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How to indicate on a resume a return to a previous employer.

As you move from job to job, fate may bring you back to a previous employer . This doesn’t mean that you won’t have to re-apply for the position and submit a resume. That means that the human resources department will see that you worked for the company before and will want to know why you left. Your resume should answer that question for them.

List the previous four employers you worked for in the work experience section. If you were previously employed with a company further back than that, you don’t need to worry about including it on your resume in the work experience section, but it does need to be addressed elsewhere.

Write why you left the company in the job description for the previous time your worked for the company. This will answer the question that your new supervisor will want to know. Make sure the answer is honest, though, because your previous employment record can be checked.

Include why you have chosen to return to the company in your job objective. This will answer another pressing question that your former employer will have. The goal of a resume is to get you an interview so you need to head off the concerns that a former employer might have by anticipating some of those questions and addressing them with your resume.

Use any company-specific facts, language and information you have when tailoring your resume to the company so that it resonates with whoever reads it at the company. This will put your previous experience with the company to good use.

List the previous employer based on the most-recent employment dates if you worked for an employer more than once. You should also include both sets of dates.

List the employer twice if the job titles and duties were significantly different each time you worked for the employer. If you had different jobs, even if it was for the same company, it might as well have been two different companies.

If you are returning to a previous company, don’t expect things to be the same, either good or bad. Things change over time as do personnel. Approach the job as if it was a position with a new company.

Related Articles

How to list multiple jobs within a single company on a resume →, how to format a resume if you're returning to a previous employer →.

I Have Had Only One Job: What Type of Resume Do I Choose? →

How to fill out duties on a job application →.

How to Overcome Criminal Convictions When Writing a Resume →

What to Put on a Job Application As a Reason for Leaving →

James Rada, Jr. was a newspaper reporter for eight years and earned 23 awards from the Maryland Delaware D.C. Press Association, Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists, Maryland State Teachers’ Association and CNHI. He also worked for 12 years as a marketing communications writer, earning a Print Copywriter of the Year Award from the Utah Ad Federation. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications.

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5 Returning to Workforce Resume Examples for 2024

• Returning to Workforce

Best for senior and mid-level candidates

There’s plenty of room in our elegant resume template to add your professional experience while impressing recruiters with a sleek design.

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• Returning to Workforce 2
• Returning to Workforce 3
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• Returning to Workforce 5
• Returning to Workforce Resume Writing 101

Whether you took a sabbatical or spent some time caring for a loved one, returning to the workforce usually means leveraging a resume maker and a whirl with a free cover letter builder . Your skills and experiences might have changed since the last time you were employed, and you might want to change your resume formatting to emphasize your skills over the gap in your work experience. 

Whatever the reason behind your return, we’ll help you put your best foot forward. Get ready to roll with our five returning to workforce resume examples.

Returning to Workforce Resume

or download as PDF

Returning to Workforce 2 Resume

Returning to Workforce 3 Resume

Returning to Workforce 4 Resume

Returning to Workforce 5 Resume

Related resume examples

• Stay At Home Mom Returning to Work
• Front Desk Receptionist
• Personal Assistant
• Stay At Home Mom

What Matters Most: Skills & Work Experience

While the role you’re applying for matters, hiring recruiters looking at a returning to workforce resume will want to know whether you applied yourself during your time away. 

You don’t have to disclose every sordid detail—all you need is to demonstrate that your skills are relevant to the job , whether new or existing.

Here are some of the best returning to workforce skills recruiters are looking for.

9 best returning to workforce skills

• Customer service
• Project management
• Organization
• Time management
• Problem-solving 
• Microsoft Office
• Communication skills
• Active listening

Sample returning to workforce job experience bullet points

Filling in the blanks with any volunteer, freelance, unpaid, or part-time work you might have done will help dispel any assumptions made about your resume gap.

Although you shouldn’t feel like you have to go into specifics about your career break (especially if it’s sensitive or personal), adding quantifiable metrics whenever possible can help potential employers get a better idea of what you did with your time. 

Here are a few samples:

• Advised and assisted the family of 5 in planning healthy meals, purchasing, and preparing foods 
• Created, assigned, and scheduled various housekeeping duties for 3 children ages 4 to 12, according to their capabilities 
• Kept track of the grocery inventory, making sure items moved on a FIFO basis, saving the household $4,000+ a year in grocery shopping expenses
• Provided 24/7 in-home care for my mother during treatment for a medical condition until she made a full recovery within two years
• Traveled to 8 cities in Asia, Australia, South America, and North America to gain personal and professional perspective

Top 5 Tips for Your Returning to Workforce Resume

• If you’re returning to the workforce, chances are that the career experience you had might not be as relevant to the current job market, even if you have more than 10 years of experience. Unless you have been actively keeping up with your skills while you were away, it’s better to keep only the important details in your resume .
• Start with your career break, then record your most recent jobs. This filters out any employers who might prefer complete career histories and addresses your resume gap early on, allowing the reader to focus on the rest of your work experience and what you can contribute to the new role.
• You might have moved or had a change in relationship status, leading to a different last name. List your most recent contact details at the top of your resume, and consider adding any career-related social media you might have.
• Depending on the position you’re applying to, you could benefit from a skills section that details how you applied your skills in a quantifiable and measurable way. You can also highlight your skills section by moving them so that the recruiter reads it before your work experience.
• Listing your work experience in months and years can make the gap in your career stand out. Changing to using years only will help recruiters focus on the time you spent employed, shifting their perspective toward your career instead of the lack thereof.

Yes, especially if you’re having trouble filling out the blank space in your resume. You can also link your education with any studying or application you did during your time off. The key here is to demonstrate how your skills and experience are relevant to the present job climate.

Any job will do as long as you’re qualified for it and it appeals to you! Some people choose to change career paths when they return, while others get right back to the industry they previously worked in. While you’re job hunting, consider getting an entry-level job in the meantime to fill out your resume.

While we don’t usually recommend including a career summary if you have a lot of relevant information to include in your resume, adding one can help break the ice and mention your resume gap within the context of your career. If you choose to write one, make sure it’s tailored to the job you’re applying for.

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How To Write a Resume To Return to Your Previous Career

Has your career been derailed? Maybe veering away from your previous career path was intentional and maybe it wasn’t. But if you have been working outside your usual career path and want to return, writing a resume can present a challenge.

Problematic situations . That is why most of our clients come looking for resume help . You are not alone!

