How Many Jobs Should You List on a Resume?

Deciding how many jobs you should list on a resume builder can be tricky.

You want to show you have experience, but you also don't want to add unnecessary fluff that takes away from the most crucial focus of the resume: you.

In this article, you will learn:

• The correct number of jobs to include on your resume
• What jobs you should be including
• How to focus your resume
• What to consider when adding to your resume
• How to use formatting to your advantage

How many jobs to list on your resume?

The correct number of jobs will highly vary depending on your circumstances.

How many previous jobs on a resume you use is dependent on the specifics of the position and the type of company you are applying for.

Look at the job description

When trying to figure out how many previous jobs on your resume to include, check the job description written by the hiring manager.

You will want to make sure your resume and previous jobs promote things they are looking for; if not, lose them.

Create a timeline

Your resume is also your work story. You want to share a resume story with a hiring manager that shows you are making progress and becoming more skilled and experienced.

You should leave off jobs that take away from the narrative you want to present.

Use formatting to improve your resume

The Enhancv tool is perfect for formatting your resume with pre-made templates and examples of other resumes in your industry.

Effective formatting means you can fit more information into your resume in less space, allowing you to fit the most amount of impressive achievements and experience possible.

Skip on irrelevant experience and everything over 15 years

Irrelevant experience is worse than not helpful; it takes resume space and focuses away from the vital parts of your resume that will make you an attractive candidate.

You should stay away from the experience that doesn’t contribute to your story in a meaningful way or any experience over 15 years old that is most likely no longer relevant to your industry field.

Two-page resumes are ideal for maximizing the amount of attention the hiring manager will give to your resume. This resume length will still have enough space to highlight your strengths and work experience while being eye-catching.

The importance of listing the right amount of jobs on your resume

You need to go through a make a priority list of all the things that make you an attractive candidate and then start putting them on your resume one by one until you run out of space.

Having a highly focused and relevant resume will make you stand out in the eyes of recruiters.

Hiring managers love candidates who save them time and candidates who pop off the page.

Takeaways

Your resume should reflect the best experience and skills at your disposal and make for great conversation pieces.

Remember:

• The jobs you include on your resume are no exception to this rule.
• The number of jobs you list should all be high-quality jobs.
• Always create a timeline with your work history.

Following the tips in this article will help you succeed in your job search. Check out our resume builder tool if you’re ready to build the perfect resume, today!