When it comes to writing your work history, then one question that always pops up in your mind is how many jobs you should list on a resume. Today, I’m going to provide a clear answer to that common question. 

The first thing you should know at this point is that a hiring manager or employer has to check multiple job applicants and resumes. Every minute counts. So, don’t clutter your resume with lousy formatting and long lists. Because when a resume doesn’t give your employer a clear understanding of your work experience, then you won’t be able to get an interview call.

Keep it simple, easy-to-understand, and in the standard resume formats. Check four different types of resumes to understand the format of the resume better. Pick a kind of resume that fits your job requirements.

How Many Jobs to Put on a Resume?

Now let’s get back to the main question and its answer.  Here are some points that help you write a clear work-history. 

Get an Idea from Job Ad 

When you are reading the job description and requirement, then you will come across an experience point where your employer made it clear that he is looking for 6-8 years of experience or more. Read what he wants and then add those years' experience in your resume. It is a simple formula that always works in your favor. Check Tips for Writing an Effective Resume in 2020

Consider Relevancy Factor

Keep your work experience relevant to a job you are applying for. If you have done an irrelevant job, then skip it and list only the relevant ones.

For example; When you are applying for a web content writer post, then your experience as a blog writer or technical writer doesn’t count much. Therefore, you should mention only those sites and times when you worked as a web content writer. Because your employer is interested in a web writer when he will check sites where you already created some landing and service pages. He will get an idea about your writing skills, and it is how you can increase your chances of getting hired.

Try to Create Strong Impression

You are sending your resume to impress your employer through your work history. So, when it comes to putting the number of jobs on your resume, then put only those that can leave a strong impression on the mind of your hiring manager. For example, when you worked in the past for a renowned brand, then you can get instant attention from your employer on your resume through this job listing.

Combine Same Jobs At  one Place

One way to save some space on your resume is to combine the same kinds of jobs under one head. For example, when you worked for a junior accountant for years for different companies, then you can make a combo like this.

Junior Accountant (2007-2011)

Company 1, Company 2, Company 3

In the same manner, when you got different roles in the same company, then instead of mentioning them under separate heads, combine them in this way.

Company XYZ 

Accounting clerk (2005-2007)

Junior Account (2007-2009)

Senior Accountant (2009-2011)

You can mention your earlier year jobs quickly by combining them in the same section. An employer will get a clear idea of your work timeline. If you want to know how far your CV should go, then it can go back as much as you want, through this combo formula.

Tap on Qualification Summary

Sometimes, you want to highlight some special skills that you learned and the most important achievement of your life. Instead of putting those jobs on your resume, you should think out-of-the-box. In your qualification summary, you can highlight all those skills by using bullets points. These points will grab the quick attention of an employer.

Make Use of Additional Skill Section

Another way to add more number of jobs in your resume is to mention relevant skills and experience in the additional skill section. When your first-page resume is clear and relevant then for sure, an employer will like to know more about it, and for this purpose, he will look into additional skill sections. Know what skills to put on resume.

Don’t Extend it Too Much

A general rule of thumb is to mention 10-year experience in chronological order on your resume. Don’t go beyond that because if you do, then the length of your resume will be extended than two pages. No hiring manager wants to read that much. So, try to be smart and adjust everything about your work experience and history on the first two pages.

Wrap up

 Now you got a clear answer on how many jobs you should list on a resume. Always keep your resume relevant, to-the-point, clear, and super attractive. It is your way of finding a way into a company that is looking for a person like you, so give them every reason to hire you by showcasing your talent, work experience, and skills.