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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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7 No-Fail Resume Tips for Older Workers (+ Examples)

While most job seekers experience obstacles during their efforts to find that perfect job, older workers, those with over 20 years of experience, often face unique challenges. For a variety of reasons, a lot of hiring managers seem to give preference to younger workers. Usually, that preference is the result of either conscious or unconscious bias. 

It could be because they might feel older workers are out of touch with modern tech or aren’t as quick at grasping new concepts or ideas. They forget that older workers often have so much more experience and knowledge about their chosen field than someone just entering the workplace.

To counter this bias, older workers need to know how to craft a comprehensive resume that maximizes their odds of landing an interview during the job search process without prejudice creeping in. You don’t want your detailed resume for an older worker ending up on the “no” pile without being considered at all and through no fault of your own.

Read on about how our team of career experts has come up with 7 no-fail tips for resumes for older workers that can help you land more interviews.

How strategic resumes help older workers

First, though, it’s helpful to understand why these tips for resumes for older workers are even necessary. It all comes down to perception. Applications from more experienced job seekers often contain resumes that are filled with years of valuable accomplishments. They have relevant skills crafted over many decades of employment. On the surface, you’d think those would be positive benefits that would excite most potential employers and hiring managers. Sadly, that’s not always the case when compared to younger job seekers.

In fact, many employers view a lengthy work history as a sign that the older worker is probably outdated. They may assume that you can’t possibly be familiar with current technology, trends, and strategies.

Worse still, they may even believe that they can’t afford to hire you. After all, your lengthy experience and impressive skill set should command a high salary, right? Basically, these hiring managers will assume that your age and experience with outdated tech skills represent too great a risk, and you might get turned down at the first hurdle before you’ve even been given a chance to state your suitability for the role.

The best way to avoid that rejection is to update your resume by following the tips below to showcase your skills and qualifications the right way, enabling you to effectively remove the age question from your resume. 

7 tips for resumes for older workers

1. omit dates from your resume.

One of the best tips for resumes for older workers is to avoid using graduation dates in the education section. It’s difficult to work around your age if your college graduation date is there in black-and-white. There’s no requirement to add this, so just skip the dates altogether, but keep it consistent so there are no dates on professional development courses as well.

2. Only include the last 10 to 15 years of your experience

Another of our top tips for resumes for older workers involves relevancy. Instead of including every bit of work experience you’ve ever done, going back to the 1990s, stick to your up-to-date jobs by setting out your career summary in reverse chronological order, with your most recent role at the top. So for older workers - leave some jobs off your resume. 

Your best option is to only include relevant experience from the last 10 to 15 years. For a more detailed explanation of how far back to go, check out our blog on how many years of experience you need to include on your resume .

3. Avoid listing outdated skills 

Many resumes for older workers include outdated and irrelevant skills that can easily give away their age. Include skills, programs, and certifications that are relevant in today’s job market or required for the position you’re targeting. “Typing,” “Microsoft Word,” and “Google” don’t belong on your resume for an older worker or on your cover letter either.

4. Highlight your skills

No list of top resume tips for older workers would be complete without mentioning skills. Many older workers are reluctant to boast about what they excel at, but this is the one place where you can. Your resume for an older worker should highlight your qualifications as much as possible, and skills are an important part of that process. Just be sure to give a place of prominence to your technology skills as well.

Also, remember that most companies nowadays use an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) to automatically screen your resume. These applicant tracking systems automatically screen resumes to see if you’re a good match for the position. An average of 75% of candidates are rejected by ATS and, most of the time, the candidate is qualified; it’s just that their resume isn’t optimized.

Make sure that you use a standard resume format so that the ATS can easily scan your resume for an older worker. You should also include keywords (i.e., skills ) that are relevant to the position. Check out the job description and be guided by what’s on there.

5. Include a LinkedIn URL

The inclusion of a LinkedIn URL also has a place in any list of resume tips for older workers. If you don’t have a LinkedIn page by now, it’s definitely worth getting one. 

This is especially true if you’re looking for a role, as the connections that can be made there are so worth it--for extending your network and for giving you a better chance of finding that perfect position. Be sure to include a link to that page within your contact details on your resume for an older worker. Having a LinkedIn link on there also helps with your ATS score.

6. Use an updated word processor

Since many companies want to see electronic copies of resumes, your word-processing software deserves some attention as well. If you’re using an outdated version of Microsoft Word, upgrade it.

And if you’re using any other type of word processing software, consider switching to Word. It’s pretty much the gold standard for resumes for older workers and others these days.

7. Customize every time you apply

There’s no one-size-fits-all in the resume world, so don’t rely on one basic resume, hoping that it will cover all roles. It won’t. When it comes to tips for resumes for older workers, this one is critical.

Every resume that you submit must be tailored to match the desired position. That means using keywords from the job posting and narrowing down experience and skills to ensure that they’re relevant. The days of using the same resume for every application are a thing of the past.

Resume example for older workers:

Sometimes, it helps to see something to get a real idea of what to do. Notice in the following example how the additional professional experience is listed below without dates--strategic!

The good news is that these tips for resumes for older workers can help you avoid bias and give you a better shot at landing an interview. That’s the best way to ensure yourself a fair chance of convincing an employer or hiring manager that you’re the right candidate for the job.

