How flexible can I be with the 10 year look back on resume?

Anonymous

August 28,2023 at 5:53PM UTC

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How flexible can I be with the 10 year look back on resume? I’m a 61 year-old business professional with current credentials, work as a contractor, but have not worked since 12/2022 - family care and then I got sick myself. There are openings in my field and I’m getting close to heading back to work.

10-years back on my resume takes me to the last three years of my tenure at one parent company. During the 11 years I worked for that parent company, I was at three different business units within that organization. All three business units were very well-known brands on their own.

I’m probably overthinking this, but it doesn’t seem right to list my last position there covering three years, while leaving out the first two positions. But I keep hearing that going back more than 10 years will age me, and adding my full tenure there will provide 17 years. I don’t think I have a choice.

How should I handle this on my resume?

Btw: I’m handling the gap in employment with the dates and Family Leave - I can talk to this when asked. During that time I also took a few skill-based classes in my field.

TIA!

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AnonymousAugust 28,2023 at 6:18PM UTC
Ok, here goes. Do a skills based resume based what you are looking for. I created one for marketing, because that is what my interest is in and what my background is in. However, I've been doing tech support for the last 11.5 years and was concerned that was all employers would look at and bypass me. So I created a skills based resume and didn't put in the dates. I got two interviews this past week.
AnonymousAugust 28,2023 at 6:58PM UTC
This is a great idea! I've been working in sales/operations for 10+ years but I want to transition to a Learning & Development career path. I've created a skills based resume as well but I still worry employers will look at my job titles "sales operations manager" and bypass me.
AnonymousAugust 31,2023 at 12:15AM UTC
I agree, this IS a good idea, but it has flaws. I've been in environmental science (hazardous materials remediation) for 15 years, and have an additional 15 years of office/public service experience. I could build a stellar skills-based resume that would get attention and possibly an interview, if job hunting worked like it used to. Unfortunately, when I complete an application on line, I don't have the option to use just my skills. I have to complete a chronological job history or the application form won't let me hit "submit". I can't just attach a resume and cover letter and hope for the best, like the good old days. I have to go through the entire online application process and fill out every single field. I am screwed from the get go. And, like others here have mentioned, even if I did get an interview, the minute I walk in the door, my gray hair gives it all away. After nine months, I'm just going through the motions and hoping I'll find a job before I have to officially retire!
AnonymousAugust 28,2023 at 7:12PM UTC
Unfortunately, you will be dated the moment you walk into the interview. Your work history is your work history. 10-years back on my resume takes me to the last three years of my tenure at one parent company. During the 11 years I worked for that parent company, I was at three different business units within that organization. All three business units were very well-known brands on their own.
These are your words. Own it.
AnonymousAugust 30,2023 at 2:16PM UTC
If I were to put only the last 10 years on, I would never get a job. I keep all mine on there. Not doing so just levels the playing field for people less experienced than you are. And that’s your selling point. Why would you take that away? If people are too stupid to hire you simply because you’re “older”, Then that’s their mistake. Every job I’ve ever gotten has had all of my work on it and it’s exactly the reason I got the job.
AnonymousAugust 30,2023 at 2:22PM UTC
I have the same problem because I did a career pivot 20 years ago. I have senior management experience, but it was when I was in my first (of three) career. Even though it was dated, I have gotten interviews based on some of that experience. However, I didn't get the job after the second interview, presumably because others had more recent experience, and I dated myself when I walked into the room. I am sure they were looking for someone much younger than me. I use the entire 20 years of my current career, and even though I am still looking, I know I am getting noticed. Time will tell.