How Many Jobs Should You List on Your Resume?

When it comes to a presentation, there are only so many slides you’ll want to show. The same goes with your executive resume: less is more when it comes to driving impact. To show hiring managers how you solve business problems, create a resume that shows your accomplishments as a leader. But then comes the dilemma: how many jobs should you list on your resume?

Step #1: Start With the Job Listing

Use the job description as your guide, and run through the requirements for that employer. Make note of the exact skills the position demands, and what level of experience the employer wants. Use these clues together to shape the best past positions and bullet points to include within your resume that are most relevant for the role.

“Think of your resume as a sales document, not as a history lesson.” —Dave Fano, Teal CEO and Founder

Step #2: Include Relevant Jobs

Say you’re applying for a Sales Manager role—you want to be sure to include all relevant talent and expertise for that role in your resume. So, the focus shouldn’t be on how many jobs you can list with that experience, but on which ones will communicate your strongest skills, experience, and talent. In other words, customize your resume for this role to emphasize why you’re a great fit.

Step #3: Focus on Recent Experience

Show the employer you’re up-to-date with the latest software, methodologies, and skill sets by highlighting your experience from the past five years. Anything beyond 10-15 years of experience could provide unnecessary information and overwhelm the hiring manager. When in doubt—leave your 90s role in the 90s, and keep your resume living in the present.

Step #4: Consider Your Working Style

If you are more stable and prefer working with a company for a longer term, you may have fewer roles to show on your resume, but more accomplishments under each job. For professionals who prefer to switch companies more frequently, their career style naturally lends itself to showing more jobs and projects on a resume—just don’t overcrowd your resume!

Step #5: Fill in Career Gaps

There are points in your career where you may have taken a sabbatical, parental leave, or have a career transition. It’s important not to leave any large gaps in your employment history. Explain these gaps in your cover letter and learn why cover letters are still important. For freelance or contract work gaps, you could position these jobs under a separate heading to show your versatility.

Step #6: Optimize Your Resume Format

Can’t decide which job listings to keep? Consider your career goals and which company you see yourself thriving most with next, and drive those relevant keywords to the top of your resume. If you have 15+ years of experience, listing 4+ jobs is the standard. Strive for a simple resume format for recruiters and consider how resume line spacing can maximize your experience.

Step #7: Tailor Your Resume to Win

You know your accomplishments better than anyone else. Like an executive summary, emphasize proud moments from your career that show how you best align with the company’s specific needs or role requirements. If listing a specific relevant job on your resume makes your confidence soar, then lead with that. Chances are, a recruiter will recognize your value.

Ready to put your resume to the test? Apply to our open roles now.

For more career guidance, check out some of our other articles, how companies are “unbossing” the workplace, what to bring to a job interview, and modifying job titles on your resume.