Resume question: How much experience?

christinak22

I've been in my current position for over five years and looking to transfer to a different department within the company. Before I worked here, I worked in sales for only a few months, and before that, did many odd jobs during highschool and college including nanny, camp counselor and director, retail, and receptionist.

Should I not even mention anything before the sales job or should I touch on those other things, too?

*sparky*

I would only include them if they (a) somehow relate to the job you are trying to get or (b) show that you worked while going to college, which some employers like because it shows responsibility and ability to manage multiple priorities.  Other than that, leave them off altogether.

cecilyandgautam

Have you held more than one position at the firm in the past five years? If so, you can break down your major accomplishments under each position, rather than cramming it all into one section - list each position as a separate job and highlight 3-6 major accomplishments for each position. You could also divide up your resume into project-based sections if it's all been one position in the past 5 years. 

You want the most relevant experience to eat up most of the page on your resume. The other random positions don't have to go on there - I used to keep a "relevant experience" section that took up most of the space and a brief list of "other experience" at the bottom of the page. I listed other employment and volunteer positions here - shows that I have interests in life and that I hard work, but doesn't eat up much space or take away from more relevant items.

If you've completed a degree or training since joining the firm, you could include a "skills & expertise" section as well.  

christinak22

Thanks for your help! I like the idea of detailing relevant experience and bullet pointing other experience.