Start with Your Goal

Before deciding what to keep or cut from your resume, be clear on the job you want. Are you applying for a forklift operator role? A maintenance technician? A construction crew lead? Your resume should point directly to that goal. It doesn't need to be a list of everything you've ever done.

Think of your resume as a tool and not a timeline. Employers want to see how your experience fits with what they need today. That means you want to highlight your skills, certifications, and duties that match the job description. Older or unrelated roles might still help, but only if they support your current direction.

If you're switching industries or moving up in your field, your resume should focus on transferable skills. Safety awareness, equipment handling, or team leadership are good examples. Once you know your goal, it's easier to decide which jobs to feature and which ones to trim. You can also reword past roles if they highlight skills the employer is looking for.

When Older Experience Still Helps

Not all of your old jobs need to go. If a past role shows that you're dependable and skilled, it might still have a place on your resume. Employers like to see long-term positions, even if they're outside your current field. These jobs can show loyalty and a strong work ethic.

Older experience also works when it highlights transferable skills. Here's an example. Let's say you worked in retail, but you also handled deliveries, stocked heavy items, and helped train new hires. Those tasks might relate to the new job you're applying for. Focus on skills that connect to the job, rather than ones that distract from it.

Bottom line: keep older experience on your resume if itsupports your current goal, shows reliability, or helps explain your work history. Otherwise, it's okay to let it go.

What to Cut or Shrink

Every job that you've ever held does not need a full spotlight on your resume. If it's not related to your current goal, it's okay to shorten it or leave it out entirely. Short-term jobs or ones in unrelated industries might not help make your case. A food service job can detract from your goal if you're applying for a construction or warehouse job, for example.

Ask yourself: Did this job teach me something useful for the job I'm applying for now?

If not, consider removing it entirely or summarizing it in one line, something like, "Various part-time roles, 2010-2012."

Remember to watch the length of your resume. If you're pushing past two pages, it's time to start cutting things. Most guides recommend focusing on the last 10–15 years. Employers scan resumes quickly, and they want to see relevant information fast.

Don't feel guilty about trimming. You're resume is not supposed to be your life story. Remember that there will still be an interview at some point during the hiring process. You can always fill in gaps when you're face-to-face with the interviewer.

Reframe and Merge Wisely

If a past job doesn't match your current field, that doesn't mean it's useless. You can reframe it to highlight skills that apply across industries. Good examples for blue-collar jobs could include dependability, physical stamina, or working safely around others. Instead of listing "Retail Associate," you might reframe it as "Handled daily deliveries and inventory." This speaks directly to field service or warehouse work.

Similar roles can also be merged to save space. If you held multiple short-term jobs in the same type of work, group them under one heading: "Various Warehouse Roles, 2015-2019." Then use bullet points to show the most relevant tasks you performed across those jobs.

Keep your language simple and direct. Use terms that match the job you're applying for. If the job listing mentions "equipment maintenance" and you've done that, even in a different setting, say so. The goal is to connect your past work to this future role, and to do so clearly and confidently.

Handling Gaps and Extras

Many people have gaps in their work history. These can be from downsizing, health issues, caregiving, or some other reason. Employers understand that life happens. What matters is how you present your timeline.

Older or unrelated jobs can help fill in some of those blanks. They can be used to show that you stayed active and were willing to work, despite whatever else was going on. Even part-time or seasonal roles can show initiative. Just keep the descriptions short and stay focused on transferable skills.

If you have extra jobs that don't fit the main story of your resume, consider adding an "Additional Experience" section at the bottom. This lets you list those roles without giving them full space. It's another way to show that you've worked steadily without distracting from your main qualifications.

You can also use a short summary at the top of your resume to explain your focus and smooth over any gaps. An example might be: "Experienced warehouse worker returning to full-time work after caregiving break."

Don't stress over gaps in your work history. Instead, do your best to show that you're ready and capable now. Keep it honest, but keep it forward-looking.

You don't need your resume to tell the full story of your work history. It just needs to help you get hired. Zero in on the experience that supports your current goal, and don't be afraid to trim or reword older jobs.