Do I need to include every job in application?

Denene

I'm applying for a job, and I want to demonstrate that I meet all the criteria. I can only meet one of the criteria with a job that I had 10 years ago during the summer break from university. I don't really want to list that because then I'll have to list everything between that and my "real" post-uni jobs: the application form says you must explain any gaps, and I know they are strict in discarding applications which don't meet the letter of the instructions. On the other hand, they state that they want every job since I left full-time education, so technically I don't have to mention any of them.

Would it be sensible to mention this in the additional information section, "In a previous position, I was responsible for..." or do I have to put every brief call centre and fast food restaurant, which I think looks messy and dilutes my actual relevant experience?

(I hate applying for jobs, but I would quite like this one)

theoretica

I wouldn't just mention 'in a previous position' which they can't find in your list of jobs. Are you on a tight word count for the additional information? Can you mention you held various jobs while a student, including...

Denene

That's a good idea! I'm not in any danger of running out of space, the opposite in fact.

The only thing I'm worried about is that I need to emphasise the task as much as I can, as it's one of the main requirements in this role. I have a lot of theoretical experience, but they want working knowledge, and I only have this rather thin link. I think I could explain it at interview, but of course the application is the first stumbling block

Thanks!

shortcrust

I would probably give a detailed history of employment since leaving full-time eduction but also have a less detailed section with significant jobs and other 'development opportunities' from uni and before. If asked why you've been selective with that you can say that you did lots of different temp jobs so it's impractical to list them all.

HappyMJ

Denene wrote: »

I'm applying for a job, and I want to demonstrate that I meet all the criteria. I can only meet one of the criteria with a job that I had 10 years ago during the summer break from university. I don't really want to list that because then I'll have to list everything between that and my "real" post-uni jobs: the application form says you must explain any gaps, and I know they are strict in discarding applications which don't meet the letter of the instructions. On the other hand, they state that they want every job since I left full-time education, so technically I don't have to mention any of them.

Would it be sensible to mention this in the additional information section, "In a previous position, I was responsible for..." or do I have to put every brief call centre and fast food restaurant, which I think looks messy and dilutes my actual relevant experience?

(I hate applying for jobs, but I would quite like this one)

They want every job since leaving full time education. They wouldn't want my CV then. It would run to 10 pages. It's been more than 20 years since I left school and I've had a different "job" every few months. I get bored reading it and trim it down to 2 pages. The last time I was employed as an employee for a company that I did not control was in 1997 so I just say self employment and list my major clients. Then again if I highlighted the fact I've not actually been employed for 18 years they might not be interested in me so I customize the CV to the job and list my major clients as "jobs".

Denene

shortcrust wrote: »

I would probably give a detailed history of employment since leaving full-time eduction but also have a less detailed section with significant jobs and other 'development opportunities' from uni and before. If asked why you've been selective with that you can say that you did lots of different temp jobs so it's impractical to list them all.

Yes, I think that this is probably the way to go. I need to expand a bit more than "I have done such-and-such in the past". Unfortunately, there's not much to expand!

Denene

HappyMJ wrote: »

They want every job since leaving full time education. They wouldn't want my CV then. It would run to 10 pages. It's been more than 20 years since I left school and I've had a different "job" every few months. I get bored reading it and trim it down to 2 pages. The last time I was employed as an employee for a company that I did not control was in 1997 so I just say self employment and list my major clients. Then again if I highlighted the fact I've not actually been employed for 18 years they might not be interested in me so I customize the CV to the job and list my major clients as "jobs".

I know, it seems a bit unnecessary to me. Luckily I have only have a few "real" jobs; I don't know what people with years of experience would do. If I were screening applications, I would much rather people include only relevant employment, especially since they ask for a lot of details on employment history too.