Understanding employment history is crucial for employees and employers. For employees, it highlights strengths and builds trust with employers. For employers, it helps assess a job candidate's reliability and fit for the role and helps employers build trust with potential clients.

A quick guide to employment history

Employment history is a record of your past work. It includes job titles, dates of employment, and key achievements. Employers use it to check job candidates' skills, reliability and growth and to advertise a company's experienced personnel to potential clients. A clear and accurate employment history helps with resumes, job applications, background checks, and client acquisition opportunities. Keeping your records updated sets a strong foundation for your career and your company's success.

Why employment history matters

Your employment history records your skills, experience, and growth over time in your professional career. This includes details like past job titles, dates of employment, and the previous companies you have worked for.

For job seekers, it highlights an individual's strengths and tells employers why they are the right fit. For employers, it helps assess a job candidate's reliability, related experience and achievements.

Employment history is more than a list of past jobs. It is a key tool for career success and company growth.

• Showcase skills and experience: Highlight accomplishments that are relevant to your current professional career or the job you want.
• Prove growth: Show steady progress in roles and responsibilities over time.
• Support applications: Provide accurate details for resumes, background checks, and job applications.
• Client acquisition: Advertise key employee skills and experience on the company website to build trust with clients.

How employment history helps employers

Employers rely on employment history to:

• Verify a candidate's past work experience.
• Check if the candidate has the skills needed for the position.
• Assess reliability, honesty, and career progression.

Showcasing employee skills and experience on an employer's company website can also help attract clients by showing potential clients that your company has the right people to assist them.

How employment history helps employees

For employees, employment history can also:

• Help track professional growth.
• Provide information for updating resumes or LinkedIn profiles.
• Highlight skills that are relevant to future goals.

Keeping accurate records of your employment history sets a strong foundation for success in any job search or career move and helps showcase your expertise in your existing career.

How to check your employment history accurately

Accurate employment history details help employees build trust with employers, as well as help employers build trust with clients. Incomplete or incorrect information can raise questions during background checks, recruitment, or client acquisition opportunities.

Why accuracy matters

For job seekers, employers use a job candidate's employment history to verify their work experience. Mistakes, even small ones, can lead to delays or doubts about a candidate's application. An accurate record shows attention to detail and helps candidates present a strong profile.

For employers or sole traders, clients may refer to your own or your employees' professional experience when deciding whether to purchase from your company or engage your services. This is particularly applicable for service industry professionals such as accountants and lawyers, as an individual's employment history and industry expertise are significant factors in a client's decision to engage a specific lawyer or accountant. Having an accurate record of your experience and employment history is therefore essential to maintain report with clients and build trust, as any false or misleading accounts of your professional experience, particularly in service industries such as legal work which are built on a lawyer's trust with their client, can have a profoundly negative effect on client retention and acquisition.

Steps to check your employment history

Follow these steps to ensure your employment history is correct:

1. Access government records
   • In Australia, use myGov to view records of your employment.
   • These may include superannuation details and tax returns.
2. Review tax and superannuation documents
   • Check your tax records for employer names and dates of employment.
   • Look at your superannuation statements for contributions linked to past employers.
3. Use previous contracts and payslips
   • Contracts contain information about job titles, start dates, and duties.
   • Payslips may also help confirm exact dates and positions.
4. Check LinkedIn and personal records
   • Log into your LinkedIn profile to review listed jobs and update details if needed.
   • Look at personal files or notes from previous jobs to fill any gaps.

Tips for consistency

• Use the same job titles and dates across all documents.
• Avoid guessing; verify every detail.
• Keep a central file of your work history to make updates easier in the future.

Accurate records show clients and employers that you are reliable.

What employers evaluate in a job candidate's work history

Employers look at a candidate's work history to understand their skills, experience, and potential. A well-documented history helps them see if the candidate is a good fit for the position and their company. Highlighting the right details can set some applications apart as a top candidate.

Key factors employers focus on

When reviewing a candidate's work history, many employers consider these points:

• Duration of employment
  Employers want to see steady roles without unexplained gaps. Long stays in past jobs can show reliability and commitment.
• Roles and responsibilities
  Job titles and duties tell employers about a candidate's previous responsibilities. Candidates should list titles and roles that match the duties of the job they are applying for.
• Achievements
  Specific accomplishments help employers assess a candidate's impact in past jobs. For example, "Increased sales by 20% in six months" is more powerful than a generic description of duties.
• Career progression
  Employers like to see growth in a candidate's role. Moving from entry-level to higher positions shows drive and capability.
• Relevance to the position
  Candidates should highlight their experience and skills that are relevant to the job, and tailor their application to focus on areas that align with the company’s goals.

