Now that you have decided to update your resume, you need to ensure all the details are correct and appropriate for today’s job market. Once you gather the necessary information, including places of employment and achievements, it is time to start thinking about how to include dates on your document.
Depending upon your age, experience level, and graduation years, you may want to review the tips below to ensure you’re not making a misstep in today’s employment market.
Tip #1 – Professional History
In professional history, it is not necessarily to list the exact dates of employment. Instead, list only the month and year of employment start and end. For example, saying “January 2019 – February 2023” is appropriate. And, if you are a student and only have had summer jobs, it is okay to list a job as “Summers 2020 – 2022.”
Tip #2 – Many Jobs
If you have changed jobs rather frequently and have only held positions for less than one year, then list only the years. For example, if you worked at a retail store from January through May 2022, then you could simply list “2022” as the date for this particular position.
Tip #3 – Education
There is no need to list the date(s) associated with your education. Unless you have recently graduated (within the last six months to one year), the year you graduated shouldn’t be listed. At some point in your career, listing this information could lead to age discrimination and a missed employment opportunity.
Tip #4 – Past Volunteerism
If your community involvement was in the past and you are still listing it for some reason, then be sure to just title the section “Previous Community Engagement” or “Past Community Involvement.” There is no need to make a list of years when the activities took place.
When compiling your resume, be sure to think about the dates you are listing and how those reflect your career history. Obviously, never misrepresent your information or lie about dates, as this information can be easily verified.
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Hi, I’m Heather!
a Certified Professional Resume Writer and live in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.
I love being outdoors, tending to my chickens, helping my son with his maple syrup business, and chatting about resumes (it’s true). Here you’ll find resume tips, cover letter ideas, job searching techniques, and the latest ways to stand out from other job seekers. Browse a while, read a few posts, and check-out how to make YOUR resume a superstar!
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