There are plenty of good reasons you may have left your career…

Your spouse took a great job in a new city, and since you weren’t really ready to be single, you quit your job and went with her.

Or, you reached that point in your life where you wondered if maybe you could be a ________ (fill in the blank with that thing you always wanted to be).

Or you took the leap and started that entrepreneurial Beanie Baby Collectors Cafe. Unfortunately there weren’t as many people as passionate about Beanie Babies as you were.

Or, through no fault of your own, you got caught up in a major downsizing, were laid off , and had to find a job outside your field to pay the bills.

Whatever the reason was that you left , you’re ready to get back to it.

But you’re feeling rusty and unsure . And, of course, you have no idea how to explain the transition in your resume .

Which is precisely why you are here reading this article and seeking tips on how to write a resume to return to a previous career path.

What to do…

The good news is that you can use your work experience to your advantage – being able to show steady employment is one of the top requirements that recruiters and hiring managers want to see. The better news is that your experience it still valuable. You may just need to run it through a refresh cycle.

Put Your Current / Most Recent Employment in the Best Light Possible

Whether it’s on an application or in an interview , you’ll be asked about your most recent employment. Make it work for you by highlighting on your resume the transferable skills that help you in your chosen profession.

It may take some thought to figure it out, but you absolutely used the skills you developed in your previous career path in your most recent work.

And this is definitely time to create a targeted resume . Getting back on track means putting all focus on showing what you can do and why that new employer will benefit from hiring you .

Here is the first page of a targeted resume that we wrote for a Distinctive Career Services ‘ client who was trying to return to a nursing career path while bringing in some of the executive management skills she had developed when she had to unexpectedly take over management of the company business.

If you are looking for ideas on how to write your resume to return to your previous career, this resume example should inspire you:

Get a Refresh in Your Field

Most fields have some sort of association or professional organization. Find yours. Depending on the requirements, you may be able to join, but at a minimum, you can attend events . This is also a great place to learn about professional conferences.

Either way, include this information on your new targeted resume to return to your previous career. And attending industry events gives you an opportunity for networking and asking about openings in your field.

If you have had a certification related to your profession, see what you need to do to refresh it. If you’ve never had the certification, research what it will take for you to get certified.

Does certification require passing a test? Start the training process to prepare.

Again, you should include these refreshed certifications on your resume.   Even if all you are doing right now is training, get that info on your resume :

“Currently enrolled in continuing education coursework required for Xxxxxx Certification.”

You may not be able to actually obtain it, but starting the process will both get you up to speed and give you another plus when talking to potential employers . In the process of training and testing, try to do some more networking.

There’s that word again. Networking. You need to do it.

Ready for the second page of the targeted resume shown above? If you are reading this article because you are looking for resume writing tips to help ease your transition back to your previous career path, this example resume illustrates some key strategies.

Networking is one of the best job search tools you can use. If you’re trying to get back into your former career, getting in touch with that former network is crucial .

If you’ve lost touch with your former colleagues, now’s the time to reconnect. In addition to getting you in the loop for possible job openings, getting back in the habit of “talking about work” will help you get up to speed on what’s going on in your field.

Use social media like Linkedin and Twitter to make industry connections. If you’ve moved to a different state or city , look for second or third connections in your area. Ask your first level connection for an introduction.

Beef Up on Your Tools

The best way to get back on track for your job search is to start your job search , even if you’re not ready to start your job search. Look up your target position on job boards and create a list of the tool knowledge that’s expected. These will be important keywords for your resume.

For tools that you’ve used, see if you can find a refresher course. For tools you haven’t used, looked for an introductory course, or research the tool online and learn as much as possible as you can. Again your relevant areas of knowledge and training should be included on your targeted resume written to return to your previous career.

If the job postings ask for knowledge of regulations or standards, do the research so you can talk to the standards. Learn or relearn the industry jargon and abbreviations. Being able to talk the talk gives you a connection to the industry that will help both in looking for jobs and in job interviews .

Check Out Our Blog and Contact Us For Resume Assistance

No matter what questions you have about getting back into your previous career, look through our job searching blog for tips. And, of course, if you need resume help , we’re here. Just book a free Resume Writing Consultation to learn more.

About the Author: Michelle Dumas

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How to Create a Return to Work Resume (With Sample)

February 16, 2024 | Career Advice

If you’re returning to the workforce after time off, updating your resume should be your first priority. Your resume will help you get your foot in the door, showcase your skills, and convince hiring managers to pick up the phone and call you for an interview. 

Follow these tips to create a resume for returning to work, and use the sample resume below for inspiration as you position yourself as a standout candidate.

What to Focus on in a Return to Work Resume

Prioritizing your strengths.

Your job-specific strengths should be showcased more prominently than your work experience if you’ve been out of the workforce for a long time. It’s vital to instantly convey to hiring managers how you’re qualified for the job they’re hiring for, which can be done by moving the skills section of your resume to the top or using a format that places less of an emphasis on previous jobs (more on this below).

Modernizing your old resume

Your resume from before you left the workforce probably has a lot of good material, and your prior experience is still relevant. There’s no need to trash it and build a new resume from scratch completely. Use your old resume as a starting point, then modernize it.

The professional world has changed significantly in the last several years. Resume design norms have evolved, as has the way companies hire. Your resume should be current for the year you’re applying and adjusted to the post-pandemic world.

Why Do You Need a Resume for a Return to Work?

It’s the first thing hiring managers see.

Your professionalism and charm might help you land the job… but first, you need to get the chance to exercise them by landing an interview. Your resume is one of the first things hiring managers see when you throw your hat in the ring for an open position, so getting it right is crucial to making a good first impression and breaking back into the workforce.

Highlight your transferable skills

Since you don’t have a current job for hiring managers to go on as a reference point, you need to help them see how your skills are relevant. What makes you qualified to do the job? Your resume connects your background from your prior career and the skills you developed during your time away from the workforce to the position you want now.

When Should You Use a Return to Work Resume?

Use this resume to:

• Return to work after taking time off
• Change careers after a gap in employment 
• Build professional connections that will help you land a job

Common Return to Work Resume Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Accounting for a long gap in employment.

You have two options for handling a long employment gap on a resume. Your first option is to cite it directly by listing what you were doing during that time as an entry under experience, i.e., ‘stay-at-home mom.’ This makes certain hiring managers know the reason for the gap and may keep them from making negative assumptions. Your second option is to downplay your employment gap by making other sections of your resume more prominent or using an alternative format where employment is a secondary focus, like a functional resume. 