Recommended reading:

9 Tips to Avoid Age Discrimination on Your Resume

 How Long Your Resume Should Be in 2023 (Expert Advice)

Best Email Subject Lines When Sending a Resume (With Examples)

Elizabeth Openshaw, Editor & Content Writer, Elizabeth Openshaw, Editor & Content Writer

Elizabeth Openshaw is an Elite CV Consultant with over 12 years of experience based in Brighton, UK, with an English degree and an addiction to Wordle! She is a former Journalist of 17 years with the claim to fame that she interviewed three times Grand Slam winner and former World No.1 tennis player, Andy Murray, when he was just 14 years old. You can connect with her at Elizabeth Openshaw | LinkedIn .

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Resume Examples and Writing Tips for Older Job Seekers

How to Age-Proof Your Resume

Choose the best type of resume, resume writing tips for older job seekers.

• How to Show How You're Qualified
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Download a Resume Template

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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.

The Balance

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

Review more resume samples for a variety of circumstances and get templates you can use to write your own resume.

Going Back to an Old Job: When It Makes Sense (And How to Do It)

You've taken a new role , but things aren't going as expected. Or worse: you left your former company without a lined-up opportunity, and are now feeling stuck in your job hunt . Either way, one question keeps nagging at you: "Should I go back to my old job?"  

This thought is often followed by a wave of emotions, like doubt, frustration, and even shame. You may be afraid of taking a step back or looking like a loser in front of your former colleagues and manager. Perhaps you're just nervous about making the wrong move again. Be as it is, don't let this stop you from getting what you want—or need.

Think about why you're considering going back to an old job and where you are at your career right now. It's not always an easy decision, but don't worry, we've got you covered. Here's some expert advice about how—and when—to return to a former employer.

Is it OK to go back to an old job?

When it comes to returning to an old job, there's no right answer. It's something you should consider after carefully reviewing your situation and weighing the pros and cons. 

“This is a very personal decision. If someone left a job there was most likely a reason for doing so,” says career and leadership development coach Amy Fauth . Before deciding, ask yourself these questions:

1.  Why did I leave? When you miss something about your past, it's easy to remember only the good things. But if you've decided to leave, there was probably a valid reason for it. Take another look at why you made that decision and see if it still matters today.

2. What do I miss about my old job? If you want to go back, there's likely something about your former role that sparks your interest. Did you prefer the company culture back then? Did you have better relationships with your colleagues? What about the benefits and opportunities to grow? All these factors should be taken into account.

3.  What don't I like about my current job? OK, you're unhappy in your current role, but why is that? Did they lie to you during the interviews? Is the work environment toxic ? Are you burned out , or anxious about not being able to fulfill their expectations? Think about it.

4.  Will going back make me feel more fulfilled and successful? Also think about whether going back to your old job will actually help your career and life, or if you're just craving something familiar, even if it's not necessarily better. 

5.  Did the old company change after I left? If you left not long ago, the answer is likely no. But if you're gone for a while now, chances are the company will not be the same anymore. Of course, it could have changed for the better—but that's something to keep in mind.

Writing your answers down or making a pros and cons spreadsheet might help clear things up. “If the company culture, work environment, and responsibilities still resonate with your career aspirations, going back can be beneficial,” says Nicole Griffin , talent acquisition leader.

Is it embarrassing to go back to your old job?

Some people might think returning to an old job is a sign of failure, but that's far from the truth. A 2022 survey revealed that 43% of workers who changed jobs during the pandemic regretted their decision. 

The same research showed that 1 in 5 of these workers returned to their former jobs . This implies that 1) you're not the only one in the “I want my old job back” ship and 2) there's nothing embarrassing about it, so much so that there are managers out there rehiring people.

How to get your old job back in 5 steps

It's decided: You're going back to your old job—or at least you’re going to give it a try. Now it's time to take the necessary steps to make it happen. We've put together an easy-to-follow guide to help you get there:

1. Check the company's policy

First things first: You'll need to double check the company's policy to make sure there are no restrictions on rehiring former employees. Some organizations have a no rehire policy, but are willing to hire people who used to work for them as freelancers, for example.

2. Network, network, network

If the company's policy allows rehiring, then you're good to go. Contact HR and/or colleagues you had a good relationship with. “Start the conversation to express interest in returning,” says Griffin. These connections could also give you a clearer picture of the current opportunities available . 

“Connect on LinkedIn, invite them to coffee or lunch, send an email, or give them a call. The best way to reach back out will depend on the relationship you had prior to leaving,” says Fauth.

If you feel like it's best to keep the conversation online, be professional about it. “Craft a personalized message. Be respectful of their time and open to scheduling a call or meeting to catch up,” says Griffin.

3. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile

Stay ahead of the game and update any relevant information that could grab your former employer's attention. “Make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile reflect your current skills and experiences,” says Griffin.

Be aware that you won't necessarily receive any special treatment just because you used to work for them. So yes, leverage your past relationship with the company, but also treat the application process like any other candidate would.

4. Prepare for an interview

You're likely going to be interviewed. So “prepare by researching recent developments in the company and articulating how you can contribute effectively in your previous role or in a new position,” says Griffin.

You'll also want to be ready to:

Explain why you left and why you want to come back: What happened? Why do you think going back is right for you? 

Outline what you've learned with this experience: Did you have new responsibilities? What skills have you developed? 

Prove your commitment to the company: Since you're already left before, why should they trust you and believe that you're not going to get frustrated and leave again?

5. Resign from your current job

Quitting a job without a backup plan is almost never a good idea—unless you have enough savings to support you. If that's not your case, keep your current job until the whole hiring process is finished. If everything goes as planned and you're able to get your old job back, then you can resign.

Also, keep in mind that if you're quitting a job you just accepted , you may end up burning a bridge. So try your best to thoughtfully explain the situation and why you're leaving so soon, and do what you can to make the transition smoother.

