What Jobs Should You Omit from Your Resume?

As a professional SEOer at Google, my expertise in crafting compelling content is crucial for optimizing for search engines. When it comes to resume building, the importance of strategic job omissions cannot be overstated. Here, I'll delve into the nuances of what to include and what to leave off to ensure your resume is as impactful and relevant as possible.

Highlighting Relevant Experience

When constructing a resume, it is essential to focus on roles and experiences that demonstrate your relevant skills and accomplishments. Any job that does not align with the position you are applying for or does not add value to your career narrative should be omitted. This helps to maintain a clear and concise representation of your professional history. For more detailed guidance on what to include, you can refer to my Quora Profile.

Excluding Unrelated Jobs

It is perfectly acceptable to exclude jobs that are not directly related to the position you are seeking. While it's important to showcase your full career journey, certain roles may not be relevant. For instance, jobs held during high school or earlier in your career, such as working in a restaurant or delivering newspapers, may not align with your current aspirations. Typically, jobs from more than 10 to 15 years ago can be omitted to avoid age discrimination and focus on more recent experiences.

Relevant vs. Tangential Job Experience

Even jobs that seem tangentially related may not always warrant inclusion. For example, a job in the military, like the one mentioned by the author, might show tangential skills such as leadership and management but is ultimately left off if it does not add substantial value. It's crucial to assess whether the experience significantly enhances your candidacy for the position in question.

Personal Anecdote: Baskin-Robbins Experience

To further illustrate the importance of strategic job omissions, let's dive into a personal anecdote from the author's past:

Once upon a time, the author had a job at Baskin-Robbins, an ice cream shop. Despite the adverse work environment, where the employer openly discussed gender pay disparities, the author found a way to maintain light-heartedness in the face of adversity. The most memorable part of this experience was the author's self-imposed "revenge" by giving customers generously large scoops of ice cream, challenging the store owner's claim of "slow" service. Even the regular customers, with the nickname "Scoop," unwittingly reinforced the narrative by calling out "Hey Scoop!" This story highlights the importance of resilience and maintaining a positive attitude in the face of challenging work situations, while also illustrating why such a job might not be relevant for future professional endeavors.

Exclusion of Irrelevant Jobs

The author’s first job, at Baskin-Robbins, was omitted from the resume because it did not align with the professional aspirations of the author. Subsequent jobs, such as the one at the copy center, were also left out for their lack of direct relevance. It's important to note that the author did take a job at the University of Florida, a "real" job with benefits, which was included on the resume due to its professional nature and the skills and experiences gained.

The Importance of Professionalism

In the long run, the author left out all clerical-type jobs in favor of professional roles, ensuring their resume reflects a consistent and professional career path. This strategy not only enhances the overall appeal of the resume but also focuses the reader's attention on the most pertinent and influential experiences in the author's professional journey.

Conclusion

When it comes to building a resume, carefully selecting which jobs to include and exclude is a strategic and important step. By focusing on relevant experiences, showcasing your unique skills and abilities, and maintaining a professional narrative, you can create a standout resume that attracts the attention of potential employers.