Demonstrating impressive accomplishments

It’s much easier to show how you can make an impact on an organization if you have a recent track record of closing big deals or exceeding performance goals. Since you don’t have recent work accomplishments to show, however, you’ll need to sell yourself as a candidate in other ways. Use your resume to highlight achievements and qualifications you’ve gained in other non-work experiences, such as participating in volunteer work or completing a specialized training program.

Return to Work Resume Format and Key Components

A chronological, functional, or combination resume format is a good choice for returning to work.

Your resume should include these components:

• Contact information Begin with your name, address, phone number, and email address.
• Summary A summary section is useful for job seekers who are returning to work, acting as your “elevator pitch” for why you’re a great candidate. Use it to sum up one to two of your strongest skills and highlight what you’d bring to the specific position and company. 
• Skills Zero in on a handful of your top hard and soft skills and list them in a prominent section. As often as possible, use skills that are mentioned as requirements in the job description. This will help your resume get noticed by hiring managers and automated applicant tracking systems used to screen candidates. 
• Accomplishments Share your most noteworthy work achievements that are both measurable and related to the job you are applying for. It is important to show the hiring manager that you are results-driven and have a history of exceeding expectations.
• Education List your degree and the school(s) you attended. 
• Experience List your work experience in reverse chronological order. If you’re using a functional resume format, group your experience or accomplishments by type–i.e., technical experience, leadership experience, etc. Under each item, give specific, detail-rich examples of your accomplishments in that position or area, citing numbers and quantifiable achievements as much as possible. 

Polishing your resume is the first step toward restarting your career a break . Make sure you’re using a modern format, customizing the document for the specific job you’re seeking, and avoiding some of the most common resume mistakes .

Just because you haven’t worked in a traditional full-time job doesn’t mean you don’t have relevant experience. In addition to listing the jobs you held before leaving the workforce, state qualifications you’ve gained during other activities that have filled your time, like serving as a caregiver or managing your household finances.

A cover letter offers a little more leeway in terms of structure and content than a resume, which makes it an ideal place to explain an employment gap and position it in a positive light. 

When you’re returning to work after a long break since your last job, consider using a functional resume format. This alternative format helps call the hiring manager’s attention to your relevant skills, particularly position-specific skills like technical expertise and management experience.

When you’re reentering the job market, you can absolutely include unpaid positions in the experience section of your resume. Show how these roles expanded your skill set, brought you valuable perspective or allowed you to contribute to a worthwhile cause. 

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About Pete Newsome

Pete Newsome is the President of 4 Corner Resources, the staffing and recruiting firm he founded in 2005. 4 Corner is a member of the American Staffing Association and TechServe Alliance, and the top-rated staffing company in Central Florida. Recent awards and recognition include being named to Forbes’ Best Recruiting Firms in America, The Seminole 100, and The Golden 100. Pete also founded ze ngig , to offer comprehensive career advice, tools, and resources for students and professionals. He hosts two podcasts, Hire Calling and Finding Career Zen, and is blazing new trails in recruitment marketing with the latest artificial intelligence (AI) technology. C onnect with Pete on LinkedIn

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3 Examples: How Many Years to Go Back on a Resume

When crafting your resume, you might wonder how far back to go with your work history. Generally, a span of 10-15 years is a good rule of thumb. This timeframe is often long enough to show your professional growth and relevant accomplishments without overloading the reader with outdated information.

Keep in mind that your resume should serve as a highlight reel, not an autobiography. Focus on including positions that are pertinent to the job you’re applying for. For instance, if you’re looking for a role in marketing, your tenure in marketing-related positions will be more relevant than a short stint in an unrelated field from 20 years ago.

If you have roles over 15 years old that are particularly significant to your career—like a job where you honed a key skill or achieved a remarkable milestone—consider including them in a separate section like “Prior Professional Experience.”

Also, remember that longevity at a company can demonstrate loyalty and stability, so if you’ve been with the same employer for a significant time, that’s worth noting, even if the start date falls beyond the 15-year mark.

Finally, if you have roles that are quite old but showcase a diversity of experience or a unique background that adds value to your narrative, you can mention these briefly without going into too much detail. Listing these roles by title, company, and year, without bullet points of responsibilities or achievements, can keep your resume concise while still conveying your rich background.

Determining Relevant Experience

When crafting your resume, you should consider the years of experience that align best with the job you’re applying for. Let’s look at how to determine which past jobs to include.

Industry Standards

In most industries, you’ll want to include the last 10-15 years of your career to showcase your professional evolution. However, for fast-paced fields like technology or digital marketing, limiting to the last 5-7 years can be preferable to ensure your experience is current.

Career Level

If you’re at a senior or executive level, your earlier roles may demonstrate how you climbed the ladder to your current position. For example, a senior manager might include past management roles to show a consistent trajectory. Alternatively, if you’re in the early stages of your career, it’s more appropriate to include internships or part-time jobs that highlight your development.

Job Field Specialization

Your resume should also reflect specialized experience relevant to the specific field you’re targeting. For instance, a software engineer might focus on coding languages and projects relevant to the job, while a teacher might emphasize their curricular specialties and certifications. Tailoring your resume to your field shows you understand what the role entails and have the expertise to match.

Recommended Year Span for Different Scenarios

When crafting your resume, the number of years you include depends on where you are in your career. Let’s look at the recommended timeframes for different professional levels:

Example 1: Entry-Level Positions

If you are just starting your career, focus on the last 1-3 years. This period will likely cover your education, internships, and any part-time jobs or volunteer work.

• If you held an internship at a marketing firm, include it to showcase relevant experience.
• Part-time work at a café can demonstrate customer service skills.

Example 2: Mid-Career Transitions

For those of you in the midst of your career, generally include 10-15 years of relevant work history. Make sure to highlight roles and accomplishments that are pertinent to the job you’re applying for.

• Include your role as a project manager for a tech startup to illustrate leadership and management experience.
• Any specialized training or certifications from the past decade should be mentioned if they align with the new career path.

Example 3: Senior Professionals

You, seasoned professionals, should include up to 15-20 years of relevant experience. Show your progression into roles with more responsibility as this demonstrates your growth and capabilities.

• Your tenure as a Director at a finance company shows high-level management experience.
• Leading a successful merger can highlight strategic planning skills.