What to say when you want to return to your old job

First of all, you should “express your interest in reconnecting, and emphasize shared experiences or accomplishments from your time working together,” says Griffin. If you'd like to do this over email, it's a good idea to craft your message in a  cover letter style. That's how:

Highlight your past experience at the company

Mention your role and the team you were part of. “The best way would be to talk about the things you enjoyed about the company or team you worked with,” says Fauth.

You can also add what you've developed or achieved while working there. “Acknowledge your previous tenure with the company in a positive light. Briefly mention your past contributions and accomplishments, demonstrating your familiarity with the company's values and culture,” adds Griffin.

Explain why you left—and why you want to come back

It's OK to be honest, but keep it professional and avoid giving unnecessary details. Instead, make a connection between what you've learned at your current company and how it made you a better fit for your old role now. 

“Keep the tone professional and forward-looking, focusing on how you can contribute to the organization's success in the future,” says Griffin.

Showcase what do you have to offer

Like any other letter asking for a job, this one should include what you can bring to the table. Even though they already know you and your past contributions—assuming the management hasn't changed—it's still important to give them a reason to have you back on the team. 

“Emphasize how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for the company's current and future goals” Griffin says. 

Cover letter returning to old job: Template

Here's a template so you can use those tips in practice. Just fill in with your information and make the necessary adjustments to fit the message you want to send.

Subject: [Your Full Name] - Inquiring about previous role

Dear Ms./Mr. [Last Name],

This is [Your Full Name]. As you know, I've worked at [company name] as [job title] from [beginning date] to [end date]. I worked in the [team you were part of or department title] supervised by [Name of Manager]. 

I am writing to inquire if it's possible I return to my former job. I left this position because I wanted to pursue [brief mention of the reasons why you left]. Now I feel that [reasons why want to leave your current job]. I enjoyed my time at [current company], but I do miss the routine of my old job, my former colleagues and the partnership we developed throughout the years.

I believe that working as a [current job title] made me grow as a professional and as a person. I developed [hard skills], expanded [what you learned]  and learned how to [soft skills]. My goal is to put all this new skill set to work for [company name], to help the [team/department name] achieve its current and future goals.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please let me know if you would like to meet to further discuss my interest in the position.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Cover letter returning to old job: Example

Here's what the letter looks like after you fill in your details. Use this example as a guide to craft your email.

Subject: Anna Lee Wright - Inquiring about previous role

Dear Ms. Williams,

This is Anna Lee Wright. As you know, I've worked at The Test Company as a Sales Manager from December 2021 to January 2024. I worked in the Marketing & Sales department supervised by Zoey Scott. I am writing to inquire if it's possible I return to my former job.

I left this position because I wanted to pursue a merchandising career and expand my knowledge in other selling areas. Now I feel that my interests are more aligned with the Sales Manager position. I enjoyed my time at The Zyx Company, but I do miss the routine of my old job, my former colleagues and the partnership we developed throughout the years.

I believe that working in merchandising made me grow as a professional and as a person. I developed a deeper knowledge of sales strategies, expanded my ability to lead multiple projects and learned how to better communicate with the people I manage, as well as with high profile clients. My goal is to put all this new skill set to work for The Test Company, to help the Marketing & Sales department achieve its current and future goals.

Anna L. Wright

After sending your email, any outcome is possible. They may want you back right away or may not. If the response isn't the one you're expecting, don't get discouraged and avoid taking it personally. Companies are always readjusting their budgets and resizing their teams—especially during difficult economic times, so it's probably not about you. Keep a positive attitude because it can still happen in the future.

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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

See how your resume stacks up.

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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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Should You Go Back to Your Old Job or Company? Here’s How to Decide

Deciding to take a new job is a job: It requires a lot of work. The process often involves doing some soul-searching, making endless pros and cons lists, asking all your friends what they think—and that’s not even including the resume tailoring , the online applications, and the multiple rounds of interviews ! So when that new job doesn’t turn out to be what we’d hoped…well, that’s hard.

To succinctly describe “that feeling when you start a new job and realize, with either surprise or regret, that the position or company is very different from what you were led to believe,” Muse cofounder and CEO Kathryn Minshew coined the term “Shift Shock.”  A Muse survey conducted in early 2022 found that, of more than 2,500 respondents, 72% said they’ve experienced Shift Shock and 48% would try to get their old job back if they felt Shift Shock at a new company. A 2022 Lever report similarly found that 52% of employees would consider returning to a previous employer.

As a decision coach , I encourage my clients to take leaps all the time—to try new jobs, new careers, new ways of working. But once in a while a new job isn’t all it was cracked up to be. And that’s when the question arises: Should you go back to your old job or employer?

I’ve helped dozens of people in this situation decide whether or not to return to their previous companies, and I’ve learned that this choice is just as fraught as the original decision to leave, with just as many complicating factors. Below are eight essential steps to help you decide whether to return to the familiar or plunge forward into the unknown.

1. Ask yourself: Did I give this new job and company a fair shake?

OK, maybe they do things differently, but that isn’t always bad. The length of time you should give a new job differs in each situation, but unless the job is a complete 180 from what you expected and/or it’s a situation that’s negatively impacting your mental health, I’d say give it at least two or three months. And try your best! Sometimes situations are what we make them, and if you make an honest effort to succeed at the job, it can sometimes turn into a job you’re happy with—even if it’s not what you expected.

