Applicants should present which type of experience first in their resumes?

Presenting recent work experiences first in a resume is considered best practice because it showcases the most relevant and up-to-date skills and knowledge to potential employers. This approach allows hiring managers to quickly identify a candidate's current capabilities, understanding that recent experience often reflects the applicant's latest contributions, adaptability, and growth in their career. Employers typically prioritize recent experience as it is more impactful; candidates may have gained new skills, learned modern practices, or adapted to recent industry changes.

While internship experiences can be valuable, particularly for individuals who are early in their careers, they are often considered secondary to direct work experiences. Similarly, presenting all experiences equally might not effectively highlight a candidate's most important qualifications, while older job experiences can become less relevant as time passes unless they are particularly noteworthy or pivotal in the candidate's career. Thus, leading with recent work experiences helps create a clear narrative of professional development and readiness for the role being applied for.