Exceptions to the Standard Resume Length

When certain circumstances apply to your career journey, a one-size-fits-all approach to your resume’s length doesn’t work. You may need to modify the amount of history you include.

Highly Experienced Candidates

If you have an extensive career with many relevant milestones, it’s important to showcase your long-term contributions without overwhelming the reader. You can prioritize:

• Relevance : List positions and achievements from the past 15-20 years that align with the job you’re applying for.
• Leadership roles : Highlight any leadership or executive positions you’ve held, as these are often critical to your profile.

For example, if you’re a senior professional with 30 years of experience in finance, consider featuring your roles as a CFO or financial director, rather than every single early-career position.

Career Changers

Switching careers can be exciting, and your resume should reflect the new direction you’re taking. Focus on:

• Transferable skills : Emphasize the skills and experiences from your past that apply to your new field.
• Recent education/training : If you’ve pursued new credentials for your career change, place significance on these qualifications to establish your commitment to this transition.

Say you’re moving from a career in journalism to marketing; highlight your communication skills, campaign management experiences, and any recent marketing courses you’ve completed.

Formatting Your Resume

When organizing your resume, you should focus on clarity and relevance to present your professional experience effectively.

Chronological Order

A chronological resume lists your work history with the most recent positions at the top. You’ll detail your jobs from newest to oldest, and while this format is straightforward, remember it’s important to maintain consistency with dates and job titles for easy reading.

Functional Resume

In a functional resume, your skills and qualifications are the stars. Group your abilities under thematic cold like “Project Management” or “Customer Service” and provide examples like “Managed a team of 10” or “Resolved an average of 20 customer inquiries per hour”. This means emphasizing what you can do, rather than when you did it.

Hybrid Resume

A hybrid resume combines elements of both chronological and functional formats. You start with a skills section like in a functional resume, then follow with a work history section as in a chronological resume. This type of resume lets you showcase your relevant skills first, followed by your employment history, such as “Expert in Java programming” followed by your latest job where you used that skill.

Highlighting Your Qualifications

When you’re updating your resume, consider which skills and experiences align closely with the job you’re applying for. It’s important to present your qualifications within the past 10 to 15 years, keeping your content relevant and concise.

• List Relevant Skills : Focus on listing skills that are pertinent to the job description. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing position, highlight your experience with digital marketing tools like Google Analytics or SEO strategies.
• Showcase Achievements : Rather than simply listing your job duties, display your accomplishments. Use metrics when possible—like increasing sales by 20%—to provide tangible proof of your impact.
• Emphasize Recent Education : If you’ve taken courses or received certifications recently, even if they’re not part of a degree, include them to show you’re keeping your knowledge up-to-date.
• Organize Chronologically : Put your most recent and relevant positions at the top of your work experience section. This helps recruiters quickly see your most applicable skills.
• Tailor Your Job Descriptions : Adapt previous job descriptions to showcase transferable skills. Managing a team, problem-solving, and effective communication are valuable in nearly any role.

Try to tailor your resume to each job application. By highlighting the qualifications that demonstrate your fit for the specific role, you increase your chances of catching a hiring manager’s attention. Keep your descriptions clear and focused on how your skills translate to the position at hand.

Tailoring Your Resume for the Job Application

When you’re updating your resume, make sure to highlight the experience that’s most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Look at the job description and use keywords that match their requirements in your resume. This means aligning your past roles and achievements with what the hiring manager is looking for.

Start with a clear objective or summary at the top that aligns with the job you want. If you’re applying for a marketing position, your objective should reflect your drive and experience in this field.

Consider the following:

• Relevancy : If you’ve held multiple positions, prioritize the ones that are most relevant to the job. You might even omit some roles that are less pertinent to show a focused career path.
• Achievements : Use bullet points to list your achievements in past roles rather than just your responsibilities. For example, instead of saying “Responsible for managing a team,” say “Managed a team of 10 and increased sales by 15% over one year.”
• Skills : Include a skills section where you can quickly show your proficiency in areas that the job requires. If the job needs strong analytical skills, list your experience with data analysis software or methods.
• Formatting : Make your resume easy to scan. Use headings for sections like Experience, Education, and Skills, and keep your bullet points concise.

Your resume is your chance to make a great first impression, so take the time to tailor it to the job you’re aiming for. This shows employers that you’ve put thought into how you’re a good fit for their team.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal number of past jobs to list on a resume.

You should aim to list the last 3-5 jobs or the past 10-15 years of your work history, whichever presents you most effectively for the role you’re applying for. Prioritize relevance and impact over quantity.

Can you provide guidance on the appropriate length for a professional resume?

A resume should typically be one to two pages long. Focus on conciseness and relevance, ensuring you have enough room to exhibit your qualifications without overwhelming the reader.

What is a suitable length of time for including work history on job applications?

It’s advisable to include up to the last 10-15 years of work history. This timeframe usually provides enough insight into your professional experience and skills.

How should I address significant employment gaps in my resume?

Be honest about employment gaps. You can explain these in a positive light, perhaps highlighting any constructive activities you were engaged in during those times, such as education, volunteering, or freelance projects.

At what point should my employment history begin when drafting my resume?

Start your employment history with the most recent or current position and work backwards. You don’t have to include every job, especially if it’s not relevant or it dates back more than 15 years unless it’s a major highlight in your career.

How can I effectively showcase my years of experience in my resume?

Emphasize achievements and outcomes rather than duties, and use metrics when possible. For instance, if you increased sales by 20%, that’s a compelling piece of your experience to highlight.

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Does returning to a previous employer look bad on a resume?

A year ago, I left my job for a new one. That didn't work out for several reasons, and my year contract ends soon. It so happens that my old employer is offering me my old job back (their initiative). I loved the people there and the organization has improved, so I'll probably accept.

I just have one doubt: say that at some point in the future I will be looking for work again, how will this look on my resume? How much of a red mark is it?

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• 6 Not enough for an answer, but from a resume POV, it might not be bad (as the answers point out), but for the employer you're going back to it might be a red flag. If was so easy for you to leave once, what's to stop you from packing up and leaving again if any of the previous issues crop back up? You mention it was their initiative to bring you back, so maybe this isn't an issue for them. –  CDspace Commented Jan 24, 2017 at 17:26
• 1 @CDspace Who said that it was 'easy' to leave? It might be that the OP decided to try something else after a while at the company. If the red flag you mentioned exists, the old employer won't want the OP back, unless they're really desperate. –  cst1992 Commented Jan 25, 2017 at 13:28
• Great answers which reflect what I would have said - I've been through this experience myself, and it ended up putting me on an even better career track in the long term (was doing a lower-level job, left for something a bit higher than my company could offer, got a ton of great experience, got headhunted back into a more senior role at the old place). –  flith Commented Jan 26, 2017 at 12:36

4 Answers 4

Why do you think it's a red mark? It shows that you quit the first time without burning bridges and that your previous employer thinks highly of you, otherwise they wouldn't want you back.