2. Don’t blame yourself.

We have a tendency to berate ourselves when a decision doesn’t result in the outcome we hoped for. “If only I’d chosen the other option,” becomes a constant refrain in our brains. But remember: We can’t predict the future! There’s a big difference between what we can control (the decision) and what we can’t (the outcome).

There’s no way you could have known in advance your new boss would be a control freak (they seemed so normal in the interviews!), or that the big project they promised you’d be working on hadn’t actually gotten funding yet, or that the company would suddenly decide a hybrid setup means no less than four days a week in the office. The outcome—that you don’t like your new job—was a result of factors that were out of your hands. So give yourself a break.

If you made a decision that seemed right at the time, using the information that was available to you then, there’s nothing to blame yourself for. Release that feeling of guilt and move on!

3. Pretend you have a time machine and look to your future.

Take an hour to sit down and think about what you’d like your life to look like in five years . Focus on career here—think about the type of work you’d like to be doing, the title you’d like to have, the kind of company you’d like to be working for, and the money you’d like to be earning. Or maybe you want to have transitioned into being your own boss by then, starting a business, or going freelance. Once you’ve got this all written down, take a dispassionate look at your old job. Is that job going to get you to your goals? If not, going back might not be the right choice.

4. Now use the “time machine” to review your past.

When I’m coaching people through a job change, they typically tell me all about the things they’re unhappy with at their current place of work, from managers who won’t manage to penny-pinching CEOs. If we decide it’s time for them to move on, I advise them to write all those things down and keep that list somewhere accessible. That’s because the second you leave something behind, you begin to forget the details, and we all tend to romanticize an old situation when the new one isn’t working out. (See: Every person who’s ever looked up their ex on social media after a breakup.)

So take a few minutes and make a list of all the things you didn’t like about that previous job. Was the commute too long? Did your coworkers try to coerce you into their multi-level marketing schemes? Did your boss micromanage you? Is the company mission in conflict with your values ? There were reasons you left this job. Take a fresh look at what they were and see if you’re still tempted to go back.

5. Do your research: Is anything different now?

What’s changed at the old job or company since you left? Perhaps the undermining coworker finally got fired. Or maybe someone in a more senior role on your team quit or was promoted, and you think you could negotiate to return with a higher title. Has there been a big enough change that your old job might be substantially different now—in a good way? If so, going back becomes a viable option.

6. Examine your options— all  your options.

We, as humans, love the familiar! So now that you see the new job isn’t for you, it will be very tempting to seek out what you’re used to. You know you can do your old job, you’re already friends with the people there, and it’s the comfortable, easy choice.

But what if you took a beat? Thanks in large part to the global pandemic and the Great Resignation, we’ve seen some changes in what workers are demanding and what employers are offering. Before you run back to the familiar, get back on the job search. What are your options besides staying put or going back to your old position? Are there stretch jobs it’s worth applying to? Is there a different opening at your old company that would be a step up or give you an opportunity to work on a different team? Take another look at that list you made of where you want to be in five years. Which next step could get you to your five-year goal?

7. Look at your reasons for going back. The real reasons.

If you’re leaning toward going back to your old job, try to figure out why . Is it because the thought of job hunting again exhausts you before you’ve even begun? Is it because you hate interviewing? Is it because you’re afraid you might end up in another job you don’t like? Try to identify the real reasons you favor this choice; then decide whether or not you like those reasons.

Going back to a job or company is, in the abstract, a neutral choice; it’s not objectively good or bad (unless, of course, your old employer was discriminatory or abusive—in that case you probably don’t need me to tell you not to go back). If you return, you want to make sure it’s for the right reasons—like you realized the old job suits your lifestyle really well, or you decided having great colleagues is more important than getting into the C-suite, or you discovered, after trying it out, that the kind of job you thought you wanted isn’t actually that great.

8. Make the decision.

Some people return to their old jobs or employers and are content when they do. They made a change and realized it wasn’t for them, so they course correct by going back. It’s more common than you think!

But with the majority of my clients in this situation, it doesn’t work out quite like that. Many more people come back to a familiar job, luxuriate in the feeling of relief for a month or two—and then realize that the factors that caused them to look for something new haven’t changed. In some cases, they were driven away from the old job or company by negative factors, like coworkers who constantly complained or a promotion that never materialized. Other times they were pulled toward a new job by the promise of a big pay or title bump. But either way, things didn’t change just because they spent some time away. So if you were unhappy in your job before, it’s very likely you’ll be unhappy there again.

If you’re considering a return to an old job or company, I encourage you to think carefully. Go through these eight steps, ask yourself the hard questions, and open your mind to all your potential options. There might be more out there than you think.

Work To The Wise

Getting your job to work for you!

Help! I Want to Return to My Previous Career

By Ronnie Ann

Aiming resume to previous career

Hi Ronnie Ann. Please help me. I need some advice about changing my career so I can go back to my previous career! I’m 55 and want to return to the kind of work I did in my former job of 25+ years when I was an Admin / Office Manager.

I have been in a different field for the last 8 years — a personal aide / care provider. And I need help with my resume so I can change back to the work I used to do. Work I enjoyed much more.

How can I rewrite my resume to incorporate the 2nd career choice, but emphasize that my preference has changed back to the Business world?

My response (with tips) to Terry

First of all, congratulations on making this decision. I’m sure that it wasn’t easy for you. Luckily, companies are more open now than they used to be to career shifts. And people with good organizational / office skills are still in demand.

That said, you are right to think about how to create a resume (and cover letter) that makes you look as strong as possible. Especially for the skills and demands of administrative jobs now.

