LONG CAREERS

Turn 20 or 30 years of experience into a focused resume

A resume is not your autobiography. It is a clear explanation of why your experience fits the job in front of you.

Keep a full history for yourself

Your private career record can include every role, project, system, responsibility, and accomplishment. The resume you send should select from that record rather than repeat all of it.

Begin with the work you want next

Read the posting and identify the five or six responsibilities that seem most important. Which parts of your career prove you can do that work? Those examples deserve the most space.

Show recent and relevant work in detail

Recent roles usually receive more detail. Earlier roles can be shortened when they repeat the same skills, while older experience that directly supports the new position may still deserve a strong example.

Translate experience instead of minimizing it

Leadership, judgment, customer knowledge, risk awareness, and the ability to guide others are valuable. Describe them through specific actions and results rather than relying on years alone.

Remove what distracts

Old technology, unrelated early duties, or a long list of every course can make the strongest evidence harder to see. Keep what supports the next job and preserve the rest in your private record.