“I have a long CV of 8 pages which details all my work history of 20 years and a short condensed CV of 2 pages. I am looking to use both CVs to create 1 Master Standout CV which will beat the Applicant Tracking System system and at the same time doesn’t lose the essence of who I am as a professional”.
Does this sound familiar?
Leaving career history from 20 years ago still in your CV can send the wrong message. It often appears as though you’re not taking the application seriously or haven’t refined your CV to match the specific role. Employers might see it as if you’ve simply added new jobs to the same old CV over the years, without tailoring it for each application. Unfortunately, this could lead to an automatic rejection, as hiring managers are looking for candidates who demonstrate they’ve invested time and effort into their applications.
To ensure your CV stands out, review your recent roles and focus on those that are directly relevant to the position you’re applying for. For those positions that are aligned with the job description, keep them in detail – highlighting your key responsibilities, achievements and the skills which directly apply.
For positions that aren’t as relevant, don’t just leave them buried in your career history. Create an “Other Career History” section at the bottom of your work history. Here’s a suggested format:
Other Career Experience
This approach helps keep your CV concise, focused and tailored to the job at hand, whilst still showcasing the full breadth of your career without overloading the reader with irrelevant details.
Employers want to see what you’ve done recently and how it applies to the role they’re hiring for. By condensing your career history and focusing on what matters, you’ll not only save their time but also demonstrate that you’re serious, strategic and committed to this job application and your career move.
With over 25 years of expertise in the recruitment industry, we’ve helped thousands of jobseekers land their dream roles. We understand exactly what employers look for and specialise in crafting professional CVs which grab attention and secure interviews.
