How far back do I go on my CV?

Sara's Career Tip of the Month

Hi there! I'm Sara Ayazi. As a career counselor here at the Office of Career and Professional Development, my goal is to help you navigate your career successfully! Each month I write a bite-sized tip on commonly asked career-related questions. You can visit the archive of all of my tips. Or, to receive these monthly tips via email, sign up for our email list.

Career Counselor Sara AyaziThis month’s tip is on CVs. One question we often receive is how far back to go on a CV. There are many different opinions on this subject, but at OCPD we recommend reframing the question. Instead of asking how far back to go, ask yourself whether that piece of information demonstrates a particular skill, accomplishment, or experience that would be valuable to the reader. In other words, what aspect of this information will help your candidacy? If it’s not highlighting a particular theme (e.g., commitment to underserved populations) and/or a relevant skill (e.g., leadership, teaching) that would help the reader understand who you are or what you’ve accomplished, we recommend removing it.

 


Copyright © 2021 The Regents of the University of California, All Rights Reserved; Do not reprint without permission. Developed by Sara Ayazi at the Office of Career and Professional Development, UCSF, [email protected]

Upcoming Events

Wed
03

Career and Professional Development Writing Retreat

Date: April 3, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Variable, see schedule)
Mon
15

OCPD Office Hours (for Graduate Students and Postdocs)

Date: April 15, 2024
Time: 4 - 5 p.m.
Tue
23

OCPD Office Hours (for Graduate Students and Postdocs)

Date: April 23, 2024
Time: 12 - 1 p.m.