Employment Gaps And Job-Hopping On Your Resume

Employment Gaps And Job-Hopping On Your Resume Resume dilemma Employment gaps and job-hoppingResume Dilemma Employment Gaps and Job-Hopping In todays economy, you need to carefully present your experience to avoid being seen as unstable. Start by evaluating your situation and determining how bad it really is. If you are panicking about two months of unemployment back in 2008, your job search will probably bedrngnis be affected. However, if you are dealing with recent periods of unemployment extending for months or even years, you will need to start strategizing.If youre concerned about employment gapsThink about other activities you can use to fill that time period. You might have experience relevant to your job target, regardless of whether you were paid. Volunteer activities, community involvement, special projects, consulting engagements and continuing education can be used in the Experience section.Short gaps might not be apparent if you eliminate months from your t raditional resume. Use the career summaryto highlight your top qualifications. This will draw attention to your selling points and downplay your work chronology.If youre returning to the workforce after an extended absence, show how youve kept up-to-date with changes in your industry.If youve been out of work because you raised a family, continued your education, cared for a sick family member or retiteled from an injury, be koranvers your tone is not apologetic. Theres nothing wrong with being out of work for whatever reason, and a negative attitude might affect your resumes quality.If youre concerned about job-hoppingSome fields are prone to short periods of employment, and job-hopping might not be a concern. For many other occupations, there is less of a stigma regarding job-hopping than in the past.The best way to handle job-hopping on your resume depends on your specific job titles and companies. You may be able to lump two or more similar positions under one heading (for examp le, Sales Representative, ABC Company and DEF Company, 2/07-4/09). You can list your combined work experiences highlights. Independent contractors and temporary workers should consider grouping their experience under one time period (such as IT Consultant/Network Specialist, 4/05-present) with project highlights.You dont need to include every job youve ever held. Short-term positions that dont do anything for you can certainly be omitted. Keep in mind A resume is a marketing piece, but you will need to provide a complete work history if you are asked to fill out a job application, which is a signed legal document.Employers might be leery of hiring candidates with a history of job-hopping due to recruiting and training expenses. Use your cover letter to explain your work history and put a positive spin on your circumstances. Also, indicate your interest in a long-term position.What about a functional resume?Many hiring professionals say they prefer chronological resumes to functional resumes. They are often suspicious of functional resumes, which are usually used to hide something. Select a functional format only if you have an extremely poor work background with extended gaps or a terrible history of job-hopping.Some job seekers try to hide their spotty work histories by submitting a resume cover letter in lieu of a resume. This type of letter covers the key points of a resume in narrative format, but skips over any sketchy parts of the work history. This approach is normally not recommended, because ultimately employers will be looking for the resume.Accentuate the positiveTheres nothing you can do to change your work experience, so the best strategy is to develop a forward-looking resume that shows the value you offer potential employers. If you are sticking with a chronological resume format, lead with a Qualifications Summary, a narrative profile summing up your key qualifications for the position. This will draw attention to your strengths.Layoffs and dow nsizing Quick tips to improve your resumeUpdate your resume right away and be sure to showcase your recent achievements no matter how you may feel about your employer.Ask your former employer or colleagues to supply you with written reference letters. Consider including a positive quote from a reference letter in the Qualifications Summary or Experience section.Read as many job openings as possible to evaluate the skills and experience employers find desirable. Incorporate your matching credentials into your resume.Dont misrepresent your employment status by indicating to present on your resume.Dont write the reason for leaving on your resume, but do use the cover letter to explain your circumstances.Get a free reviewGaps in your work history shouldnt dissuade you from applying to any and all jobs that youre qualified for. But its completely understandable if youre still worried about how work gaps on your resume willcome across to a potential hiring manager. Not sure your resume is as strong as it should be, given the circumstances?Get a free resume evaluation today from the experts atMonsters Resume Writing Service. Youll get detailed feedback in two business days, including a review ofyour resumes appearance and content, and a prediction of a recruiters first impression. Theyll mind the gaps and help you stand tall.