Get The Yulys App

Highlights

1. Include work experience from the last 10-15 years to focus on relevance and prevent age bias.
2. Students should highlight internships, part-time jobs, and extracurriculars relevant to their target role.
3. Early professionals should tailor resumes, focusing on career progress and trimming older experiences.
4. Late-career professionals can use an "Early Work History" section for notable but older achievements.
5. Lying on a resume risks credibility; focus on honest strategies to showcase your qualifications.

One of the first things you might wonder when writing your resume is, “How far back should a resume go?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This is a question nearly everyone asks at some point.

Getting it right can bring you closer to landing an interview. But getting it wrong might leave you without any responses to your job applications.

Here’s the spoiler: You don’t need to (and shouldn’t) include every job you’ve ever had! A great resume highlights your most recent and relevant experience, going back just far enough to tell your story without overwhelming the reader.

So, how far back should a resume go, or how much work experience to include on resume? This article will explain the standard timeline and when it’s okay to go further into your work history.

How Far Back Should A Resume Go?

Your resume should only include work experience from the last 10-15 years.

How many years back should a resume go depends on your job experience and the role you’re targeting. The key is to focus on relevance. Each position listed should build your case as the best candidate for the job. 

Here's how to tailor your resume based on your career stage:

Students or Recent Graduates (0-2 Years of Experience)

If you’re just starting, you can include part-time jobs from high school, especially if they relate to the role. For example, if you worked at an ice cream shop and boosted sales by suggesting new flavors or managed the shop’s social media, those are great transferable skills for a marketing position.

Extracurricular activities also count! Highlight leadership roles in clubs, initiatives you started, or volunteer work that shows your skills and passion. Don’t forget to include internships relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Early or Mid-Career Professionals (2-15 Years of Experience)

With a few years of experience, your resume should focus on your career journey and how it aligns with the specific job or industry. Tailor your resume each time to showcase your most relevant skills and achievements.

If you’ve been working for 10-15 years, it’s time to trim earlier experiences. Instead, spotlight continuing education, professional memberships, or hobbies demonstrating your growth and dedication to learning.

Late-Career Professionals (15+ Years of Experience)

After 15 years in the workforce, your resume should emphasize recent accomplishments and relevant roles. It’s okay to have a two-page resume at this stage but focus on the past 10-15 years to make it easier for hiring managers to scan your qualifications.

You can include a section called “Early Work History” for highlights like awards or notable achievements from earlier in your career that still make an impact. This keeps your resume concise and avoids potential age-related biases.

Have you made your resume yet? Yulys is the best place to find remote jobs and self employment opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a freelance gig or a work-from-home job, Yulys helps you connect with top companies and job listings.

How Many Years Of Experience On A Resume to Be Mentioned?

A resume should focus on the last 10 to 15 years of your career, and the following are some solid reasons why this works best.

1. It Helps Prevent Age Discrimination

Unfortunately, age discrimination still exists in the job market. By leaving out older work history or keeping it brief, you shift the focus from your age to the skills and experience you bring. This ensures employers concentrate on your value rather than how long you’ve been in the workforce.

2. It Highlights Relevant Experience

Earlier jobs often lose relevance as your career progresses. Employers care most about recent roles directly tied to the job they’re hiring for. By focusing on your most current qualifications, you give recruiters exactly what they need: a quick, clear picture of your fit for the role.

3. It Keeps Your Resume Easy to Read

Too much information leads to clutter, making your resume harder to scan. Since recruiters spend less than 10 seconds on an initial review, a clean, focused resume increases your chances of cutting.

4. It Sticks to the Two-Page Rule

A resume longer than two pages is tough to skim. By removing details from jobs over 15 years ago, along with outdated training or graduation dates, you can keep your resume concise while showcasing your most important achievements.

Need Help? Not sure how to trim your resume without losing key details? Our best resume builder can help you highlight what matters most while keeping your resume at the ideal length.

Does a Job Layoff Look Bad on My Resume?

Not at all, unless you point it out. Recruiters and hiring managers know layoffs are common and don’t reflect your job performance. 

You don’t need to explain why you left a position on your resume. Focus on showcasing your skills and qualifications for the job you want rather than drawing attention to past circumstances that don’t matter.

Is It OK to Lie About Experience on a Resume?

No, lying about your experience is never a good idea. It can hurt your job search when you’re asked to explain details in an interview or if an employer uncovers the truth during a background check.

Even if you aren’t caught right away, misrepresenting your experience could land you in a role you’re unprepared for or a company that isn’t a good fit. Honesty and the right resume strategies will help you highlight your qualifications effectively and confidently.

Summary

Understanding how far back should a resume go is key to crafting a polished and professional resume. Highlighting the most relevant experience from the past 10-15 years ensures your qualifications stand out while preventing unnecessary clutter. Adjust your resume to the job you’re applying for, highlighting recent accomplishments and transferable skills so employers quickly see your value and potential.