Types of resumes to consider

When changing fields, or in your case returning to a field you were once in, a functional (skills-based) resume may be your best bet — as opposed to a chronological, date-based resume. By creating skills groups, this type of resume emphasizes your skills rather than your chronological work history (the more traditional resume).

Every company will still want to know what you’ve been doing lately. But a functional resume helps lead with your strength. And then guides the reader to a brief outline of your job history at the bottom. Especially useful to help you emphasize those skills that speak most directly to the future job / career you want.

You can Google samples of functional resumes to help you get the idea. And you can easily use this format to express your new goals as they fit who you already are. Also, you can find ways to add further job-specific supportive information in summary and relevant experience sections.

My favorite resume: combination resume

While in your case, the functional resume may be a good fit, there is a hybrid format called the combination resume that also might be a good way to go. [For Terry and other readers contemplating career change.] Having had a less than traditional career path myself, I’ve often turned to the combination resume to make my case.

While you will be listing your chronological work experience, this hybrid resume allows you to highlight relevant previous career information (skills and qualifications) right up front. So the employer doesn’t have to scour your resume to see why you match THEM. You get to point out & emphasize those skills and qualifications that best match the type of job you’re looking for now

With few exceptions, I use a version of this for me and my coaching clients. And it works well. Your cover letter can strengthen your case.

Which format works best for you depends on your particular background and what you’d most like your potential employer’s eyes to focus on when they screen your resume . Most resumes are just glanced at. So you want to make sure you help them quickly zoom in on your best “why I qualify” case.

More tips to return to prior career

• Just remember that what you’re doing is a very positive, well-thought-out move. So what you say should point to strength and confidence in your decision.
• And the same goes for your last 8 years. That’s a good amount of time. And it shows you really gave that career a chance. (Keep this in mind when you interview!)
• All they care about is whether you can do the job well. And whether you can be an asset to their team. First-hand experience of you is a great reference.

Networking can open job doors

• Old contacts. Family. Friends, Even people you meet online in social networking groups.
• If people see you are determined and believe in yourself, they will want to help if they can.

Remember those transferable skills!

• In addition to including that in your resume and cover letter, it’s a big plus to truly remember that when you interview. So you believe in yourself as much as you want others to!

I wish you much luck in finding a job that meets your needs now, Terry.

~ Ronnie Ann

⇒  EXTRA:  I Don’t Meet Job Requirements. Should I Still Try?

About the author….

Ronnie Ann, founder of Work To the Wise and Work Coach Cafe, bases her real-world advice on her many years as an organizational consultant where she helped interview and hire people, added to a certificate from NYU in Career Planning & Development, as well as her many adventures as a serial job seeker.

Some more posts to help

Career change fear:  how to move past the fear, will volunteering during job search get you a job, what are transferable skills, job search blues: will i ever find a job, 15 job search tips to help you get a job, so many mistakes how do i start my career over, what are informational interviews, 12 things you need to know before a job interview, how to answer “why you left your job” when you quit, job references: what if former bosses don’t work there any more, start building networking connections that last, 10 steps to match your resume to the job, ⇒  extra:   what is age discrimination in employment, interested in some personal career coaching, if so, click here ., comments & questions welcome cancel reply.

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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?

• career-development

• 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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Is It Worth It To Go Back To An Old Employee? The Answer Might Surprise You.

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When you first leave a company to set out for greener pastures, it seems unlikely that you’ll ever come back. And yet, it happens far more frequently than you might think. It makes sense on a few levels. The hiring manager knows you do quality work and are reliable and easy to work with. That combination is hard to find, so you’re already more hirable than an outside candidate.

But your biggest advantage can also be a downfall. You’re a known entity, which means the employer already thinks they know who you are and what you’re capable of doing—even if you’ve advanced beyond your former role. To advocate for yourself, you need to reset their expectations and demonstrate all the ways you’ve improved.

Because let’s face it: Unless the new role is dramatically better and there is substantially more money, will it be worth it to go back to an old employer? Probably not. Here’s how to keep moving your career forward and avoid a potential backslide.

How to Negotiate a New Role With an Old Employer

1. level up your professional brand..

Don’t go back to a former employer unless your professional brand operates on a new level. Study your competition—if you’re gunning after those SVP or Senior Director roles, search for professionals in that position who have a similar background to yours. Pay attention to recurring themes, pain points, and keywords that keep turning up again and again.

Then rewrite your resume and branding material to hit the sweet spot of unique value and the elements you’ve gleaned through competitive research. Highlight 5-6 main ideas to use throughout your resume and employee profile—these unifying themes will make your specialty resonate.

Resume Tip: Provide context to help the hiring manager understand your career accomplishments. For example:

Good: Managed a 20-person team and a $15M budget for developing business operations in Singapore. $55M in bottom-line growth inside of 1 year.

Better: Led a global expansion effort in Singapore, establishing region-specific strategy, building and training a 20-person team, and guiding strategic business development efforts, resulting in $55M in new revenue within the first 12 months of launch.

You should also actively share thought leadership pieces online to show you’re an “insider” with unique and valuable insight. Even a conservative amount of social media engagement will pay off handsomely.

2. Reframe expectations early.

There are a lot of social niceties that go into the hiring process—99% of this won’t be necessary when you’re dealing with a former employer. You’re already a trusted colleague, so you don’t need to act like a stranger. Your current relationship with the hiring manager needs to be respected.

Have an honest dialogue with your main point of contact at the company (the more senior level, the better). Explain where you’re at today and where you’d like to go next. Be clear about any reservations you have about returning, and drop some hints about other conversations you’re having with other employers, if they’re relevant. There’s no need to treat your job search as a secret—if they don’t already think of you as someone who will entertain multiple offers, then you’re not an equal party in the process.