I did pretty much the same thing: tried a startup that tanked after a year and went back to my previous gig. No problem at all.

• I'm afraid it would look like a step back, evidence of not growing, that sort of thing. –  GuestyMcGuestface Commented Jan 24, 2017 at 13:01
• 117 On the contrary. If anything, it's a mark in your favor, demonstrating that you can leave a job on such favorable terms that they'd be glad to have you return. Of course, it's all about your story and how you choose to tell it. I would avoid saying things like, "I went back to my old job." and instead say something more like, "An opportunity opened up at my previous employer and given my history there, it was easy to make the decision to accept their offer" (use your own wording, but you get the idea) –  DLS3141 Commented Jan 24, 2017 at 13:39
• 20 That does make me more optimistic :-). Since job titles there are basically made up on the spot I'll get a better one too. –  GuestyMcGuestface Commented Jan 24, 2017 at 14:09
• 1 @GuestyMcGuestface: Don't think of it as having left, think of it as being an alumni. I've quit my job about half a year ago now, and my manager and director were both very insistent that I would be welcome if I wanted to get back, just had to say the word (which is interesting since they were in a shrinking phase) and given my experience there I would consider it. –  Matthieu M. Commented Jan 25, 2017 at 12:15
• 3 If the job title sounds like a promotion, even better. Then you don't just have your old job back, you have a new, better one. Many people leave companies because they felt they had a better chance for promotion at a different company then circle back to the original company in a higher level job. –  Guy Schalnat Commented Jan 25, 2017 at 12:46

I would take it as a signal that you got along well with your old employer even after you parted ways the first time. That's a good thing.

If you had quit or had been fired from your current job, I would be afraid the same might happen with my company and you will be back with the old company as your fallback at the smallest problem, but a contract running out is a good reason to change employers and I cannot find anything bad about that.

I would not consider it a red mark. But hiring people is not exactly hard science, other people might think different.

If they are offering you a senior designation than what you had before then this will be good for you! This will show you are reliable, capable, a team player and a smart person.

In your resume, you can just give a summary of what designation you were on earlier, and what designation you are now working on. Also to your future employers, you can mention the positive side of it during the interviews.

Future employers will likely ask you what happened. This is very common, and I would do so if I saw this situation on the applicant's resume. Simply being truthful (something I recommend no matter the situation) and explaining that you left and they asked you back when the new contract ended, should be sufficient. Personally, I would be curious and think "there must be a reason that they asked this person back.".

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Resume Examples and Writing Tips for Older Job Seekers

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Age isn't always an advantage when you're job searching, especially in a competitive job market. Hiring managers can view older workers as more expensive to hire, as having outdated experience or too much experience, or as not being current with today's technology and workplaces—even though it is  illegal to discriminate based on age .

One way to overcome the perception that your age is an issue is to "age-proof" and carefully edit your resume. Your resume isn’t  your CV , so it doesn’t need to include everything you’ve ever done.

Learn what to include on your resume, what to leave off, how to choose the best resume format, review examples and get a resume template for older job seekers.

Limiting what you include on your resume, from a chronological perspective, can help job seekers avoid the stigma of being considered "too old" by a prospective employer.

Also, showing that you're up to speed with the latest technology and skills needed for your profession will help maximize your chances of getting selected for an interview. The following resume writing tips for older job seekers will help market your candidacy and showcase your skills to employers without highlighting your age.

Consider a Functional or Combination Resume.  If you’re currently using a  chronological resume , which lists your experience in date order, it may be time to switch to a different format that doesn’t focus on the years.

Consider using a  functional resume , which focuses on your skills and experience and lists your accomplishments at the top of your resume. Alternatively, you could use a  combination resume , which features both skills and your work history (just don’t go back more than 10 or 15 years).

Limit Your Related Experience.  Limit the related experience (related to the job you are applying for) you  include on your resume to 10 to 15 years , leaving older jobs off your resume entirely.

Another option is to include the older jobs in a separate section of your resume, but don’t list the dates when you worked.

Drop Your Other Experience.  You want to keep your resume experience relevant for the job you’re hoping to land, and unrelated experience is probably just not necessary. Leave all that experience off your resume or list it without dates in a category labeled “Other Experience” or “Additional Experience.”

Don't Include Education / Training Dates.  Don't include high school and college graduation dates or dates for any other courses you took, or professional development classes that were in the past. If you have a college degree, don't list your high school graduation date on your resume.

Be Careful About Years.  Don't list the length of experience you have in your  resume objective , if you use one. For example, it's not advantageous to say you have 20 or 30 years of experience in anything. It’ll flag you as older, and your resume may just get tossed out.

The best way to show that you are a seasoned professional is to say that you have “10+ years’ experience” in your field. This isn’t a lie, and it allows you to capitalize upon your value as an employee with significant experience.

How to Show How You're Qualified

Target Your Resume.  Take the time to write a  targeted resume  that’s customized so that it specifically highlights the experience you have that’s relevant to the specific job opening you’re applying for. The same targeted resume won’t work for every job, and you’ll need a different one for each job opening.

Highlight Your Skills.  All your years of experience probably means you’ve built up an impressive skill set. Shine a light on the skills that are most valuable and that show you’re comfortable with contemporary technology. Promote the fact that you're up-to-date with current technology by including the latest programs and apps you know how to use and leaving off out-of-date technology.

Show You're Connected.  Include a  link to your LinkedIn profile on your resume . This will show hiring managers you're engaged in current means of communicating and networking. Depending on your usage, you may want to list your social media handles as well, such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram—but only if they’re up to professional scrutiny.

Polish Your Resume.  Presentation matters. Make sure your resume is polished and well presented. You don't want your resume to look old-fashioned. Hire a resume writer or browse the various resume sites to find the latest templates that will give your resume a fresh look.

