In the next blog as part of the 4-part series on avoiding an outdated resume in 2020, we will be discussing the importance of placing emphasis on your recent skills and successes while not over emphasizing outdated or ‘old’ experience.

How to Avoid an Outdated Resume Part 4: Avoiding ‘Old’ Experience

In a previous blog post we discussed the importance of highlighting relevant skills and experience. With that focus, it is important to understand how to downplay your dated experience as your industry changes or your career path shifts.

If you are not changing role type or industry, a general rule of thumb is to focus your resume’s content on the last 7-10 years. While you can acknowledge the foundation of your career, hiring managers and recruiters are most interest in your current ‘wins’.

When transitioning careers or entering into a new field, it may be necessary to remove all old experience and focus on only what is most relevant to these types of positions. This could include new skills gathered during academic studies, on the job training, or continuing education programs. You do not have to completely eliminate your older experience, but keep in mind what they are hiring you for and focus your resume content on that.