3) Act as a 50/50 partner as you move toward an offer.

Any old employer can revert back to the practices they used when you were an employee. But you’re not an employee—you’re a free agent.

Here’s how to establish a position of power:

• You’re not available for a phone call at the drop of a hat.

Even if you don’t have anything going on this week, don’t make yourself too available. Tell them which days and times you can talk and schedule accordingly.

• Stick to time limits.

If you agreed to a 30-minute call, make sure things wrap up by that point. If you think the conversation is too important to interrupt, of course you can make an exception. But be discerning. If you don’t see an immediate value-add, don’t let the call drag on—politely excuse yourself and make it clear that your time is valuable.

• Keep detailed notes following every step in the hiring process.

Record your thoughts during the first 15-20 minutes immediately after your phone interview. Then refer to these notes during later stages of the hiring process. Why should you take notes? Let’s assume you’re heading into a big group interview, and someone asks a question about an area that you thoroughly covered over the phone. Pull out your notes and briefly go over what was already discussed. Then, pivot to build on that value with additional insights. Keep things moving toward an offer, and don’t feel obligated to waste time repeating yourself. Repetition won’t help you build your case or push the hiring manager closer to a decision.

If a former employer approaches you with a job offer, they’ve just admitted they’re a big fan of your work. By laying their cards on the table, they’ve already given you the information you need to pursue an exceptional offer. Be bold about negotiating a new position and salary —and come home with a opportunity that thrills you!

Read more career advice from Anish: Learn how to crack the hidden codes of hiring .

Anish Majumdar

Anish Majumdar is a nationally recognized Career Coach, Personal Branding Expert, and a fierce advocate for transitioning leaders. His posts and videos on disrupting the "normal rules" of job searching and getting ahead reach a combined audience of 30M professionals every month. Go down the rabbit hole of Anish’s career videos at HelloAnish.com , and connect with him on LinkedIn to receive daily career tips and advice.

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Returning To A Previous Career Path

• Look at your old job: If you enjoyed your old job, they enjoyed you as an employee and if you left the company with no bad feelings between you and your boss then you may be one of the lucky ones. You may be able to go back to your old boss and see if they are hiring. If they are, then you are one step ahead.
• Look at new jobs in your desired field: If you are not one of the lucky ones from step 1, then you need to start searching for new jobs in your desired field. Use job search sites with filters and look for papers or websites that are tailored to your field so that you can find a job that matches your needs and wants quickly.
• Update your resume: Make sure that your resume is up to date with your new work experiences, achievements, and accomplishments. Make sure that they can see you have experience in this field of work so they are more likely to hire you.
• Prepare for your interview: When preparing for your interview make sure that you always remember to emphasize your experience in your field. If you can show that you have experience and have accomplished things in that field, then you will be one step above your competition.
• Be prepared to start back at the bottom: While you do have experience, you will most likely be starting at the bottom just like any other applicant. This means that you need to prepare yourself for that. If you want a higher position immediately, you will have an easier time getting it at your current job and you should avoid switching career paths.

Hopefully this will help you get back on the path you want to be on and will help you be happier and more successful in your career.

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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.

I retired in my 30s with a net worth of $2.5 million over a decade ago. Now, I'm going back to work at 46.

• Sam Dogen retired from his VP role at Credit Suisse in 2012 after over a decade of intense saving. 
• He planned to live of the passive income from his investments in stocks and real estate. 
• After having two children, Dogen is looking to work again to meet his family's financial needs.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Sam Dogen, a 46-year-old in San Francisco. It has been edited for length and clarity.

Even as a child, I knew I didn't want to be poor. I'd lived in five countries before settling in Virginia, USA, and saw the clear dichotomy between the wealthy and the poor. I wanted to understand how people made money so I could live like the rich.

I studied economics at the College of William and Mary in Virginia because it was the cheapest option.

After graduation, I landed a job as a financial analyst with Goldman Sachs on Wall Street in 1999.

My first day in the office lasted 14 hours. The first month was tiresome and stressful, and I realized I wouldn't last another 40 years on Wall Street.

I was making $40,000 a year in twice-monthly payments. If I invested 50% of my income for 20 years, I would save at least 20 years of living expenses. I could work until 42, then live on 5 to 8% of my savings, stocks, and potential real estate income each year to get to 62. I'd be set for life.

It was easy to save money because I was working so much

I started saving only a month after starting at Goldman Sachs. Every month, I invested half my paycheck into the S&P 500, a smattering of random tech stock, and 5% of that half into a general savings account .

After being advised by someone in our HR department, I maxed out my 401(k) . The fewer taxes I had to pay, the better for my savings goals, and there was a 401(k) match at my company.

I was able to save so much because I was very frugal. For the first two years at Goldman Sachs, I lived in a studio apartment in Manhattan, paying $700 monthly rent.

One of the perks of working past 7 p.m. was that you could go into the free cafeteria. I would eat dinner there and bring home leftovers for the next day. I also stuck to a spending budget for myself.

It was a plan born out of misery. I was working 60-plus hours a week, every week.

A promotion and move to San Francisco got me on the property ladder

In June 2001, I was recruited to join Credit Suisse and moved to San Francisco. My base salary jumped to $85,000. Now I was making more, I saved 60% of each paycheck, putting money into long-term CDs , which are savings accounts with a high fixed interest rate that you can't withdraw money for a fixed period.

In 2003, at age 26, I decided to buy a two-bedroom apartment in San Francisco using the money I had earned and saved from 1999 to 2003.

