Resume Tips - Specify A Month And Year For Your Date Ranges
Chris Sherret
IT Recruiter | Resume Writer - Helping You Develop Your Most Significant Resume Update | Career Transitions | Software Developer 416-423-0798 [email protected]
Specify the month and year on date ranges in the EXPERIENCE section of your resume. Recruiters prioritize the highest value candidates by calculating the total years of experience for important skills.
The date range: Jan 2011 - Dec 2012 specifies 2 years of experience. Compare this with the range 2011 - 2012 which can indicate anywhere from 2 days!! to 2 years of experience.
Companies can reject or place a lower value on submissions which do not show full date ranges. Vague date ranges cause recruiters to suspect there is a work history gap and treat a submission with suspicion. At best they give an impression of laziness. You may never find out exactly why you were not selected. If you are fortunate a recruiter may request a clarification but this can cause a critical delay in your application.
Accurate date ranges are a component of showing "demonstrated experience". Recruiters know incomplete date ranges are sometimes used as a way to conceal a work history gap. The length of your experience has value. Take credit for it. Everything on your resume sends a message [ Improve your Job Search ].