What You Need to Know About Your Work History on Your Resume

What You Need to Know About Your Work History on Your ResumeWhy is it so important to include an overview of your previous employment in the beginning of your resume? Many candidates struggle with this section. I've heard some candidates say they can't include this because it's such a sensitive area, or it will be 'too personal.' This isn't the right response.The summary of your work history, no matter how many years you have, should include what companies you worked for, the year of your last employment, and how many years were spent at each employer. If you are able to provide documentation of your employment experience, or if it's available on the Internet, include this in your summary. If your employer provides you with records of employment, ask them to provide it in writing.Unfortunately, there is some bad advice that says it's a bad idea to include your work history on your resume. Other people suggest not including it at all. While I don't believe it's necessary to list your employment experiences, I'm sure you understand why a candidate would feel uncomfortable with that. Therefore, include this information in your summary, and explain it to them when you meet them.One problem that arises is the fact that employers don't read resumes as carefully as they once did. Unfortunately, we're living in a world where people share their information on social media sites and in email rather than spending more time reading their resumes. As a result, resumes are quickly lost in a sea of information that doesn't matter, so it's imperative that they are structured well in the beginning of your resume.The problem is that you will often find yourself with more information than you need on your resume, because there are things that only appear in the beginning that will clutter it up. Examples of this can include pictures of your child, or references to your education and achievements. Having your educational background and work experience first will help you todevelop a better resume, as well as adding relevant content to the rest of the resume.When you start your resume, include a statement that starts your summary. While you don't have to use a formal format, this is usually a sentence or two about what position you hold, how long you've held that position, and the year of your last job. This will give the reader a sense of who you are and where you are in your career.If you provide a detailed description of your work history, including your employer, year of employment, and the details of each job, the resume can become very difficult to read. In addition, you may not be included in any of the other sections of the resume. If your job description includes your employer, or if you work in a management role, you may be an exception.If your resume is formatted poorly, or if you find yourself unable to include pertinent information, it can prevent you from getting the interview you want. And this can mean the difference between an experienced job and an interview that end up in an offer that doesn't match your skills. Following these steps can help you create a well-structured resume that includes your work history, and keep your resume looking professional and fresh throughout the entire resume.