Real-world example: Sarah’s journey from intern to manager

Sarah started as a marketing intern at a local agency. She quickly learned new skills and took on larger projects. Within three years, she was promoted to a manager role, overseeing her own team. Her work history shows steady growth, relevant accomplishments, and reliability.

By focusing on these factors, employers can conduct a high-level review of candidate applications, and candidates can craft a work history that appeals to hiring managers and increases their chances of success.

Best practices for showcasing employment history

Your employment history is a key part of your resume, and professional and company advertising. Presenting it clearly helps hiring managers and clients understand your work experience and suitability for the job. Following best practices ensures your resume or company stands out.

Highlight relevant roles and achievements

Employers and clients focus on how your past roles align with the position you are applying for. Tailor your resume, relevant company website page, and other work history documentation to show the most relevant experience.

• List the most recent and relevant jobs first.
• Use bullet points to highlight key achievements.
• Include specific accomplishments, such as "Led a project that increased sales by 15%."
• Avoid listing every duty. Focus on achievements that add value and are relevant to your current position (if showcasing your talent to clients) or the job you are applying for (if applying for a new role).

Use consistent formatting and active language

Consistent formatting and clear language make it simple for employers and clients to find what they need.

• Use the same font and style throughout your resume and employment documents.
• Clearly separate sections with headings like "Employment History."
• Use action words, such as "managed," "led," or "achieved," to describe your contributions.
• Avoid long paragraphs. Stick to short bullet points.

Following these practices helps you showcase your employment history effectively, and with Business Kitz, you can manage employment history documentation for you and your employees to further streamline your business processes.

Business Kitz offers over 100 document templates to choose from to help your business remain compliant in our document library, generate templates using our document creator tool, store and manage documents in Business Kitz' document vault, and seamlessly send and sign documents through Business Kitz document signing tool plus many more features designed to help your business run efficiently and cost-effectively.

Background checks and their role in recruitment

Background checks are an important step in recruitment. Employers use them to confirm a candidate’s work history, credentials, and other details. These checks help hiring managers assess reliability and avoid risks when selecting new employees.

Purpose of background checks

The main goal is to validate the information provided by candidates. Employers check if past roles, dates of employment, and qualifications match the application. This process builds trust and ensures that the hiring decision is based on accurate information.

Types of background checks

Employers may use several types of checks depending on the position and industry:

• Employment verification
  Confirms work history, including job titles, dates of employment, and responsibilities.
• Reference checks
  Gathers feedback from previous employers or colleagues to assess skills, performance, and attitude.
• Criminal record checks
  Identifies any past legal issues that could affect the candidate’s suitability for the role.
• Financial checks
  Reviews credit history for positions involving financial responsibility.

Preparation tips for candidates and review suggestions for employers

Candidates can prepare early for background checks to avoid delays by:

• Ensuring their employment history is accurate and matches their resume.
• Providing up-to-date contact details for references.
• Keeping copies of employment contracts or payslips to verify past jobs (for the candidates' internal reference).
• Addressing any gaps in their work history with clear, honest explanations.

Employers should check that candidates have provided the above information and communicate with candidates about any gaps in their work history if they are considering hiring them.

Background checks are thorough, but they are also a standard part of the recruitment process. Being organised and honest helps ensure a smooth experience and builds trust between candidates and potential employers.

Employment history in Australia: unique requirements

Australia has specific requirements for documenting employment history. These standards help protect employee rights while ensuring employers have the details needed to make informed hiring decisions.

Legal considerations

Keep in mind that employers must follow privacy laws when handling candidates' information and employment history documentation in Australia. Employers cannot access a candidate's records without their consent, and candidates should always review what they share to ensure it complies with these standards. Employers are also required to keep certain employment records for seven years, as per Australian regulations.

How Australia compares globally

Employment history practices in Australia differ from those in other countries. Below is a comparison of key elements:

Tips for success

• Always verify employment history records to ensure accuracy.
• Tailor your or your employees' employment history to meet Australian employer or client expectations.
• Use clear and concise details that comply with legal and cultural norms.

