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?







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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
















up vote
4
down vote

favorite
2












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?







share|improve this question






















  • 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












up vote
4
down vote

favorite
2









up vote
4
down vote

favorite
2






2





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?







share|improve this question














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?









share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








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
















  • 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










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.






share|improve this answer



























    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.






    share|improve this answer




















    • 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

















    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.






    share|improve this answer



























      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.






      share|improve this answer



























        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).






        share|improve this answer




















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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.






          share|improve this answer
























            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.






            share|improve this answer






















              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.






              share|improve this answer












              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.







              share|improve this answer












              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer










              answered Oct 12 '15 at 8:57









              Lilienthal♦

              53.9k36183218




              53.9k36183218






















                  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.






                  share|improve this answer




















                  • 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














                  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.






                  share|improve this answer




















                  • 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












                  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.






                  share|improve this answer












                  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.







                  share|improve this answer












                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer










                  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
















                  • 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










                  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.






                  share|improve this answer
























                    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.






                    share|improve this answer






















                      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.






                      share|improve this answer












                      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.







                      share|improve this answer












                      share|improve this answer



                      share|improve this answer










                      answered Oct 12 '15 at 6:54









                      Patricia Shanahan

                      16.2k53256




                      16.2k53256




















                          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.






                          share|improve this answer
























                            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.






                            share|improve this answer






















                              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.






                              share|improve this answer













                              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.







                              share|improve this answer












                              share|improve this answer



                              share|improve this answer










                              answered Oct 12 '15 at 12:01









                              Joe Strazzere

                              223k104653921




                              223k104653921




















                                  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).






                                  share|improve this answer
























                                    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).






                                    share|improve this answer






















                                      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).






                                      share|improve this answer












                                      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).







                                      share|improve this answer












                                      share|improve this answer



                                      share|improve this answer










                                      answered Oct 12 '15 at 6:46









                                      Dawny33

                                      12.2k34563




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