Should my resume list work experience from unrelated fields?
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I am about to apply for some internship programs and I was wondering what should I put in my resume in regards to work experience. I am a junior level student majoring in Computer Science but I don't have any experience in the field.
I worked for 5 years as a security officer and also I worked for two businesses( non-cs related) fixing and maintaining their computers.
Should I put these on my resume or this experience are irrelevant?
resume internship work-experience
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up vote
4
down vote
favorite
I am about to apply for some internship programs and I was wondering what should I put in my resume in regards to work experience. I am a junior level student majoring in Computer Science but I don't have any experience in the field.
I worked for 5 years as a security officer and also I worked for two businesses( non-cs related) fixing and maintaining their computers.
Should I put these on my resume or this experience are irrelevant?
resume internship work-experience
The fact that you worked in a professional environment for 5 years demonstrates something about your work ethic, even if it seems unrelated (security officer).
– Brandin
Oct 12 '15 at 7:28
Welcome to the site user1335175. I've retitled your question to match what I think you're actually asking.
– Lilienthal♦
Oct 12 '15 at 8:43
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
4
down vote
favorite
up vote
4
down vote
favorite
I am about to apply for some internship programs and I was wondering what should I put in my resume in regards to work experience. I am a junior level student majoring in Computer Science but I don't have any experience in the field.
I worked for 5 years as a security officer and also I worked for two businesses( non-cs related) fixing and maintaining their computers.
Should I put these on my resume or this experience are irrelevant?
resume internship work-experience
I am about to apply for some internship programs and I was wondering what should I put in my resume in regards to work experience. I am a junior level student majoring in Computer Science but I don't have any experience in the field.
I worked for 5 years as a security officer and also I worked for two businesses( non-cs related) fixing and maintaining their computers.
Should I put these on my resume or this experience are irrelevant?
resume internship work-experience
edited Oct 12 '15 at 8:41


Lilienthal♦
53.9k36183218
53.9k36183218
asked Oct 11 '15 at 20:45
user1335175
3114
3114
The fact that you worked in a professional environment for 5 years demonstrates something about your work ethic, even if it seems unrelated (security officer).
– Brandin
Oct 12 '15 at 7:28
Welcome to the site user1335175. I've retitled your question to match what I think you're actually asking.
– Lilienthal♦
Oct 12 '15 at 8:43
suggest improvements |Â
The fact that you worked in a professional environment for 5 years demonstrates something about your work ethic, even if it seems unrelated (security officer).
– Brandin
Oct 12 '15 at 7:28
Welcome to the site user1335175. I've retitled your question to match what I think you're actually asking.
– Lilienthal♦
Oct 12 '15 at 8:43
The fact that you worked in a professional environment for 5 years demonstrates something about your work ethic, even if it seems unrelated (security officer).
– Brandin
Oct 12 '15 at 7:28
The fact that you worked in a professional environment for 5 years demonstrates something about your work ethic, even if it seems unrelated (security officer).
– Brandin
Oct 12 '15 at 7:28
Welcome to the site user1335175. I've retitled your question to match what I think you're actually asking.
– Lilienthal♦
Oct 12 '15 at 8:43
Welcome to the site user1335175. I've retitled your question to match what I think you're actually asking.
– Lilienthal♦
Oct 12 '15 at 8:43
suggest improvements |Â
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
up vote
3
down vote
accepted
Your work experience is always relevant, even if you're changing fields. Aside from field-related skills, holding down a job shows at the very least that you're employable. Professionalism, accountability and work ethic are universal. While this isn't relevant to you, you also want to avoid having gaps in your work history because you're leaving out "irrelevant" jobs.
Some people split their work experience into two sections such as relevant and other. If you have a very long work history across different fields this can be a good option if done well and with care. If you have less than 10 years' experience a simple chronological history would probably be preferable though. Note that you'll always want your LinkedIn profile to have your full, chronological history.
Normally however, highlighting your relevant experience is done in the cover letter, which you tailor to the position you're applying for.
If you're a student or graduate and have work experience like this it's especially important to list that as it will give you a significant edge over other applicants without a proven track record in navigating the workplace.
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
5
down vote
First I would contend that your experience fixing and and maintaining computers is non - CS related. The experience is valuable and shows you have the ability to apply your theoretical knowledge in a professional work place.
The 5 years in which you worked as a security officer is also valuable as this work likely requires strong integrity, responsibility, and attention to detail. These traits are very attractive to a potential employer.
Yes, you should most definitely put these experience on your resume.
Because if you didn't your resume would be quite sparse. With this in mind, as you get more experience in field-related work, start dropping the unrelated ones as you go along.