Be Ready to Email or Upload Your Resume

Be Prepared to Email Your Resume.  Keep in mind that most resumes are emailed or uploaded to a company website or job site to apply for jobs. Email a copy of your resume to yourself to be sure the formatting doesn't get lost during transmission (sending your resume as a PDF is probably best). Review these email etiquette guidelines to be sure you're following the right protocol for  emailing your resume .

Download the resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word) or see below for a text version to get started on creating your own resume.

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Resume Example (Text Version)

Edward Elder 123 Old Growth Road Mt. Vernon, WA 98273 (123) 456-7890 eelder@email.com www.linked.com/in/edwardelder

SALES PROFESSIONAL

Producing consistent YOY growth through strategic goal-setting and sales floor management.

Charismatic and focused in onboarding, developing, and coaching highly productive retail sales teams. Skillfully train sales associates in winning customer engagement, merchandising, and inventory control methods.    

Analytical and cost-conscious in establishing pricing strategies, preventing shrink, and championing effective customer retention programs. Lead by example to ensure provision of best-in-class customer service.  

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

HOMEWORKS CENTRAL, Mt. Vernon, Washington

SALES MANAGER (February 2016 – Present)

Meticulously perform scope of retail management responsibilities including team building, merchandising, inventory control, scheduling, and sales training and development for established home improvement store. 

Notable accomplishments:

• Redesigned store plan-o-grams that improved cross-sales by 72% and time-in-store by 81%.
• Implemented staff recognition and incentive programs that heightened employee retention to 95%.
• Introduced first-ever succession planning process that ensured seamless transition of sales associates to positions of increased authority as older personnel retired, preventing the need to hire from outside.

CARS R US , Ferndale, Washington

SALES MANAGER (November 2008 – January 2016)

Trained and mentored ~35 Sales Executives in customer service and sales negotiation / closing skills. Forecasted monthly sales expenses, conveyed sales goals, and designed incentive programs.  

• Pioneered dealership’s launch of online sales arm, increasing lead percentage by 63% .
• Increased overall market share by more than 15% YOY throughout tenure.
• Promoted to management from original role as Sales Representative.  ~ Additional experience includes roles as a Sales Executive for Retro Auto (Yakima, Washington) and as a Sales Representative for Home Hardware Sales (Yakima, Washington). ~

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY , Cheney, Washington 

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (Emphasis: Marketing)

Information Technology Skills: Microsoft Office Suite • POS systems • Salesforce

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Is It Embarrassing to Go Back to Your Old Job?

It’s okay to go back to your old job, if for the right reasons. Here’s a career coach’s advice on what the right reasons are and how to overcome the embarrassment of returning.

10 months ago   •   4 min read

Is it embarrassing to go back to your old job? You left that job for a reason, right? But there you are, thumbing the edge of an old business card, considering a reunion with your former 9-to-5. Is it a brave step forward or a cringe-worthy misstep waiting to happen?

Even if it’s genuinely the right choice, you may feel reluctant to return to an old employer. After all, how do you explain that you failed to land a much better job after flouncing out when you were denied a promotion, or explaining to your former colleagues that your seemingly valid reasons for quitting now seem minor?

Keep reading for tips on how to overcome the embarrassment of coming back to your old job. But first, let’s take a look at whether it’s even a good idea to start with (and tips on how to make that decision).

How to tell if you should you go back to your old job

Debating going back to an old job? Here are some reasons to go back — and some reasons to stay away.

Reasons to go back to an old job

You should consider going back to your old job if:

• It aligns with your career goals. Going back to an old job doesn’t have to mean going backwards in your career. If there are better opportunities for advancement at your previous company — especially if you’re returning to a new title, salary bump, or different position entirely — it’s probably a wise decision.
• Familiarity. Don’t underestimate the benefits of familiarity. Knowing what to expect can be as good a reason as any for returning, especially if you value stability in your career.
• You’ve maintained positive relationships. If you left your old job on good terms — especially if you’ve stayed in touch with former colleagues — there’s no reason why your return won’t be a smooth one.
• Things have improved. If you left because of something that’s now been resolved — for example, if your terrible boss has left the company, or there are new opportunities that weren’t available before — it could make sense to return.
• It’s the best option. Sometimes, returning to a previous job just makes sense. If you’ve explored the job market and found that there’s nothing better out there in terms of salary, benefits, or conditions, don’t let pride hold you back from taking the best option available to you.

Reasons not to go back to an old job

On the other hand, it’s probably a bad idea to go back to your old job if:

• You left for a good reason. If you left a toxic work environment, unhealthy work culture, or problematic colleagues, then returning to that same environment can be bad for your physical and mental health, as well as your future job prospects.
• There’s no potential for growth. If your old job doesn’t align with your long-term goals or a lack of opportunities for advancement was holding you back, returning is likely to be a step back professionally.
• You’ve burned your bridges. If you left on bad terms — like if you quit with no notice or have badmouthed your old company since leaving — you’re unlikely to face a warm welcome even if you are able to return.
• You’re motivated by fear. If the only reason you’re considering going back to your old job is that you don’t like your new one, or because it’s familiar, or because you don’t know what to do next, try exploring other options first. There may be more out there than you realize.

The process for deciding if you should return to a previous employer

Still not sure if going back to your old job is the right idea? Here’s how to make the right decision.

• Analyze your reasons for wanting to return. Understanding your motivation for wanting to go back to an old job is the best way to figure out if it’s genuinely a good idea.
• Weigh the pros and cons. Take a look at the list above. How many of them apply to your situation? If there are reasons both for and against, you may need to decide which ones are more important to you.
• Compare the alternatives. Try to think of your previous job like you would any other job. How does it stack up against other opportunities? Make sure you’ve explored all of your options before you commit one way or another.
• Apply for other jobs. Don’t go back to your old job just because it’s easy when there could be better ones waiting for you. Polish up your resume, run it through a free resume scanner , and start applying just to see what else is out there.

How to overcome the embarrassment of going back to an old job

If you’ve decided to go back to your previous employer but you’re worried about the embarrassment of walking back into an old job, here are some tips for how to overcome embarrassment.

Acknowledge your reasons for coming back

Owning your reasons for returning can be the best way to move forward. That doesn’t mean you need to share personal reasons with everyone who asks, but having a quick, breezy answer for when it comes up can help alleviate any awkwardness.

Reframe your decision

Even if you feel like you came back for a ‘bad’ reason, there’s no reason you can’t put a positive spin on it. Left over what now seems like a minor issue? Taking a break allowed you to focus on what really matters in your career. Had trouble landing a new job? Exploring other opportunities made you realize how much you value what your company and current role has to offer.

