Does your resume need just the years of your employment at each company? Or does it also need the months?
If you are applying online, the ATS (applicant tracking system) will probably need the months.
But your resume itself has 3 options. There are mixed opinions about professional resume writers.
ONLY INCLUDE THE YEARS: As a recruiter, I did not care about the months. I just wanted the timeline of the person’s job history. This strategy gives some wiggle room while still telling the truth. This is my preferred strategy unless someone is just starting their career.
2020 – Present
2017 – 2019
INCLUDE BOTH THE MONTHS AND THE YEARS: This will match what the ATS requires. But this shows the 18-month gap.
I do not know the beginning and end months of my last job. The company is out of business. I would have to lie about it.
11/15/20 – Present
10/20/17 – 4/20/19
The gap is a SABBATICAL: Maybe you were sailing around the world on your yacht, or maybe you were looking for a job. You were not on your intended career path. But this is a way to truthfully account for the time.
2020 – Present
2019 – 2020 Professional Sabbatical
2017 – 2019
There are the types of issues I talk about with my clients. If you have other questions about your resume or job search, there is no charge for a consultation to discuss. Go to this link, and it will take you to my scheduler.