– Frank FYC
Oct 12 '15 at 0:44
+1 - It's important to show you're capable of keeping a job regardless if it is related to your field of study.
– user8365
Oct 12 '15 at 12:44
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
There are two sets of skills you will need to do a job well. One set is the specific skills for that job. The other set is general job-holding skills such as:
- Be where you are supposed to be, on time.
- Dress appropriately.
- Have any needed equipment.
- Follow directions.
- Get along with people.
5 years as a security officer says nothing about your computer science technical skills. It says a lot about your general job-holding skills. The computer-fixing work says a bit about both.
Keep them on your resume until your computing job history also demonstrates your job-holding skills, and your resume is getting too long.
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Should I put these on my resume or this experience are irrelevant?
Since you don't have directly relevant experience, you definitely should include these jobs on your resume.
They will serve to show that you are a hard-worker, that you understand how to work for someone, that you can show up on time, etc. Some applicants for internships can't even show that much.
You should contact the folks you worked at on these jobs and ask if they would be references for you. "user1335175 is a great worker!" can be a powerful message as a reference.
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
I would suggest you include the jobs where you fixed and maintained computers, with 2-3 bullet points for each. Include your work details, your learnings, soft skills, etc in separate bullet points so that your resume does not look sparse.
However, I would advise you against including the experience as a security officer(as it is completely unrelated).
And as you gain experience, you might also want to drop the fixing computers experience too. (as it is also somewhat irrelevant).
suggest improvements |Â
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5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
3
down vote
accepted
Your work experience is always relevant, even if you're changing fields. Aside from field-related skills, holding down a job shows at the very least that you're employable. Professionalism, accountability and work ethic are universal. While this isn't relevant to you, you also want to avoid having gaps in your work history because you're leaving out "irrelevant" jobs.
Some people split their work experience into two sections such as relevant and other. If you have a very long work history across different fields this can be a good option if done well and with care. If you have less than 10 years' experience a simple chronological history would probably be preferable though. Note that you'll always want your LinkedIn profile to have your full, chronological history.
Normally however, highlighting your relevant experience is done in the cover letter, which you tailor to the position you're applying for.
If you're a student or graduate and have work experience like this it's especially important to list that as it will give you a significant edge over other applicants without a proven track record in navigating the workplace.
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
3
down vote
accepted
Your work experience is always relevant, even if you're changing fields. Aside from field-related skills, holding down a job shows at the very least that you're employable. Professionalism, accountability and work ethic are universal. While this isn't relevant to you, you also want to avoid having gaps in your work history because you're leaving out "irrelevant" jobs.
Some people split their work experience into two sections such as relevant and other. If you have a very long work history across different fields this can be a good option if done well and with care. If you have less than 10 years' experience a simple chronological history would probably be preferable though. Note that you'll always want your LinkedIn profile to have your full, chronological history.
Normally however, highlighting your relevant experience is done in the cover letter, which you tailor to the position you're applying for.
If you're a student or graduate and have work experience like this it's especially important to list that as it will give you a significant edge over other applicants without a proven track record in navigating the workplace.
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
3
down vote
accepted
up vote
3
down vote
accepted
Your work experience is always relevant, even if you're changing fields. Aside from field-related skills, holding down a job shows at the very least that you're employable. Professionalism, accountability and work ethic are universal. While this isn't relevant to you, you also want to avoid having gaps in your work history because you're leaving out "irrelevant" jobs.
Some people split their work experience into two sections such as relevant and other. If you have a very long work history across different fields this can be a good option if done well and with care. If you have less than 10 years' experience a simple chronological history would probably be preferable though. Note that you'll always want your LinkedIn profile to have your full, chronological history.
Normally however, highlighting your relevant experience is done in the cover letter, which you tailor to the position you're applying for.
If you're a student or graduate and have work experience like this it's especially important to list that as it will give you a significant edge over other applicants without a proven track record in navigating the workplace.
Your work experience is always relevant, even if you're changing fields. Aside from field-related skills, holding down a job shows at the very least that you're employable. Professionalism, accountability and work ethic are universal. While this isn't relevant to you, you also want to avoid having gaps in your work history because you're leaving out "irrelevant" jobs.
Some people split their work experience into two sections such as relevant and other. If you have a very long work history across different fields this can be a good option if done well and with care. If you have less than 10 years' experience a simple chronological history would probably be preferable though. Note that you'll always want your LinkedIn profile to have your full, chronological history.
Normally however, highlighting your relevant experience is done in the cover letter, which you tailor to the position you're applying for.
