How many years of work experience should be on a resume?

Question

Kate Swindlehurst · Accepted Answer

There is no set rule as to how many years of work experience should be on a resume, but generally, you should include 10-15 years of work experience. Of course, if you are not old enough to have that much, put in as much as you have, and be sure to demonstrate how your experience helps prepare you for the position you seek.

While the recommended years of work experience is 10-15, you can include more or less depending on your exact career goals. If you had incredible work experience 17 years before, don't feel like you can't add that. You can add anything that helps bolster your resume, so if an older job does that, do not feel like you cannot include that.

Similarly, if you are earlier in your career and your early work experience that puts you to that 10-15 year mark is unrelated to what you're seeking currently, you can choose to leave that off. It is important to note that there is so much you can learn from a job, even if it isn't directly related to your current work, but there may be some older experiences you choose to cut.