When preparing your CV for a job application, one of the most common questions candidates ask is: how many jobs should I put on my CV? It’s a surprisingly complex issue. Include too many, and your resume looks crowded or outdated. Include too few, and you risk appearing inexperienced.
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right number of roles depends on your total work history, the industry you're applying to, and—perhaps most importantly—how relevant those roles are to the position at hand. But in a job market that’s increasingly driven by applicant tracking systems (ATS) and rapid recruiter scanning, making strategic decisions about which jobs to include on your CV can make all the difference.
In this article, we’ll break down the factors to consider when choosing how many jobs to list, the common mistakes candidates make, and how to make your CV sharp, focused, and interview-worthy.
Related Read: How Many Jobs Should You Apply to Each Week (An AI-Backed Guide)
Bonus: How to Write a Resume With No Experience (2025 Edition)
If you've worked for 10 companies in the past 15 years, should all of them make the cut? Not necessarily. Most recruiters spend just 6–8 seconds scanning a CV. That means your document needs to get to the point—fast.
General rule of thumb:
List your last 3–5 relevant roles, covering approximately 10–15 years of experience, unless you're in a field like academia or research where full history matters.
Key considerations:
More isn’t better—relevance is king.
Recruiters typically look at:
If your CV includes too many roles, especially short-term ones, it can signal job-hopping—even if that’s not the full story.
If you're unsure whether to include a job:
Pro tip: Not Hearing Back From Jobs? Here’s Why
Here’s a quick guide:
Include If…
Consider Skipping If…
It’s recent and relevant
It’s over 15 years old with no relevance
You had clear achievements
It was a short-term or part-time gig
It shows growth or leadership
You’re repeating similar roles
It matches keywords in the job ad
You’ve already listed enough recent jobs
That doesn’t mean older jobs don’t matter. You can always include a short “Previous Experience” section with job titles and dates only.
If you're listing several roles, formatting matters. Here’s what recruiters prefer:
Need resume formatting tips? Read: Top AI Resume Builder Tools for 2025
Don’t worry if you haven’t held many formal roles. You can still create a strong CV by highlighting:
If you’re earlier in your career, 1–3 jobs is perfectly fine—as long as your CV is tailored and achievement-focused.
New to the workforce? Check out: How to Write a Resume With No Experience
Q: Is it bad to have too many jobs on my CV?
A: It can be if they clutter your message or show inconsistent patterns. Focus on relevance and impact instead.
Q: Should I list part-time or temp jobs?
A: Yes, if they add value to your story or show transferable skills. Just make sure they’re clearly labeled.
Q: How far back should my CV go?
A: Typically 10–15 years. Older roles can be condensed or dropped unless highly relevant.
Q: What if all my jobs are similar?
A: Highlight different achievements or challenges in each. Show growth and evolution in responsibilities.
So, how many jobs should I put on my CV? Enough to tell a compelling story, but not so many that it becomes noise. Focus on relevance, recent experience, and results. Whether you’ve had two roles or ten, what matters most is how clearly you communicate your value to employers.
Use Jobcamp's Resume Builder to Tailor Your CV for Every Application
Join thousands of job seekers who receive our weekly newsletter with insider tips, trends, and opportunities.
