Tips include how to address gaps in employment, a history of job-hopping, and more
Gaps in work history, job-hopping, unexpected time off, lack of upward movement in one's career, fears about spending too much time at one company, in the same role. Those are just a few of the unique scenarios job seekers struggle with explaining when writing a resume and cover letter.
What are some simple ways to handle five tricky resume writing scenarios? Follow these tips from Brandi Britton, District President of Office Team, and what once seemed difficult, will now be an easy update when writing your resume.
Here are the five tips, from Britton:
1. You have a gap in your work history: Consider using a combination resume that draws attention to your skills and accomplishments, rather than dates of employment.
"Address gaps in your cover letter or first interview and highlight how you stayed productive during breaks," says Britton.
2. You have a history of job hopping: Emphasize the experience and insight you’ve gained from working for more than one employer. Show that you’ve taken on increasing levels of responsibility with each jump.
"You’ll also allay the hiring manager’s concerns by offering specific reasons for job hopping in the past and explaining why that won’t be the case this time," says Britton.
3. You’ve only worked for one firm: List each position you’ve held at the company to show career growth.
"Even if you have had the same title the entire time you’ve worked there, explain how the role has changed or you’ve taken on more challenging projects," says Britton.
4. You’ve held several temporary positions but few full-time roles: Include temporary assignments just as you would full-time ones, using the name of the staffing firm that represented you as your employer and grouping all of your assignments from that company together.
5. Your former employer no longer operates under the same name: If the company changed names, list the current name, followed by what the firm was formerly known as in parentheses. Including both names ensures that potential employers can locate the appropriate information when verifying your work history and conducting reference checks. If your former employer has gone out of business, also note that in parentheses.
These seem like tricky situations, but following these tips, explaining each situation, and being honest will help job seekers solve the mystery of how to handle these tricky scenarios when writing a resume.
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