My goal was to diversify my wealth away from equities into real estate. I used 80% of my savings and liquid investments to put a 25% down payment on a condo. I lived there with my then-girlfriend, who helped pay for some expenses.

Related stories

By 27, I was promoted to vice president at Credit Suisse, and my income jumped to six figures plus larger potential bonuses. I saved and invested around 70% of my after-tax income in 2003, 2004, and 2005. In 2005, I bought a house for $1,520,000 in San Francisco and rented my condo until I sold it in 2017. I had used up all my savings and investments to buy the house. It was a huge risk.

The 2009 crash slashed my net worth but launched my blogging career

I continued my saving plan until the housing and stock markets crashed in 2009. I didn't get laid off in the crash, but I did lose between 35 and 40% of my net worth in six months when stocks and real estate prices cratered.

I started my blog, Financial Samurai , in 2009 to heal. The more I wrote, the better I felt because I had connected with other people going through the same fears on the road to financial independence.

In October 2011, at 34, I was making a $250,000 base salary. Credit Suisse had undergone several layoffs during the global financial crisis. I spoke with my HR manager, who said more layoffs were coming. This was my exit to early retirement. I talked to my manager and asked him to consider laying me off with a severance package and deferred compensation if I stayed on to train my junior employee.

By April 2012, I was laid off and received the severance package I'd negotiated. It felt scary, but also like I had won the lottery. The severance covered multiple years of my projected living expenses.

Retiring at 34

I retired at 34 with a net worth was around $2.5 million after saving and investing 50 to 75% of my income for 12 years. I made around $80,000 of passive income from rent, stock dividends, and CD income a year. I continued to save 50% of my income and live on $40,000.

In my final year at work, I'd been saving even more of my income, around 80%, so the adjustment to living off less wasn't huge. It was outweighed by the increased freedom I had. After I retired, I realized I didn't need as much money as I'd thought to be happy.

In 2015, my wife also retired. She's three years younger than me, and we planned for her to retire by 35.

Once she left, we had to pay for full healthcare benefits. It cost us around $1,680 monthly in healthcare premiums because we didn't qualify for subsidies.

Having kids took up a lot of our passive income budget

Once our son was born in 2017, we began spending more of our passive income. We spent even more of our passive income when our daughter was born in 2019. We now pay $2,500 monthly for unsubsidized healthcare premiums for a family of four. Preschool for each child was as much as $3,200 a month. We are spending nearly 100% of our passive income now.

I believe I've failed early retirement. Despite lasting 12 years without a job, I recognize I need to save and earn more to generate more passive income. I didn't anticipate having two kids after trying so long for one.

When we retired, my wife and I were looking forward to living off less than $100,000 a year in early retirement. But our annual expenses are over $250,000 a year. We chose to have two kids and to remain in expensive San Francisco. As a result, we must pay the price accordingly.

I want to get into part-time tech consulting

I promised to be a stay-at-home father until my children were in school full time. My second child is starting school in September, so I am considering returning to work part-time.

I'd like to do part-time consulting for a tech startup in San Francisco, where there is a lot of buzz around tech and AI.

In retrospect, retiring at age 34 was too early. If I could retire again, I would have tried to stick it out until age 40. But I'm not sure if my health would have cooperated or if we would have been able to have children if I did. I was very stressed at work.

My challenge now is finding meaningful part-time work. I tried consulting part-time at a fintech startup earlier this year, but it became all-consuming and interfered with my duty as a father. At least I know better what to look for this fall when my daughter begins school full-time.

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Election latest: Sunak admits he got job 'because of a mistake'

Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer have faced the latest Q&A of this year's election, this time hosted by The Sun. Scroll through the Politics Hub to catch up on our updates and analysis from the event.

Monday 24 June 2024 21:30, UK

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• Sunak: I got this job as the result of a mistake
• PM reveals Tories are investigating betting scandal
• The party leaders who  do   still want to talk about Brexit
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Wales is a Labour heartland, but it's clearly in the sights of other parties during this election campaign.

Reform UK even launched its manifesto in a town in the south of the country, Merthyr Tydfil.

Although Wales has its own parliament and makes most of its own decisions, they still elect MPs who stand in Westminster.

Sky's Wales reporter Tomos Evans explains how the cost of living, steel industry and nuclear energy will be key issues for voters.

By David Blevins , senior Ireland correspondent

Northern Ireland's first and deputy first ministers have condemned the Conservative Party for the impact of Brexit on the region.

Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill told Sky News the current government had "played fast and loose" with the Good Friday Agreement.

Emma Little-Pengelly, of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), said Northern Ireland was the victim of the Tories having "botched Brexit".

Doug Beattie, the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader, accused the "chaotic" Tory government of "destroying the cohesion of the United Kingdom".

Tactical voting is a talking point at every election - but it could play a particularly big role this time round.

The polls suggest huge public discontent with the Tories, but there are many seats where Labour - widely projected to form the next government - are not the main challengers.

It's contests like these where the Lib Dems, Reform UK, and the Greens might hope to make gains.

Below, Sky's political correspondent  Serena Barker-Singh explains what tactical voting is when it comes to an election and how it could impact parliament's makeup come 5 July.

Our live poll tracker collates the results of opinion surveys carried out by all the main polling organisations - and allows you to see how the political parties are performing in the run-up to the general election.

It shows a drop in support in recent days for Labour and the Tories - with a jump for Reform and the Liberal Democrats.

Read more about the tracker here .