If you're a student or graduate and have work experience like this it's especially important to list that as it will give you a significant edge over other applicants without a proven track record in navigating the workplace.
answered Oct 12 '15 at 8:57


Lilienthal♦
53.9k36183218
53.9k36183218
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
5
down vote
First I would contend that your experience fixing and and maintaining computers is non - CS related. The experience is valuable and shows you have the ability to apply your theoretical knowledge in a professional work place.
The 5 years in which you worked as a security officer is also valuable as this work likely requires strong integrity, responsibility, and attention to detail. These traits are very attractive to a potential employer.
Yes, you should most definitely put these experience on your resume.
Because if you didn't your resume would be quite sparse. With this in mind, as you get more experience in field-related work, start dropping the unrelated ones as you go along.
– Frank FYC
Oct 12 '15 at 0:44
+1 - It's important to show you're capable of keeping a job regardless if it is related to your field of study.
– user8365
Oct 12 '15 at 12:44
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
5
down vote
First I would contend that your experience fixing and and maintaining computers is non - CS related. The experience is valuable and shows you have the ability to apply your theoretical knowledge in a professional work place.
The 5 years in which you worked as a security officer is also valuable as this work likely requires strong integrity, responsibility, and attention to detail. These traits are very attractive to a potential employer.
Yes, you should most definitely put these experience on your resume.
Because if you didn't your resume would be quite sparse. With this in mind, as you get more experience in field-related work, start dropping the unrelated ones as you go along.
– Frank FYC
Oct 12 '15 at 0:44
+1 - It's important to show you're capable of keeping a job regardless if it is related to your field of study.
– user8365
Oct 12 '15 at 12:44
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
5
down vote
up vote
5
down vote
First I would contend that your experience fixing and and maintaining computers is non - CS related. The experience is valuable and shows you have the ability to apply your theoretical knowledge in a professional work place.
The 5 years in which you worked as a security officer is also valuable as this work likely requires strong integrity, responsibility, and attention to detail. These traits are very attractive to a potential employer.
Yes, you should most definitely put these experience on your resume.
First I would contend that your experience fixing and and maintaining computers is non - CS related. The experience is valuable and shows you have the ability to apply your theoretical knowledge in a professional work place.
The 5 years in which you worked as a security officer is also valuable as this work likely requires strong integrity, responsibility, and attention to detail. These traits are very attractive to a potential employer.
Yes, you should most definitely put these experience on your resume.
answered Oct 11 '15 at 21:20
Anthony
5,1431255
5,1431255
Because if you didn't your resume would be quite sparse. With this in mind, as you get more experience in field-related work, start dropping the unrelated ones as you go along.
– Frank FYC
Oct 12 '15 at 0:44
+1 - It's important to show you're capable of keeping a job regardless if it is related to your field of study.
– user8365
Oct 12 '15 at 12:44
suggest improvements |Â
Because if you didn't your resume would be quite sparse. With this in mind, as you get more experience in field-related work, start dropping the unrelated ones as you go along.
– Frank FYC
Oct 12 '15 at 0:44
+1 - It's important to show you're capable of keeping a job regardless if it is related to your field of study.
– user8365
Oct 12 '15 at 12:44
Because if you didn't your resume would be quite sparse. With this in mind, as you get more experience in field-related work, start dropping the unrelated ones as you go along.
– Frank FYC
Oct 12 '15 at 0:44
Because if you didn't your resume would be quite sparse. With this in mind, as you get more experience in field-related work, start dropping the unrelated ones as you go along.
– Frank FYC
Oct 12 '15 at 0:44
+1 - It's important to show you're capable of keeping a job regardless if it is related to your field of study.
– user8365
Oct 12 '15 at 12:44
+1 - It's important to show you're capable of keeping a job regardless if it is related to your field of study.
– user8365
Oct 12 '15 at 12:44
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
There are two sets of skills you will need to do a job well. One set is the specific skills for that job. The other set is general job-holding skills such as:
- Be where you are supposed to be, on time.
- Dress appropriately.
- Have any needed equipment.
- Follow directions.
- Get along with people.
5 years as a security officer says nothing about your computer science technical skills. It says a lot about your general job-holding skills. The computer-fixing work says a bit about both.
Keep them on your resume until your computing job history also demonstrates your job-holding skills, and your resume is getting too long.
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
There are two sets of skills you will need to do a job well. One set is the specific skills for that job. The other set is general job-holding skills such as:
- Be where you are supposed to be, on time.
- Dress appropriately.
- Have any needed equipment.
- Follow directions.
- Get along with people.
5 years as a security officer says nothing about your computer science technical skills. It says a lot about your general job-holding skills. The computer-fixing work says a bit about both.
Keep them on your resume until your computing job history also demonstrates your job-holding skills, and your resume is getting too long.
