I'm updating my resume and debating whether to include the part-time jobs I had during high school. Is it better to highlight more recent work experiences, or do high school jobs still hold value in shaping my job profile?
Indeed, when constructing your resume, you should generally prioritize more recent and relevant work experience. That said, high school jobs can still play a valuable role, particularly if they demonstrate key skills, responsibilities, or accomplishments that align with the job you're applying for.
As an individual, it's key to recognize that every job experience, regardless of when it occurred or its duration, can help showcase your skills, character traits, and work ethic. For example, if you had a part-time job at a local coffee shop in high school where you were promoted to a shift leader, it signifies your leadership skills and ability to handle responsibilities.
That being said, as you gain more experience and fill up your resume with other relevant work, internships, or volunteering, you may choose to remove these high school jobs. Until then, they can fill in gaps and present a more complete picture of your work history.
When choosing which experiences to include, consider the following:
- Relevance: Does the job demonstrate skills or experiences that are beneficial for the position you're applying for?
- Transferable Skills: Did you learn skills that can be applied to other jobs, such as customer service, teamwork, or time management?
- Achievements: Were there notable accomplishments, promotions, or recognitions in your high school job?
Remember, you are trying to present a profile that makes you the most attractive candidate for the job at hand, so use your best judgment in deciding which experiences best fulfill that purpose.
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