Monster Resume Expert
Monster’s career experts often receive questions
about how to handle job-hopping and long periods of unemployment on the resume.
But occasionally we are asked how to handle long-term employment — jobs lasting
10 years or longer with one company. Increased job opportunities have
contributed to a more mobile workforce, where employees often jump at better job
offers without feeling they owe their current employers anything. Gone are the
days when employees stayed with one employer for an entire career. This leaves
long-term wondering, “Am I a dinosaur?”
The answer, of course, is no.
The key is to present your long-term work history as a positive attribute, proof
you’re in for the long haul. Recruiting a new employee is an expensive endeavor
— companies are always looking for ways to promote long-term tenure — so
demonstrate you are a worthwhile investment. If you would like to use your solid
work history as a selling point, here are seven ways to enhance your resume:
1. Keep Learning.
Some employers might
view your long-term employment as an indication that your skills have stagnated.
Prove them wrong by constantly refreshing your skills through formal education
and self-study. Participate in professional development courses sponsored by
your employer or paid out-of-pocket. Create a Professional Development section
on your resume to list your ongoing education.
2.
Remove Outdated Skills and Credentials.
Obsolete skills are a sure
sign of a dinosaur, so omit them. If you aren’t sure, ask a trusted colleague or
potential hiring manager whether or not a particular skill is in vogue. You can
also glean this information by scouring job ads — if the skill isn’t included
in job postings, it should probably be omitted.
3.
List Different Positions Separately.
Promotions illustrate that your
company realized your worth and offered you more responsibility. Even lateral
moves indicate your employer recognized your diverse talents. Instead of
grouping all of your positions under one heading, give your positions individual
descriptions along with distinct time periods. Reinforce your internal mobility
with terms such as “promoted to” or “selected by CEO to assist with a new
department start-up.” If you’ve been in the same position for your entire
tenure, show how you’ve grown in this position and made a difference to the
organization. To jog your memory, think about how your current job duties differ
from when you first started.
4. Display
Accomplishments.
Your employment description should go beyond merely
listing job duties. To get noticed in this competitive job market, your resume
should feature a track record of accomplishments. If you feel stifled in your
current position, volunteer for a project that’s outside your core competency to
experience new challenges and develop new skills.
5. Use Your Employment History to Your Advantage.
Use
longevity, dedication, commitment, loyalty, and perseverance as selling points,
both on your resume and in interviews. You also have the advantage of having
seen your accomplishments through from beginning to end.
6. Highlight Experiences Related to Your Goal.
If
you’ve been with a company for many years, chances are that you boast a long
list of achievements. However, your résumé should only present the experience,
skills and training that relate to your current goal. Since a resume is a
marketing piece rather than a career history, don’t feel that your resume must
cover every detail of your career. Edit down your experience so that you are
armed with a powerful resume that is tailored to your current job target.
7. Create a Career Summary Section.
A
well-written summary at the beginning of your resume will present your career in
a positive light. The summary provides an initial hard sell, demonstrating you
are highly qualified for your stated goal.
Conducting a job search after
a long period with one company can seem daunting, but realize that your
experience provides you with skills that will be of value to your next employer
