Resume question

[BZeto]

Should I bother putting my 2 year work experience in the fast food and retail industries on my resume when I've had 3 comparatively decent jobs since then that actually relate to my field?

Employer's probably dont want to read a 2 page resume and really don't care that I flipped burgers when i was 16. At the same time it might show that I'm a somewhat commited person who could handle such a job for a reasonable length of time.

Thanks

 

[lozina]

Just post the jobs which are relevant

 

[Ns1]

if you have a long employment history just the relevant ones

 

[TruePaige]

I ussaully put the most relevant jobs. I recently dropped off the first job I had at Hardee's...I still keep my Asst. Manager DQ one on there from about 3 years ago though, but I drop them as they become irrelevant.

 

[meltdown75]

look up "functional resume" and when it is wise to use one as opposed to a traditional resume.

 

[rivan]

I used to go back three jobs. Now I only go back two since they've been long term (5+ years each). In your case, I'd just stick with the relevant positions.

Then again, I'm not in HR.

 

[nageov3t]

I list all relevant ones only unless leaving off an irrelevant job would leave a large gap in my resume.

nowadays, I only list my current + more recent previous job... I leave off all the retail, temp, and other misc. jobs I did while in school.

 

[E equals MC2]

You're right. A resume isn't so much about reporting your work history, it's rather an informal tell-sheet to present yourself. And you present yourself in any way you think is the best depending on whom you apply to.

I had my Staples job as a sales associate at the bottom of my resume when I applied for my first real job out of college. Three years later today, I plan on leaving that out.

As for the 2 page resume. That's a HUGE no-no. VPs and CEOs have one-page resumes. You certainly don't need yours two pages. It's your job to condense/omit/edit/pad/glorify to make it the best looking in a page.

 

[SacrosanctFiend]

Originally posted by: meltdown75
look up "functional resume" and when it is wise to use one as opposed to a traditional resume.

Never use a functional resume unless you have a history of extreme job hopping. Most recruiters view the use of a functional resume as an attempt to hide something.

As to the OP, list only relevant experience. Recruiters don't want to sit there reading stuff that doesn't pertain to the job. As to the length, the "one-page resume only" is out. As long as your resume lists relevant education, experience, and skills, it can be 2 pages (in extreme cases, like an executive-level resume, it can be 3).

 

[SacrosanctFiend]

Originally posted by: E equals MC2
As for the 2 page resume. That's a HUGE no-no. VPs and CEOs have one-page resumes. You certainly don't need yours two pages. It's your job to condense/omit/edit/pad/glorify to make it the best looking in a page.

False. That is an outdated view.

 

[E equals MC2]

Originally posted by: SacrosanctFiend

Originally posted by: E equals MC2
As for the 2 page resume. That's a HUGE no-no. VPs and CEOs have one-page resumes. You certainly don't need yours two pages. It's your job to condense/omit/edit/pad/glorify to make it the best looking in a page.

False. That is an outdated view.

Please care to elaborate.

 

[SacrosanctFiend]

Originally posted by: E equals MC2

Originally posted by: SacrosanctFiend

Originally posted by: E equals MC2
As for the 2 page resume. That's a HUGE no-no. VPs and CEOs have one-page resumes. You certainly don't need yours two pages. It's your job to condense/omit/edit/pad/glorify to make it the best looking in a page.

False. That is an outdated view.

Please care to elaborate.

I did in the post above that one. If that's not enough, what more would you like for me to add?

 

[Vette73]

For private sector job keep resume to 1 page if it fits and list only relevant jobs.

For public sector jobs list all and don't leave any detail or word out of resume even if it makes it 5, 6, or even 10 pages long.

 

[meltdown75]

Originally posted by: SacrosanctFiend

Originally posted by: meltdown75
look up "functional resume" and when it is wise to use one as opposed to a traditional resume.

Never use a functional resume unless you have a history of extreme job hopping. Most recruiters view the use of a functional resume as an attempt to hide something.

As to the OP, list only relevant experience. Recruiters don't want to sit there reading stuff that doesn't pertain to the job. As to the length, the "one-page resume only" is out. As long as your resume lists relevant education, experience, and skills, it can be 2 pages (in extreme cases, like an executive-level resume, it can be 3).

word up. i think my understanding of functional resume needs some work, but here is what i thought it was:

Functional resumes are best used in situations where specific skills and accomplishments gained through experience or academic qualifications will demonstrate the candidate's competency. Your skills should be listed in order of their importance.

The functional resume is ideal if you're looking for a complete career change. This resume is ideal for students who have no previous work experience and are applying for their first job.

Avoid the functional resume when you are applying for traditional jobs, especially positions within government entities or private institutions.

 

[BZeto]

Thanks for the advice. I have decided to leave them off.

However it is still going to have to be 2 pages long. There is really no way to condense it to 1 page listing my contact info, qualifications, work experience and education. Hopefully this won't hurt me.

 

[SirStev0]

I've been only putting the bare necessities for a while... but then again I am currently unemployed... so...

 

[PrinceofWands]

Since I've had close to 30, there's no way I'm listing them all. Ever. For anyone. For any reason. It just couldn't possibly be useful. I generally cap it at the 3-5 most recent, most relevant jobs I've had.

 

[SacrosanctFiend]

Originally posted by: BZeto
Thanks for the advice. I have decided to leave them off.

However it is still going to have to be 2 pages long. There is really no way to condense it to 1 page listing my contact info, qualifications, work experience and education. Hopefully this won't hurt me.

Unless your recruiter/hiring manager is old-school and refuses to change with the industry (read: shitty), you will be fine.