“It’s not how long you work somewhere, it’s how well you work while you’re there.” – Unknown
Navigating the murky waters of resume writing can be daunting, especially when it comes to short-term employment. Are you a mid to senior-level manager puzzled about whether to include that brief stint on your resume? You’re in good company. Many professionals wrestle with this decision, wondering how a short-lived job might impact their chances in a fiercely competitive job market.
Problems with Short-Term Jobs on Your Resume:
Including short-term employment on your resume can lead to several complications. It can make you appear as a job hopper, someone unreliable who might jump ship at the earliest opportunity. Potential employers may raise their eyebrows, questioning your commitment and work ethic. On the flip side, omitting these jobs can leave conspicuous gaps in your employment history, which can be just as problematic. It’s a tricky balancing act, and the decision of whether to include these brief stints can be a real head-scratcher.
So, what’s the solution? Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you decide whether to include short-term jobs on your resume and how to handle them if you do.
Solutions to Handling Short-Term Employment on Your Resume
Evaluate the Circumstances
“Every job, no matter how short, adds to your experience bank.” – Unknown
Before deciding, take a step back and consider why the job was short-lived. Were you part of a mass layoff? Did personal reasons compel you to resign? Or did the job end due to performance issues? Understanding the context is crucial. If the reasons were beyond your control, like company downsizing, it might be worth including. If you left voluntarily without a solid reason, it might be best left out.
Focus on Skills and Experience Gained
If you decide to include a short-term job, don’t just list it—leverage it. Highlight the skills you developed and the experiences you gained, even if the stint was brief. Showcasing the positives can offset concerns about the job’s short duration. Especially if those skills are relevant to the role you’re applying for, emphasizing them can turn a potential negative into a positive.
Be Honest and Transparent
“Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” – Thomas Jefferson
If you choose to include a short-lived job, honesty is your best policy. Be upfront about the reasons for the short tenure. This transparency can ease potential employers’ worries about your reliability and show that you’re someone who owns their career narrative. Being candid about why the job ended can also demonstrate your ability to learn from every experience.
Consider Omitting It
Still undecided? It might be safer to leave it off your resume. However, be prepared to address any gaps in your employment history during interviews. Sometimes, it’s better to tackle these discussions face-to-face, where you can provide context and reassure potential employers of your reliability.
Tailor Your Resume to the Job
When deciding whether to include a short-term job, think about the relevance of the skills and experiences to the job you’re applying for. If they align well with the job requirements, include them. If not, it might be more strategic to leave them out and focus on more pertinent experiences.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to include short-term employment on your resume is a nuanced decision that requires careful consideration. By evaluating the circumstances, highlighting the skills and experience gained, being honest, and tailoring your resume to the job, you can make an informed choice. Remember, short-term employment doesn’t have to be a blemish on your resume. Instead, it can demonstrate adaptability, resilience, and a wide range of experiences—qualities that are highly valued by employers.
“In every challenge lies an opportunity.” – Albert Einstein
By following these strategies, you can transform a potential drawback into a compelling part of your career story, making your resume stand out to potential employers. In the end, it’s not about how long you were at a job, but how well you tell your story. Good luck in your job search!