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How much experience is too much?
I've been doing instructional design for a very, very long time. I honestly have 25 years of experience in my field. I'm concerned that if I include that number of years when I apply for a freelance job, potential employers will automatically think that I'm too old or out of touch.
It's not like I haven't kept up with new technologies - because I have. I love to learn, and I love to read, and I'm always trying new techniques.
So, how should I deal with my experience when applying for work? Do I give the actual number, or keep it vague, such as "over 10 years" or "over 15 years?" Or is 15 even too much?
LEANNE TOBIASInvestment real estate/sustainability
4.07k
02/15/20 at 8:06PM UTC
To find freelance jobs, I’d imagine that your 25 years of experience is an asset, *provided* that you emphasize your recent and cutting edge experience.
If your skills are sharp and current, and are presented as such, your 25 years of experience should also demonstrate strong business judgment, maturity, outstanding soft skills and the ability to be successful with a wide array of projects and clients.
That said, target your pitch to your industry and client. If instructional design is a youth-oriented industry, for example, perhaps it would be wiser to de-emphasize your years of experience.
Katie Henderson Ladyboss752675I am an expert in all things visual.
757
02/13/20 at 9:02PM UTC
I'd go with 15+ so they don't think you are overqualified and will only stay until you find something better, or that you will not fit in with the other staff. Do your research on the company if you can.
Katie R.Leadership Coach
41
02/11/20 at 11:23PM UTC
Fantastic question! Curious, what your methods for application are? Is there room to submit a cover letter or something equivalent? If so, use this as space to explain just what you did here. I would also consider a summary statement on your resume that highlights aspects of this as well. You could add a section in here for hobbies and interests to give a better sense of your personality. But I agree with @Kimberely Douglass, your experience is an ASSET! Don't undersell yourself either. Chances are this breadth and depth of your work life can help you get to solutions with efficiency and much needed maturity!
Elissa UntonFinance, MBA, Founder. LongLA
201
02/11/20 at 10:10PM UTC
Only share your relevant experience -- -5 years of recent, cutting edge experience is perfect - -and may be enough on a website/LinkedIn or portfolio website for a employer to hire you for a freelance role. Also send the right signals -- youthful style and active hobbies go far to show off your energy and verve!
Anonymous
02/09/20 at 10:30PM UTC
Many of the jobs that I apply for look for 15+ years. I think your experience is an asset. Perhaps your best option is to communicate on your resume that you are up-to-date on current learning trends and software? You could use a summary section or put it in the body of the resume...
© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.