How Far Back Should a CV Go in Your Application?

You’ve probably held a variety of jobs if your career has been lengthy and prosperous. It might be challenging to choose how far back to go on your CV when writing one.

If you’re looking for a senior position, should your CV truly mention your previous jobs?

In this post, we go over the ideal length for a resume and offer advice on how to make yours concise and direct.

How Far Back Should a CV Go in Your Application?

The length of your CV will depend on your level of experience and the industry you’re in. As a general rule of thumb, you should include the last 10-15 years of your work experience, or the last 5-6 positions you’ve held within that time frame.

If you have less than 10 years of experience, you may want to include all of your previous roles. However, if you have more than 15 years of experience, you may want to focus on the most relevant roles in the job you’re applying for.

Tips for deciding how far back your CV should go

Consider your level of experience. If you’re a recent graduate or have less than 10 years of experience, you may want to include all of your previous roles. However, if you have more than 15 years of experience, you may want to focus on the most relevant roles in the job you’re applying for.
Think about the industry you’re in. Some industries, such as finance and technology, tend to place a higher value on recent experience. In these industries, you may want to focus on the last 10-15 years of work experience. Other industries, such as education and healthcare, may place more value on overall experience. In these industries, you may want to include more of your previous roles.
Tailor your CV to the job you’re applying for. When deciding which roles to include on your CV, be sure to consider the requirements of the job you’re applying for. Highlight the roles and experiences that are most relevant to the job and leave off the roles that are less relevant.

What to Avoid when writing your CV

Don’t include too much information. Your CV should be concise and to the point. Avoid including unnecessary information, such as your hobbies and interests.
Don’t lie or exaggerate your experience. It’s important to be honest and accurate on your CV. Don’t lie or exaggerate your experience, as this could lead to problems down the road.
Don’t use a generic template. Your CV should be tailored to your individual experience and the job you’re applying for. Don’t use a generic template that everyone else is using.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your CV is the perfect length and includes the most relevant information for the job you’re applying for.

FAQS on How Far Back Should a CV Go

What is the best rule of thumb for deciding how far back your CV should go?

As a general rule of thumb, your CV should include the last 10-15 years of your work experience or the last 5-6 positions you’ve held within that time frame. However, there are a few things to consider when deciding how far back to go, such as your level of experience, the industry you’re in, and the job you’re applying for.

What if I have less than 10 years of experience?

If you have less than 10 years of experience, you may want to include all of your previous roles. This will give employers a better understanding of your skills and experience, even if you’re early in your career.

What if I have more than 15 years of experience?

If you have more than 15 years of experience, you may want to focus on the most relevant roles to the job you’re applying for. This will help your CV be more concise and tailored to the specific job.
If you’re unsure how far back your CV should go, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and include more information. You can always remove roles later if you need to.

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how far back your CV should go. The best approach is to tailor your CV to the job you’re applying for and to include the most relevant information and experience.