Why Including Months (Not Just Years) on Your Resume Matters More Than You Think

I’ve seen a trend of more and more resumes coming in with date ranges using just the years listed (with no Months) and it begs the question why are we removing an important level of detail and why do we think it’s ok to do this? If the resume states I worked with this employer from 2022-2023, that could be 2 weeks…or 2 months or two years; and the reader (prospective employer) wonders which one it is…but it's much more than just timeline accuracy!

???Why Including Months (Not Just Years) on Your Resume Matters More Than You Think

In the competitive job market, every detail on a resume counts. One detail that often gets overlooked is the importance of including both months and years for each position listed. This simple addition can make a significant difference in how a potential employer views your experience and, ultimately, your candidacy.

Accuracy is Key to Building Trust

What does trust have to do with it before we’re even hired and on the job?

Employers and recruiters look for accuracy on a resume to gauge an applicant's attention to detail. Including only the years can leave too much room for interpretation, and can even come across as an attempt to mask employment gaps. For example, listing "2021-2022" could mean you were with a company from January 2021 to December 2022—or just from December 2021 to January 2022. This lack of clarity can lead to unnecessary questions, potentially casting doubt on your transparency not to mention potential gaps in employment.? Tenure is of critical importance to employers today, and a “years only” timeline just doesn’t tell a complete story.

By clearly listing both the month and year, such as "February 2021 – August 2022," you’re showcasing your commitment to transparency and detail, which can positively impact your credibility and trustworthiness.

???Months Reveal Career Growth Patterns

Hiring managers often look for trends and patterns in a candidate’s career. Did you progress from one role to another too quickly? Were you promoted in a short timeframe, or did you have a long tenure that speaks to your commitment? Listing only the years may hide these valuable insights, making it harder for a recruiter to see the trajectory of your career growth.

For example, consider two candidates applying for a senior role. Both list a prior role at a company from 2021 to 2022. However, one candidate held that role for 20 months, and the other only for 3. Including months can help hiring managers see the full story of your commitment, promotions, or lateral moves, offering them insight into how your experience might align with the demands of the new role.

???Filling in Gaps Honestly and Strategically

Employment gaps can sometimes raise concerns, but they are increasingly common and are often for good reasons, such as furthering education, family obligations, or pursuing personal projects. Listing only the years can unintentionally draw attention to these gaps and prompt questions about what may have been left unsaid. Everyone has their own story, and they can be compelling but a resume needs to be an accurate representation of your professional timeline.

By adding months, you have the opportunity to present gaps more accurately, often minimizing or even eliminating them. Gaps are not deal-breakers if they’re addressed honestly, and showing the exact timeframe of employment can reduce any perceived ambiguity.

???Highlighting Contract and Project-Based Work

If you’ve worked on contract, freelance, or project-based roles, months are essential to reflecting the dynamic nature of your experience. Project work often has shorter timeframes, and listing only years could suggest longer commitments than you actually held or may understate the value of your contribution.

By specifying the months, such as “March 2020 – September 2020,” you give context to the scope and intensity of your project experience, which can be highly relevant for positions requiring similar project-based expertise.

???Standing Out Among Candidates

Finally, let’s be real: in today’s market, even small details can set you apart, and a “years only” timeline sets you apart in the wrong way, and that’s why I tell every candidate they need to make those edits right away, straight out of the gate. It's a non-negotiable for me as a recruiter. While some candidates may overlook this simple step, including months can help you stand out as someone who values precision, transparency, and honesty. It signals a level of professionalism that may differentiate you in a crowded field of applicants.

???How to Do It Right

When adding months, use a consistent format, such as "May 2020 – July 2021" or "05/2020 – 07/2021." Avoid abbreviations like “May ‘20” as this can look informal or less polished.

In the end, the decision to include months isn’t just about formatting; it’s about setting yourself up for success with a clear and accurate reflection of your experience. Taking this extra step shows that you understand the value of clear communication and integrity—qualities every employer wants to see. It’s much more than just an accurate timeline.?

Make your professional timeline and work experience shine—down to the month!

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