Listing an Upcoming Job on Your Resume: A Complete Guide

Key Considerations for Including an Upcoming Job on Your Resume

• Why it's beneficial to showcase future employment on your resume
• Determining which future roles are appropriate to include
• Methods for effectively presenting future work experiences using Minova's AI Resume Builder

When crafting your resume, it's common to think of it as a record of your past employment. However, your resume should be a dynamic document that highlights your relevant work history, skills, and education in a compelling manner.

So, what if you've accepted a job or internship that hasn't commenced yet? You might question whether it's acceptable to include it. You're eager to showcase this exciting opportunity but unsure of the proper approach. Should you act as if you're already working there? What details are appropriate to include? Do you need permission from your future manager?

This guide provides suggestions for incorporating all your jobs, including future ones, into your resume in a way that accurately reflects your experience and potential.

Determining Which Future Jobs to Include

Particularly if you're a recent graduate or about to begin an internship, listing a future job on your resume can effectively highlight your forthcoming role.

• Future Internships: If you've accepted an internship that hasn't started yet, it's a prime example of a future job to include. Many students apply for internships months in advance, making it relevant to showcase on your resume.
• Traditional Employment: Similarly, if you've received and accepted a job offer with a delayed start date, it's appropriate to include it. This can occur due to requested time off between positions or a later availability date for the role.

Is It Appropriate to Include a Future Job on My Resume?

You might wonder why you'd list an upcoming job on your current resume. The primary reason is to maintain an up-to-date document. While a written offer provides assurance, unforeseen opportunities may arise. Including future work is especially useful if it's not a full-time position, as you may still seek part-time, freelance, or secondary internship opportunities. Listing your upcoming role provides potential employers with insight into your availability and growing expertise.

If the position or internship is prestigious, such as a role as a White House intern, showcasing it on your resume is highly beneficial. If unsure, seek permission from your hiring manager or supervisor. They'll likely appreciate your commitment and grant approval.

Effectively Presenting Future Work on Your Resume

Regularly updating your resume and tailoring it to each job application is crucial. Minova can assist you with this! Remember to include your latest experiences and achievement-oriented bullet points. Your resume's purpose is to secure interviews, and optimization helps you land opportunities that excite you.

Add details of your future work to your resume as soon as you secure the role, regardless of the start date. Here are some examples of how to present an upcoming job on your resume:

1. Review Your Current Resume: Locate the "Experience" section. If this is your first job, great! Otherwise, add it to the top to maintain chronological order and capture the reader's attention.
2. Include the Job Title: Specify the type of internship or position. For example, "Editorial Intern," "Design Intern," or "Graduate Research Intern." Using precise titles adds valuable keywords for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and attracts hiring managers searching for specific terms.
3. Specify the Dates: Indicate that it's a future role. For instance, if it's January 2023 and your role begins in June, write "Anticipated Start Date: June 2023." Avoid misrepresenting the dates; honesty is key. Accurate dates set clear expectations and build trust. If you know both start and end dates, such as for an internship, use "Expected Start Date: June 2023. Expected End Date: September 2023."
4. Provide Relevant Details: This can be challenging since you haven't started the job yet and may not know your accomplishments. Refer to the original job description for expected responsibilities and tasks. Incorporate these ideas into the description section of your resume.

When applying for jobs, demonstrate that you're the ideal candidate by highlighting skills and experience that match the job requirements. Depending on your resume format, include this information as 2-3 bullet points or a sentence or two. Rephrase the descriptions to avoid copying and pasting. Keep this section concise and add more specifics once you've started the role.

Listing future work can lead to more opportunities. Although it might seem unusual, it's a smart strategy. It keeps you organized and makes it easy to update the entry to "Current" or "Present" once you begin the job. Listing future jobs can also give you an advantage when employers request your resume. They'll see you have work lined up and take it seriously. Furthermore, adding future work helps hiring managers (and yourself) visualize your career path, increasing your investment and potential for success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you put a job you haven't started yet on your resume?

Yes, including a job you haven't started yet is acceptable. It reflects your current professional status and upcoming responsibilities, ensuring your resume is up-to-date. Clearly indicate the future start date to avoid confusion.

How can you write future work on your resume?

To include future work, list it similarly to your other positions, but clearly indicate it's a future role. Include the job title, company, and "Expected" followed by the start month and year instead of exact dates.

How do I write a resume for a future job?

When writing a resume for a future job, focus on tailoring your skills, experiences, and accomplishments to match the job description and highlight your potential. Include a section for future roles, indicating the expected start date and relevant skills that make you a suitable candidate.