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
There are two sets of skills you will need to do a job well. One set is the specific skills for that job. The other set is general job-holding skills such as:
- Be where you are supposed to be, on time.
- Dress appropriately.
- Have any needed equipment.
- Follow directions.
- Get along with people.
5 years as a security officer says nothing about your computer science technical skills. It says a lot about your general job-holding skills. The computer-fixing work says a bit about both.
Keep them on your resume until your computing job history also demonstrates your job-holding skills, and your resume is getting too long.
There are two sets of skills you will need to do a job well. One set is the specific skills for that job. The other set is general job-holding skills such as:
- Be where you are supposed to be, on time.
- Dress appropriately.
- Have any needed equipment.
- Follow directions.
- Get along with people.
5 years as a security officer says nothing about your computer science technical skills. It says a lot about your general job-holding skills. The computer-fixing work says a bit about both.
Keep them on your resume until your computing job history also demonstrates your job-holding skills, and your resume is getting too long.
answered Oct 12 '15 at 6:54
Patricia Shanahan
16.2k53256
16.2k53256
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Should I put these on my resume or this experience are irrelevant?
Since you don't have directly relevant experience, you definitely should include these jobs on your resume.
They will serve to show that you are a hard-worker, that you understand how to work for someone, that you can show up on time, etc. Some applicants for internships can't even show that much.
You should contact the folks you worked at on these jobs and ask if they would be references for you. "user1335175 is a great worker!" can be a powerful message as a reference.
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Should I put these on my resume or this experience are irrelevant?
Since you don't have directly relevant experience, you definitely should include these jobs on your resume.
They will serve to show that you are a hard-worker, that you understand how to work for someone, that you can show up on time, etc. Some applicants for internships can't even show that much.
You should contact the folks you worked at on these jobs and ask if they would be references for you. "user1335175 is a great worker!" can be a powerful message as a reference.
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
Should I put these on my resume or this experience are irrelevant?
Since you don't have directly relevant experience, you definitely should include these jobs on your resume.
They will serve to show that you are a hard-worker, that you understand how to work for someone, that you can show up on time, etc. Some applicants for internships can't even show that much.
You should contact the folks you worked at on these jobs and ask if they would be references for you. "user1335175 is a great worker!" can be a powerful message as a reference.
Should I put these on my resume or this experience are irrelevant?
Since you don't have directly relevant experience, you definitely should include these jobs on your resume.
They will serve to show that you are a hard-worker, that you understand how to work for someone, that you can show up on time, etc. Some applicants for internships can't even show that much.
You should contact the folks you worked at on these jobs and ask if they would be references for you. "user1335175 is a great worker!" can be a powerful message as a reference.
answered Oct 12 '15 at 12:01


Joe Strazzere
223k104653921
223k104653921
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
I would suggest you include the jobs where you fixed and maintained computers, with 2-3 bullet points for each. Include your work details, your learnings, soft skills, etc in separate bullet points so that your resume does not look sparse.
However, I would advise you against including the experience as a security officer(as it is completely unrelated).
And as you gain experience, you might also want to drop the fixing computers experience too. (as it is also somewhat irrelevant).
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
I would suggest you include the jobs where you fixed and maintained computers, with 2-3 bullet points for each. Include your work details, your learnings, soft skills, etc in separate bullet points so that your resume does not look sparse.
However, I would advise you against including the experience as a security officer(as it is completely unrelated).
And as you gain experience, you might also want to drop the fixing computers experience too. (as it is also somewhat irrelevant).
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
I would suggest you include the jobs where you fixed and maintained computers, with 2-3 bullet points for each. Include your work details, your learnings, soft skills, etc in separate bullet points so that your resume does not look sparse.
However, I would advise you against including the experience as a security officer(as it is completely unrelated).
And as you gain experience, you might also want to drop the fixing computers experience too. (as it is also somewhat irrelevant).
I would suggest you include the jobs where you fixed and maintained computers, with 2-3 bullet points for each. Include your work details, your learnings, soft skills, etc in separate bullet points so that your resume does not look sparse.
However, I would advise you against including the experience as a security officer(as it is completely unrelated).
And as you gain experience, you might also want to drop the fixing computers experience too. (as it is also somewhat irrelevant).
answered Oct 12 '15 at 6:46


Dawny33
12.2k34563
12.2k34563
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
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The fact that you worked in a professional environment for 5 years demonstrates something about your work ethic, even if it seems unrelated (security officer).
– Brandin
Oct 12 '15 at 7:28
Welcome to the site user1335175. I've retitled your question to match what I think you're actually asking.
– Lilienthal♦
Oct 12 '15 at 8:43