When and Why To Leave a Job Off Your Resume

Updated June 24, 2022

When applying to a new position, you may question about whether to include a particular job due to its length or intention. In some cases, the position was brief or perhaps it isn't irrelevant to the position you're currently seeking. In this article, we explore the reasons to leave a job off your resume and which jobs to make sure to include.

Can I leave a job off my resume?

Leaving a job off your resume takes some consideration and assessment. A resume is a marketing document intended to highlight your relevant experience and education, so it makes sense that not all jobs make it to the final document. However, building trust with an employer means being honest about your past employment. If you opt to leave a job off, understand why you're omitting it and prepare an explanation if necessary.When debating whether to include a particular job or jobs, it's important to keep a few things in mind.Related: 8 Resume Do's and Don'ts

Jobs you can leave off your resume

Some jobs won't make it to your resume for several reasons, whether it's because of their length or relevance to the new job. Let's examine when it's appropriate to omit a job from your resume.

The job was short-term

In the case of short-term jobs, the role might not add any experience or skills to the new job. In this case, it's safe to leave it off your resume. This might include any side jobs or gigs you did temporarily unless the skills of the temporary job are relevant to the new position.Example: You were laid off and took a temporary job delivering groceries for a few weeks until you were called back to work.

It doesn't leave a big gap in job history

If the time you spent at the job was significant, leaving it off the resume may call into question the unemployment gap. If that's the case, reevaluate what you did on the job to see if your skills or experience can be applied to the new job. Look for hard and soft skills you can include from the job such as customer service skills, organization, teamwork, attention to detail, medical software, etc.Example: You worked for six months as a receptionist in a dental office and the job you're applying for is in IT. Consider the technical aspect of the office job to apply skills learned.

There were a lot of small contracts/projects

If you filled gaps in employment with small projects over time, consider grouping them as one “contract job” section with appropriate dates. This is an effective strategy when the jobs aren't closely related to each other. If there were only one or two projects over a short period, leave them off, unless acquired skills are relevant.Example: You performed data analysis for a month, then took on a home improvement project for another month.

It took place a long time ago

A good rule is to keep your job history to the last ten or fifteen years, this way you're leaving out the six months you spent filling fast-food orders when you were 17. If you've been in the workforce a long time, you've most likely accumulated a lengthy job history. Keep in mind that listing jobs from twenty or more years ago also reflects your age if you're competing in a youthful industry.

The company isn't in good standing

Perhaps you worked for a company that doesn't have a stellar reputation and you'd rather not be associated with it, leave it off the resume unless you were there for a significant amount of time. Remember that you can always explain your position in the interview.Example: You worked for a company that was found guilty of fraudulent practices. Although you had no role in the scheme, the company's reputation was harmed and the business closed.

A previous job goes against the new company's values

When applying to a position, your job history may reflect a conflict if the values of one go against the values of the other. In this case, since the company's values don't align, leave the job off your resume.

A previous job doesn't add unique skills or value

Unless the job contributes to the one you're applying for, leave it out.Example: If you're applying for an office position, your two-month job as a server probably doesn't add anything new to your skills or experience.Related: 11 Things You Shouldn't Include on Your Resume

Jobs you can include on your resume

Of course, long-term jobs should take the spotlight on your resume, especially if they are similar to the one you're applying for or place the focus on what you bring to the new job. In place of leaving off the smaller, less meaningful jobs, put your focus on the ones that confirm why you are right for the role.Here are a few guides to which jobs to include on your resume.

Employed for a year or more. Length of time at a job matters to employers and signifies longevity, trust, and loyalty. Include jobs where you spent a year or more in one position.
It's relevant to the job you're seeking. Leaving small jobs off a resume is fine when they don't add anything to the new position, but if the skills and experience align with the new job, include them on your resume. Remember this applies to both hard and soft skills, don't overlook the value of teamwork, leadership or adherence to deadlines.
You had accomplishments. Even if you weren't at the job for a significant time, you want to add it if you won awards, accolades or any other accomplishment that demonstrates your dedication to the job. Remember, your resume is selling who you are and what you bring to the position, be sure to let prospective employers know when you were recognized for your efforts.
The new job requires a security clearance. Jobs with security clearances (government, public service) may require background checks, in which case your job history will be readily available. In this case, include all relevant jobs and consider grouping small jobs, projects, or gigs into one section.

Leaving a job off an application

Applications are different from resumes and generally ask for your ten-year job history. Be sure to include all jobs on the application and leave the resume for the skills and experience you want to highlight.Related: 15 Resume Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

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What to say about the job(s) you didn't include

If you land the interview, your employer may want to know why there are gaps in your employment history. This is the opportunity to be honest with your prospective employer and explain the gaps in employment. You can also explain why you left them off the resume due to irrelevance, length, or relationship.Example: The six-week gap in my employment was actually filled by doing several odd jobs. None of them lasted very long and I don't feel like they add anything new to my skillset. Although I certainly improved my time-management abilities!