How to Track Your Work History
It is important to keep thorough track of your work history. Most common resume formats call for you to recall exact dates of employment at past companies, and some employers may request permission to contact former supervisors. As the job market grows increasingly competitive, maintaining a detailed record of all of your work experience will come in handy.
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Instructions
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Keep a detailed record of your job experience in a notebook or spreadsheet document. Be sure you can answer common questions from potential employers, such as the full name of your supervisor, starting and ending salary, and address and phone number of the business. Maintain detailed notes describing your daily responsibilities, awards and goals you met.
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Keep a file folder of old resumes and W-2s or other tax forms. You may have resumes tailored to different careers or positions. Use these old resumes as records or a memory jog for recalling your work history. Get employer contact information and dates of employment from old tax forms. Call the Human Resources department of former employers to fill in any blanks.
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File a request for Social Security earnings information (for a nominal fee). The Social Security Administration will send you a report detailing your period of employment (even self-employment), the names and addresses of your employers and a non-certified report of your yearly earnings totals.
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Order a background check on yourself. This can be costly but will return comprehensive results about your professional history.
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Tips & Warnings
Maintain an active account on social networking sites such as LinkedIn and Plaxo to keep a "copy" of your work history online.
References
Resources
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