Should You Add Non-Relevant Work Experience to Your Technical Resume?

When it comes to crafting your technical resume, it is often recommended to focus only on relevant work experience. However, there are scenarios where including non-relevant work experience, such as retail or fast food jobs, can actually enhance your resume and make you a more attractive candidate. This article delves into when and how to incorporate this type of experience, with a focus on the key factors to consider.

Transferable Skills

One of the most compelling reasons to include non-relevant work experience is the presence of transferable skills. Skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and customer service are highly valuable in technical roles. These skills enable you to demonstrate to potential employers that you have a versatile skill set, which can translate to success in a technical context.

Length of Experience

In some cases, including non-relevant jobs can serve a practical purpose. If you have limited relevant experience, adding these positions can help fill out your resume and show that you have a consistent work history. This can be particularly important for early-career professionals who are lacking in technical experience. It also provides a more comprehensive view of your career journey.

Resume Length and Format

The length of your resume is another factor to consider when deciding whether to include non-relevant work experience. A one-page resume is generally recommended for early-career professionals, while more experienced individuals can stretch to two pages. If your resume is already extensive and detailed, it might be more prudent to prioritize the inclusion of relevant experience over non-relevant positions. However, if you have a few well-rounded non-relevant roles that demonstrate valuable skills, they can be strategically included at the end of your resume.

Job Context and Application

The context of the job you are applying for plays a significant role in determining whether to include non-relevant work experience. Consider the specific requirements of the role. If the job actively values diverse experiences or customer interaction, having retail or fast food experience can be an advantage. For instance, a technical role that requires customer support or supervision can benefit from past experiences in customer service.

Strategic Inclusion of Skills

If you decide to include non-relevant work experience, it is crucial to focus on the skills and accomplishments that directly relate to the job you are applying for. Instead of listing extensive details about each position, highlight the skills that translate to the technical role. For example, emphasize your ability to work under pressure, manage time effectively, and lead a team. Depending on the space available, you can list these roles briefly at the end of your resume.

Example Scenarios

To illustrate the benefits of including non-relevant work experience, consider the following scenarios:

For a Graduate with No Technical Experience: Any experience is valuable, especially if it showcases transferable skills. Retail or fast food work demonstrates that you are capable of handling customer interactions and working in a fast-paced environment. Landing a Customer Support Role in a Technical Company: If you are applying for a role in a tech company that requires excellent customer support skills, your experience in retail or fast food can be a strong selling point. Highlight the specific skills you acquired, such as problem-solving and customer service. Technical Role in the Head Office of a Retail Company: If your target role involves overseeing operations or managing teams within a retail company, industry-specific experience can be very useful. Mention how your past roles demonstrated leadership and organizational skills.

Your Resume: A Reflection of Your Skills

Remember that your resume is a reflection of your skills and experiences. While it is important to focus on relevant technical experience, non-relevant work experience can serve as a bridge to demonstrate your versatility and transferable skills. By carefully considering the factors mentioned above, you can strategically include non-relevant work experience in a way that enhances your overall candidacy.