending order (i.e., the most current listed first with other work history following below). This will give the prospective employer the basis to see how the job seeker’s career has grown, advanced, and changed over the years.
Getting to the point, quickly
Work history, as well as other pertinent information (e.g., education and specific skills) should fit on one page. Therefore, it is important to be brief but specific regarding what skills from your work history will suit the position you are seeking. When placing dates of employment, do not bog down the resume with detailed information such as the specific dates of employment; instead put just the year(s) of employment (e.g., 1999-2010).
No matter what type of employment the job seeker is seeking, it is imperative work history be kept short and simple. The individual(s) who will be reviewing incoming resumes will have a very limited amount of time in which to read the hundreds of resumes they have received. Therefore, the resumes that get quickly to the objective will be the ones the prospective employer will read.
Do your homework
It is important to research the employer thoroughly by investigating the company’s history through on-line publications (i.e., website, and magazine or newspaper publications). This will help you develop a sense of what the employer is seeking. In this way, you can word your work history accordingly.
Selective work history
If most people listed all of their work history on their resume it would be several pages long. List only the last couple of employers, especially the employment that will have the most impact on your chances at success with the current employer.
Finding work is work! Therefore, it is important to tailor your resume to each new position you are seeking. Do not be concerned with leaving out career choices that will not help meet your current employment and career goals.
Presenting the best image
In the competitive job market of the 21st Century, it is important to present your job history in such a way prospective employers will see you as someone who is able to learn new skills quickly and has current skills that will fit perfectly with the needs of the company. It is also important to showcase your ability to work independently, with little supervision, but also your ability to work as a team player.
