How Far Back Should a CV Go?

Your CV should generally cover the most recent 10–15 years of professional experience, focusing on roles and achievements relevant to the job you are applying for.

However, if you’re an early career individual, you should only focus on the last 5 years of relevant work experiences, internships, and significant extracurriculars. Mid-career professionals should summarise the most recent 10–15 years, while seasoned professionals are recommended to highlight the last 15 years.

Prioritize experiences that best demonstrate your qualifications rather than listing every job you've held. Try to limit your CV to 1–2 pages and highlight the most significant information for prospective employers.

How we review the content at LiveCareer

Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with Livecareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.