How do you write a resume after being out of the workforce for years?
Rachel Davis
Updated on February 16, 2026
Here’s how to write a resume when you haven’t worked in years:
- Make your resume skills-focused.
- Include volunteer work you did during your period of unemployment.
- Emphasize your education by adding more detail to your resume education section.
- Add any certifications you got while unemployed.
How do you list employment history on a resume?
How to write resume employment history
- List your jobs in order.
- Include the name and location of the company.
- Provide your job title.
- Specify the dates of employment.
- List your most important accomplishments and responsibilities.
- Highlight awards.
What should I put on my resume if my company went out of business?
Here’s an example of how to express that your employer valued your work: “Earned a reputation for dedication, flexibility and positive work ethic; retained throughout organizational restructure consisting of four major layoffs in a six-month period.” If your employer went out of business, you should still include the experience on your resume.
What to do if your employer goes out of business?
Employer Out of Business. If your employer went out of business, you should still include the experience on your resume. Treat the position like any other job by demonstrating your accomplishments and contributions. If the position was recent, briefly explain the closure in your cover letter.
How to handle this situation in a resume?
Here’s an example to help explain how you might handle this situation in a resume: Upon graduating from college, I went to work for Company A. Several years later, Company A was acquired by Company B.
What to do on a resume when you have done the same job for?
Present your past employment positions on your resume as you would if they were all different work positions. Start by listing the name of the position you held, even if it is the same for each position.