Should I include expired licenses on my résumé?

Dear Deb,

I have two professional licenses that expired in 2008.  Should I include them on my résumé?

Thank you,

Patrick

Dear Patrick:

If these licenses are relevant to your current career goal, I assume that you are working toward reinstating these licenses.  If this is the case, you should include this on your résumé.  You would note following the license that it is inactive and you are working toward reinstatement.  It could look like this:

Life & Health Insurance Agent, State of California (Inactive - Currently pursuing reinstatement)

If the license is not relevant to your current goal, you should omit this from your résumé.

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