Twenty Years’ Experience, so?

Upon reviewing my resume and thinking about recent job interviews, does it matter in a technically relevant field
to mention over twenty years of experience in Information Technology? Is the Token Ring (I know your giggling) to
Ethernet replacement project I managed or the Novell NetWare server clusters I installed over twenty years ago
relevant today? The technology isn’t but what they have in common is managing and execution of the project. As
a manager and if I were hiring someone in this case, of course, I would overlook the technology, but I would ask
about the project and the outcome.

In a technically relevant industry, how much of the past should be mentioned in an interview and on a resume,?

An article based on this question directed at multiple hiring managers would go a long way for many who have
been in the field for many years, like me. Maybe a poll posted on LinkedIn targeted at recruiters and hiring
managers asking this question?

Most of the current technologies which I have experience and or a certification span maybe six or seven years. If I
round up should I only cover the past ten years and not twenty? Many job applications ask for the previous three
employers, or ten years whichever is greater.

As I mentioned in previous articles, I’m returning to a more technical role, and based on job descriptions and
interviews, relevance is essential. A few times in interviews I was asked how do I keep informed of new products
and technologies? I answered, “with hobbies and professionally I pay attention to advertisements in magazines or
on web pages,” for example, go to networkworld.com and check the ads (ad blocker disabled).

I receive many emails from vendors as I’m sure many of you do and once a week I take time to review them,
which many are for product webinars or demos. Recently one email was for a webinar which I attended and found
it productive as I learned new features in Palo Alto Networks firewalls’ latest update and new services. Turned out
to be a diamond in the rough.

While on the subject, a few years ago at one employer we shut down our last NetWare server, as it was up
continually for over 12 years which speaks highly of the hardware and power backup. Is properly shutting down
this server relevant?

In over twenty years I’ve learned a lot about technology, processes, products, encountered many situations,
overcome many challenges and met many people. All of this has contributed to my success with technology
solutions, teamwork, and certifications to name a few.

I’m proud of those years so unless convinced otherwise I’ll continue to mention my over twenty years of
experience.