One more time! Ethical question: What to include or not include on your resume?

Question

I keep hoping I will get some varied opinions on this, maybe even a discussion!  But I've only gotten one answer in two postings.  :(

I am redoing my resume looking for a new job in a different field. I have always just assumed that I should never leave out a job on my resume because that might look dishonest, but I have just been talking to someone who used to be in the human resources field, and she disagrees. She says that everyone has things they leave off to present themselves in the best light. Basically, the resume is to get your foot in the door, and you can tell them the other stuff later, which I would!

This is the one she says I should leave off. Years ago, I took a job that I only stayed with a short time. I knew it would be a stressful job when I took it. The reason I left was that I was physically completely exhausted due to not only the stress of the job, but also some undiagnosed minor medical stuff, which is now controlled with medicines. I simply was not able to do my best, and I felt that it would be better for someone else to do this. I didn't find out about the medical problems until actually a couple of years later. I have had other positions since then, in fact, I had other jobs before I found out about the medical stuff, but they weren't as stressful physically demanding as the one I left. I did give my employers notice and enough time to replace me, and I made it a point to have all my responsibilities completed and up-to-date when I left. I didn't do ANYTHING wrong here, I just was a walking zombie!

I really would prefer to leave this job off, as the short time period doesn't look good, but I certainly don't want to lose a future position because they think I was dishonest! I definitely would not leave it off the official application for whatever I was applying for.

Also, how far back should I go?  I have been employed most of the last 35 years!  

I want to present myself in the best light, but I don't want anyone thinking I was being deceptive. What do you think?

Steve D · Accepted Answer

Resumes should be at the longest 2 pages and more preferably at 1 1/2 pages (1 page if you can do it).  Current thinking is to go back no further than 10 or 15 years unless the experience of older jobs is directly relevant.  I would stop where you are now and just put a line about "Further employment history available upon request"

A Hunch · Answer

If you have been employed for 35 years, you only put the positions that are relevent to your current career level.  I am currently, an HR Executive when I was in High School I worked for a fabric store = not relevent, does not go on the resume.  As well as junior positions don't go on the resume = As i said I'm in an executive level role = yes, I obviously had entry level and sub entry level positions but what do these tasks have to do with what level of work I do now.  My potential employers know I didn't graduate from college and become a VP or Director... but processing new hire paperwork is not important to what I do now except knowing what needs to be done.

? · Answer

I also have 35 years but mainly at one company and several promotions. The resume unless a Fed resume which is a separate resume up to five pages should NOT go back more than 10 years. Most jobs you worked over 10 years ago the skills required, systems and educational requirements would not be up to today's standards for the same position. The highlight of your resume are recent jobs, skills, experience, certifications or degrees.  Please do not put this short term job or others prior to 10 years on your resume it screams your age and does not have any added value.

Anonymous · Answer

It relies upon. in case you have been in an excellent play in the previous learners 12 months, you are able to incorporate it. i anticipate that element specifically confronts college performs. in case you have sufficient to top off your resume devoid of small areas, do no longer incorporate them. i do no longer think of it must be dated, it would not make lots experience.

Fakry A · Answer

35years

One more time! Ethical question: What to include or not include on your resume?

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