How to handle short term jobs on your resume
Based on today's ever-changing and tight job market, it is not
unusual to see short term jobs on a resume. Short term jobs
might raise a red flag for employers. Short term jobs could be
contract positions or permanent jobs.
Don't Lie
The first rule of thumb when applying for a job is to never lie
on your resume. If you put information on a document and submit
it for consideration for employment, it better be valid
information. There is nothing worse than being offered a job
only to have that offer rescinded when your background is
thoroughly checked.
Don't Bad Mouth
The second rule of thumb when applying for a job is to never bad
mouth a previous employer or company. Bad mouthing creates
negative feelings in an interview or conversation and will
almost always cost you the job offer. Keep your negative
opinions to yourself.
Leave it off
With these rules in mind, let's look at the various ways you can
allay an employer's fear about short term positions on your
resume. One oft forgotten method of avoiding concerns over short
term employment is to leave that job off of your resume. While
not always the best solution, this is one possible way to avoid
any concerns.
If asked about the gap in employment you can say that you worked
a short-term contract job that did not contribute to your
overall experience and you did not want to record it on your
resume.
Short term contracts
Short term contracts are easily explained by either mentioning
that you took the position to get experience in a certain area
or by explaining that no matter what, you must always work and
this was the only position available at the time. You can
further qualify the second reason by saying that you are
responsible for providing for your family and will do that no
matter what. While not the greatest way to explain a short term
contract, it does allow you to demonstrate to the prospective
employer that you are willing to do whatever it takes to get the
job done.
Short term permanent jobs
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