Tonight on Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge , both our Tory and Labour guests faced questions over a report suggesting neither party are being honest with voters about their tax and spending plans.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies launched its report on their election manifestos this morning, warning public services will have to be cut over the next parliament, unless government debt or taxes rise further.

Labour and the Tories have both ruled out tax rises on working people, but also downplayed the risk of cuts to key public services.

So, are they being honest? Our business correspondent Paul Kelso takes a closer look at the numbers...

That concludes our coverage of tonight's Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge  - the show will return tomorrow at 7pm. Stick with us here for more updates and analysis throughout the evening.

Five years ago it was indisputably the Brexit election, but this time round it's become something of an elephant in the room.

But in Northern Ireland, none of the party leaders are shy of talking about the impact of Britain leaving the EU.

Our  senior Ireland correspondent  David Blevins   has spoken to them all about the legacy of the 2016 referendum - and how a new government at Westminster might change things.

As David notes, to "get Brexit done" the Tory government put a trade border in the Irish Sea between Northern Ireland and Great Britain - something that was once unthinkable.

Michelle O'Neill, Sinn Fein:

"I think there's an opportunity now with what potentially looks like a Labour government coming into play to reverse the damage of Brexit. 

"And actually, I would hope we get to the point where actually we reverse the Brexit decision altogether. 

"That may not be where Labour are headed, but I think there is an opportunity to reset relationships, critically between London and Dublin, because those have been very much fractured."

Emma Little-Pengelly, DUP: 

"The Conservative Party and the UK government botched Brexit and Northern Ireland was the victim of that. 

"We called out the Conservative Party on this at every single stage. 

"We had to fight incredibly hard to try to undo the damage made by the decisions made by the Conservative Party in government. 

"But of course it was us fighting for that, while others were agitating and pushing for rigorous implementation of that really bad deal."

Naomi Long, Alliance: 

"What we need to do looking forward is say... how do we make the benefits of the Windsor Framework work in our advantage? 

"We have a unique position in Northern Ireland in terms of trade: we can trade freely into GB, we can trade freely with the Irish Republic, but more than that, we are a foot in the European Union."

Colum Eastwood, SDLP:

"Brexit has been a disaster for the whole of the UK, I would argue, economically and in many other ways, but we felt it much more keenly here because we share a border with the European Union.

"We had to do an awful lot of work to put things back together after the mess that was made by Brexit and Boris Johnson and the DUP. 

"From our perspective, there's no better outcome than actually being back in the European Union lock, stock, and barrel."

Doug Beattie, UUP:

"Brexit was a defining moment. 

"It absolutely undermined the cohesion of the United Kingdom, and I think we can see the out workings of that even today. 

"And whatever government gets in - and we all think it's going to be a Labour government - I think they're going to have to work on that cohesion as one of their main outputs."

Northern Ireland has been front and centre of UK politics since the 2016 EU referendum, proving a critical issue in particular to the ill-fated premierships of Theresa May and Boris Johnson.

But you'd be forgiven for thinking it's not taken quite such a pivotal role this time, likely not helped by the two main parties' reluctance to speak about how Brexit has been going.

In Northern Ireland, there are five main parties contesting 18 seats at Westminster: two unionist, two nationalist and one neutral.

Our senior Ireland correspondent David Blevins has spoken to the country's party leaders about their hopes for the 4 July poll.

The first and deputy first ministers took the opportunity to condemn the Conservative Party for the impact of Brexit.

Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill told Sky News the current government had "played fast and loose" with the Good Friday Agreement.

And Emma Little-Pengelly, of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), said Northern Ireland was the victim of the Tories having "botched Brexit".

Election a chance for a 'reset'

Other party leaders were similarly damning of the Tories.

Doug Beattie, the Ulster Unionist (UUP) leader, accused the "chaotic" Tory government of "destroying the cohesion of the United Kingdom".

Colum Eastwood, leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), accused them of "wrecking the place" for 14 years.

Naomi Long, leader of the neutral Alliance Party, said the election offered the opportunity for a "reset" on relations.

It's now the turn of Gillian Keegan, the education secretary, to respond to the IFS's damning report this morning that suggested that no party manifesto was properly costed ahead of this election.

She says the pandemic and resulting economic fallout continues to ease off under Conservative stewardship and that the costings in their manifesto are accurate. 

"It's not unrealistic to say we're going to put [civil service] staffing levels back down to 2020 [levels], and we're going to put the welfare bill in the same place it was a 2020 - that's not too unrealistic," she says. 

It's those cuts that will allow the Tories to deliver spending cuts, the party's manifesto claims.

Gillian Keegan, the education secretary, has said she is "very confident" that her cabinet colleagues are not those implicated in the election day betting scandal.

But, with the election 10 days away, she admits the "timing is terrible".

She says the country has a "big decision" in front of it, pointing to issues like the NHS and the economy.

Pushed again by Sophy on the gambling issue, she says she hopes the ongoing investigations - both by the Gambling Commission and the Tory party itself - can be "done quite quickly".

"You do need to allow people to have due process," she says, and establish facts before actions follow.

Jonathan Ashworth, the shadow paymaster general, is responding to the IFS's damning report released this morning that suggested that no party manifesto was properly costed ahead of this election.

Mr Ashworth admits the public finances "are shot to pieces", but says Labour "part company from the IFS" on the topic of growth.

"We think we can better," he says.

He says Labour has an industrial, science, skills, welfare reform and energy policy to "stimulate growth".

Mr Ashworth also points to Labour's planning reforms.

"Focusing on all of these big microeconomic issues will actually get growth motoring in our economy, which will transform the position of the public finances," he adds.

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