The appropriate length of professional experience displayed on a curriculum vitae depends on several factors, including career level, industry norms, and the specific requirements of the target position. For recent graduates or those in early-career stages, ten years is generally sufficient. More seasoned professionals may choose to showcase 15-20 years, focusing on relevant achievements and skills. Including excessive detail from the distant past can sometimes be detrimental, obscuring more recent and pertinent qualifications. For instance, a senior software engineer applying for a management role need not detail entry-level coding jobs held two decades prior.
A concise and well-structured presentation of career progression demonstrates a candidate’s growth, skill development, and increasing responsibilities. This allows recruiters to quickly assess the applicant’s suitability for a role. Over the past few decades, resume conventions have evolved, moving from lengthy chronological accounts to more targeted summaries emphasizing impactful contributions. A thoughtfully curated professional timeline showcases not just what a candidate has done, but how their experience aligns with the employer’s needs.