Focus on your long-term goals

Even if you feel embarrassed right now, trust that you made the right decision in the long term. Remember that this is one step in your overall career journey and think about where to go from here.

Check your ego

If you’re only embarrassed because your ego feels a little bruised, try changing the way you think about it. Adopting a growth mindset is all about taking risks — and accepting that those risks won’t always pay off. Try to focus instead on what you gained, whether that’s new skills, experience, or a fresh perspective.

It can be easier said than done, but sometimes, the best way to overcome negative feelings like embarrassment is just to not care what other people think. If this is the best decision for you, own it — the rest ultimately doesn’t matter.

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• How Far Back to Go on Your...

How Far Back to Go on Your Resume

7 min read · Updated on February 26, 2024

We'll help you decide how much of your career to cover on your resume

One of the first questions you're likely to have when you sit down to write your resume is, “How far back should my resume go?” You're in good company, because almost everyone asks that question at some point. 

When you get it right, you'll be one step closer to winning the interview. However, get it wrong and you'll be in with those people who are not getting many (or any) responses to job applications.

Spoiler alert : You do not (and should not) list every job you've ever had!

To be frank, recruiters and hiring managers don't want to see your whole work history. The attention-getting resume will go back far enough to showcase your relevant experience thoroughly but succinctly, keeping the emphasis on your more recent work. 

So, how far back should a resume go? 

It can vary, depending on the person and work history, but there are some basic guidelines that everyone should follow. If you've received a professionally written resume, then these guidelines will also explain why your professional resume writer may have eliminated some of your earliest work experiences.

Don't go back more than 10 to 15 years

The majority of experts agree that a resume should only include the last 10 to 15 years of employment, and there are several good reasons for this. 

It combats age discrimination

We may not like to admit it, but the fact remains: age discrimination is a reality in today's job market . By eliminating your earlier work history, or minimizing the details, you shift recruiters' attention away from your age and toward what really matters - which is the value you have to offer a prospective employer through your skills and experience.

It keeps your information relevant to the job

The further along you are in your career, the less relevant your earlier work experience becomes. Employers care most about the details of your recent work that tie back to the position they're currently filling – not the jobs you held 15 or more years ago.

By focusing on the parts of your recent experience that demonstrate your qualifications for the job, you're giving employers exactly what they want, which is the Cliff Notes version of your work history rather than the novel.

Employers can quickly and easily scan your resume

Including too many years of experience can make for a very cluttered resume: small font, tiny margins, too many words.

The average recruiter spends less than 10 seconds reviewing a resume before deciding whether an applicant is worth further consideration; a cluttered resume simply requires too much effort for a hiring manager who has possibly hundreds of resumes to review.  

It keeps your resume at two pages

Whether you've worked for six years or 26 years, the golden rule of resume writing is to keep it to a maximum of two full pages.

When you only have 10 seconds to make an impression, more than two pages takes too long to scan. Stick to the two-page resume rule by removing the jobs, training courses, or graduation dates that fall outside of the 15-year window. 

Not sure how to do this without losing important information? A trained resume writer knows how to keep your resume at this required length without removing relevance.

How far back should a resume go based on where you are in your career?

It stands to reason that your resume will look wildly different from someone else's, depending on where you are in your career. Perhaps you just graduated college and are entering the workforce for the first time. On the other hand, you may be a seasoned executive with decades of experience under your belt. Each instance has a different set of rules. 

The key thing to remember is relevancy!

New graduates and entry-level candidates

If you're fresh out of school or barely have any experience, then you won't have an extensive resume with a lot of listings under “Work History.” Employers understand and expect this; after all, they used to be people with no experience, too. When you're in this boat, you can focus your resume on showcasing experience, skills, and achievements through things like academics, special projects, and volunteer work.

You've also likely worked some part-time roles or taken part in an internship as part of your course. These can be great ways to highlight skills. They also help to indicate that you're the type of person who goes above and beyond what's absolutely required of you. In fact, going above and beyond the call of duty is a great soft skill that employers enjoy seeing. 

Mid-level professionals

Once you get past five years of experience, and especially as you approach ten years, it's time to start doing away with those older roles that are less and less relevant. Now, you should have enough industry- or job-specific experience that you don't have to lean on soft or transferable skills to win the day. 

Read through the job description, dissect the relevant keywords that indicate what the company wants in a new hire, and use that information to write your resume. This is called tailoring your resume . 

At this point in your career, you'll probably find that what you write on your resume spills over to two pages. That's perfectly fine. You're getting to the point where you've earned the second page, so use it. But, again, use it wisely. No employer anywhere is going to want you to dump everything you've ever done onto your resume. They only want to know about those things that will make you an asset to their team.

Executive or upper-level professionals

When you hit the 10-15+ years of experience mark, it may become more difficult to determine what to include and what to exclude. You still want to keep your resume relevant and not go too far back on your work history. 

As you write out your professional experience section and start to get to the end of the second page, it's time to decide whether you've gone too far back. It's perfectly acceptable to summarize older roles under an “Early Career Experience” header with no bullet points. 

How far back your resume should go coupled with what wins interviews

At the end of the day, you have to ask yourself, “Is this the thing that's going to get me an interview?” By following these guidelines on what to include in your resume based on where you're at in your career, you'll end up with a document that expertly tells a hiring manager where you are, where you've come from, and how what you know makes you the best candidate for the job. Everything else you can expound on during an interview. 

Whether you choose to take on the challenge of eliminating your past experiences yourself or need the guidance of a professional, you should now have a better understanding of what to keep and what to eliminate from your past work experience – and why it's important.

Looking to cut back some of the fluff on your resume but don't know where to start? Our free resume review can help.

This article was originally written by Amanda Augustine . It has since been updated by Lisa Tynan (2021) and Marsha Hebert (2024) to ensure the content is fresh and consistent with the changing tides of resume writing. 

Recommended reading:

Your Guide to Writing a Resume in 2023

Why Your Resume Gets Ignored

How Do I List 20 Years of Experience on My Resume?

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

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How Far Back Should Your Resume Go? Here’s How to Decide

The struggle is real. After lots of thought, deliberation, and “aha” moments, you’ve decided to start looking for a new job. But before beginning this journey, you’ll have to face the job seeker’s rite of passage: writing or updating your resume.