Understanding these requirements helps you build a strong employment history in Australia.

Leveraging work history to strengthen job applications and customer acquisition opportunities

Your work history can set you apart during a job search or when potential clients are considering engaging your or your competitors' services. By presenting your employment history well, you demonstrate why you are the best fit for the job. Tailoring your history and aligning it with the employer’s or customer's needs can make a strong impression and push you ahead of competitors.

Steps to position work history as a competitive advantage

Follow these steps to make your work history work for you:

• Tailor your history to the job
  Focus on roles and achievements that match the job description. Highlight skills and experience relevant to the job. If a role requires leadership, emphasise moments where you managed teams or projects.
• Align with employer or client expectations
  Conduct research on the employer or your client base and use your history to show how you can meet their specific needs. For example, if applying for a job in sales, list accomplishments like increasing sales or retaining clients. Alternatively, If you own a marketing company and were showcasing your work history to potential clients, you may mention specific marketing analytics data such as "increased website traffic by X%" or "decreased customer churn rate by X %".
• Be specific
  Use concrete examples. "Increased revenue by 20%" is stronger than "boosted sales." Details give employers and clients confidence in your abilities.

A well-presented work history shows employers and clients that you are organised and prepared. By tailoring your details and aligning them with employer expectations, you can stand out from your competitors. Business Kitz employee management and comprehensive document templates can help you further streamline your business processes, while our secure document vault allows storage and easy access to past employment records. Join Business Kitz today!

Recruitment insights: what agencies and employers care about

Recruitment agencies and employers look for specific qualities in candidates. They assess work history, skills, and potential fit for the position. Understanding what they value can help candidates prepare a stronger application.

What agencies and employers prioritise

Agencies and employers focus on these key areas:

• Preferred skills and experience
  Agencies look for candidates with skills that match the job. For example, technical skills for IT roles or communication skills for sales positions. They also value proven work experience in similar roles.
• Career trends and progression
  A steady career path shows reliability and commitment. Employers often favour candidates who have progressed in their roles and taken on more responsibility over time.
• Addressing gaps and red flags
  Gaps in work history or frequent job changes can raise concerns. Be prepared to explain these with valid reasons, such as professional development, volunteer work, or personal responsibilities.

Frequently asked questions about employment history

What should I include for each position on my resume?

For each position, include the job title, company name, dates of employment, and key achievements. Use bullet points to list your main job duties and accomplishments. Focus on work experience and skills that are relevant to the role you are applying for.

What makes information relevant for my employment history section?

Relevant information includes your recent employment, achievements, and work that relates to the position. Highlight accomplishments that show your skills and experience in areas employers or clients are looking for.

How can I use LinkedIn to check my work history?

Log into your LinkedIn profile and take a look at your listed roles and experience. Ensure the dates and company names match your records and that your profile is up to date. LinkedIn may help you retrieve missing details like job duties or connections at previous jobs.

Do I need to include contract roles in my work history?

Yes, you should include contract roles, especially if they are relevant to the job you are applying for. List them in the same way as permanent roles, noting the company name, your job duty, and the length of the contract.

Why are reference checks important for employers?

Employers use reference checks to gather information about an applicant’s reliability and performance. They also help determine whether the person's history aligns with the job requirements. A strong reference can show you are top talent for the role.

How can I fill a gap in my employment history?

Use activities like volunteer work, courses, or diplomas to explain gaps. Highlight skills or experience gained during this time that may be relevant to the role. Honest explanations may help address employer concerns and show you remain proactive.

What details are most relevant for a client requesting work history?

Clients typically request the person’s job title, employment duration, and main responsibilities. If allowed, you may also include notable achievements or skills that align with the client’s needs. Check privacy laws in your region before sharing any details.

Can I refuse to provide work history information?

Yes, you may refuse to provide information if the request is outside company policy or violates privacy laws. Clearly explain the reason for refusal to the client.

Building a strong foundation for your company and career

A well-documented employment history is vital for career success. Accurate details and clear presentation can set you apart from other candidates and company competitors. Employers use your history to assess your skills, reliability, and growth for employment, and clients use your history to determine your suitability to provide a specific product they need or provide ongoing professional services to them or their company. Tailor your work history to highlight your achievements and align with job requirements and client proposals.

Business Kitz tools save time, reduce errors, and ensure your documents are always ready. Sign up for free and simplify your employment history management with Business Kitz!

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