As a career coach (and former corporate recruiter) who’s been penning resumes since college, I’m all too familiar with the career conundrums resumes cause—from what resume format to use to whether you should submit your resume as a Word doc or PDF , I’ve heard them all.

If you’ve been in the workforce for a while, you might be wondering: How far back should a resume go? Why shouldn’t you just include all of your experience? What amount of work history is enough to convince a recruiter or hiring manager you’ve got the chops for the role, but is not so much they don’t know how to make sense of it all? Well the answer to this career quandary is: It’s complicated.

Generally, your resume should go back no more than 10 to 15 years. However, every applicant is different and so is every resume, and there are a few other rules of thumb that can serve as a GPS as you decide how far back your resume should go.

Why Shouldn’t You List Your Entire Work History on a Resume?

There are a few reasons why you might not want to include every job you’ve ever had on a resume, especially as your career bypasses that 10- to 15-year mark, and you should keep these in mind as you decide what’s best for your resume. You’ll want to:

Stick to the Most Relevant Information

Why 10 to 15 years, you ask? Well, that’s the timeframe recruiters and employers perceive as most relevant. Recruiters aren’t interested in your accomplishments as an entry-level employee if you’ve been in the field for 20 years. And even if you’re early in your career, they don’t necessarily need to know about a paper route on a resume slated for a tech position.

Your resume should be a high-level summary of your relevant professional accomplishments, not a dissertation of all your jobs and responsibilities since middle school. Recruiters and hiring managers want to quickly see why you’re the right person for this job, and your experience in the past decade or so is most likely the reason. So think twice before you let non-essential information take up real estate on your resume. Instead use that space to shine a light on applicable achievements, experiences, and positions that more closely align with the jobs you’re targeting.

Keep Things Brief

If you keep your experience contained to the last 10 to 15 years, it’s also easier for recruiters to review your work history with a cursory glance over your resume. As you get further along in your career, it’s OK for your resume to stretch to two pages—but more than that will be too long for a recruiter to take in quickly, and they might even skip it entirely. So while you may feel a little shortchanged lopping off your years of sweat equity, you’ll be more likely to make it past that first look if you trim your experience timeline.

Avoid Age Discrimination

Unfortunately, age discrimination in hiring isn’t an urban legend, and having too many years of experience on your resume could fast-track it to the rejection pile. You see, it’s common for hiring managers to look at resumes with 20+ years of experience and assume the candidate is too expensive, may not feel challenged enough, or is otherwise too seasoned for consideration. So trust me when I tell you, age proofing your resume is good for your job search, and limiting your experience to only the most relevant and recent is a great place to start.

So, How Far Back Should Your Resume Go?

The answer varies depending on your situation. But there are two key factors: how long you’ve been in the employment game and how that experience aligns with your current job targets.

Recent Grads (Up to Two Years of Experience)

You can include your professional, academic, and personal experiences and achievements from both high school and college. But the key is that you’ll want to highlight your transferable skills . Demonstrate how you used leadership, collaboration, problem-solving, communication, and time management skills in related class projects, internships, volunteer work, leadership roles, sports, passion projects, or part-time jobs. Just make sure you’re being selective. Before you add something, ask yourself if participating in that car wash fundraiser would really move the needle for a copywriter position (it might if you wrote the social media messaging), then act accordingly.

Young Professionals (Two to Five Years of Experience)

At this point, you have enough work experience under your belt to leave college courses, projects, awards, and GPAs off your brag sheet. Unless you had a noteworthy long-term job or highly relevant internship with serious name drop appeal, employers are no longer interested in your college activities. Stick to your post-grad experience. But keep in mind those post-grad experiences don’t all have to come from your nine-to-five job. Enhance your resume by demonstrating your professional prowess outside of work. Use volunteer experiences, leadership roles, side hustles, and professional organizations and affiliations to add personality instead of years to your work history.

Mid-Level and Experienced Professionals (More Than Five Years of Experience)

After you’ve hit the five-year mark, you should begin focusing on pertinent roles and responsibilities that will enhance your qualifications for your next career move. This may mean de-emphasizing or even omitting early-professional and part-time positions and elevating more relevant work experiences as the primary focus, perhaps with more detail.

As you get even further into your career, that “10 to 15 years” rule will start to kick in, and you can use it as a guide when debating whether to keep a position on your resume. You should also consider if your experience warrants a two-page resume , but make sure you keep in mind how relevant each entry and bullet point you’re including actually is.

Once you have more job titles under your belt, you might consider splitting your work experience into two separate sections:

• Related Experience: Include the roles and responsibilities closely associated with your job search targets with detailed bullets that highlight your accomplishments. The key is making relevancy and transferable skills the focal point of your resume content. If you have relevant experience that you really need to include outside of the last 10 to 15 years—if you’re making a career change , for instance—you can list it here.
• Other Experience: Simply list unrelated positions within the last 10 to 15 years without descriptions or bullet points so there are no visible gaps on your resume.

Doing this will keep your most relevant experience front and center so a recruiter doesn’t have to go hunting for it in a more extensive career history.

People Coming Back to Work After a Large Gap

If you’ve taken a break from your career that makes most or all of your experience fall outside of this 10- to 15-year window— to raise kids , for example—you likely have to go back a little further on your resume. This is OK, but you should explain up front why your most recent work experience is so far back. You can do this in a cover letter or in a resume summary at the top of the page.

But you should still keep in mind how relevant your past experience is as you decide what to include and leave off. And if you’ve done anything in the meantime, whether that’s a part-time job or a side hustle or something else to keep you up-to-date in your field, be sure to include that as well.

So what’s the takeaway here? Well, at the end of the day, your resume should tell the story of how your related experiences and accomplishments make you a great candidate for your next position; not the number of work anniversaries you’ve celebrated. Because when it’s all said and done, that’s what’s going to get you hired.

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How to structure resume after going back to old job?

In July of 2021, I left my job that I had been at since 2017 (first "real" job post-grad) for a new position that I quickly realized wasn't a good fit. I left at the end of the year and went back to my old job starting this month. Same title and duties.

How do I go about listing this on my resume? Do I keep it all within the same block and write "February 2017-July 2021, January 2022-current" as the date range, or list the new stint separately? If combining the two stints in one block is appropriate, do I list it first or second on my resume (it's laid out in chronological order with the most recent experience first)? The only thing below these two jobs is an internship I had in 2016.

I don't want to omit the job I had for 6 months because I still had quite a few notable achievements from that time that I want to include.

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