Resume content

[fouramdesigns]

I just interviewed at a local power sports dealer yesterday. One of the first things brought up was what appears to be a habit of job hopping. Not the case, I've been laid off 3 times in the last two years. How can I incorporate this professionally in to my resume, so I'm not looked over? Most employers require you submit via online these days, so no chance of handling this verbally, to defend myself.

[fastwin]

I'm a middle 50's white guy who doesn't speak Spanish and doesn't have a high tech/IT type degree. Be glad you aren't me! I'm the guy everyone just layed off!! I would think in this day and time that going from job to job either by choice or not wouldn't be that big of a deal. Hell, since 1978 I have had only two jobs!! I'm a dinosaur! From what I have gleaned is that the market place wonders why you have stayed at a job for 2-3 years before moving on... like there's something wrong with you for not changing jobs sooner! Who in this day and time gives a shit about the fact that you have been layed off three times in a row? That's standard operating procedure in this time of Obama... no political intent implied. Just who's in the driver's seat at this time. Don't see why the bike shop is giving you grief over your past job troubles. Layed off is just that... layed off.

Good luck with the job search... wish me luck too!

[fouramdesigns]

Thanks, will do.  Just thinking I should address it in a PC way on my resume as not to get looked over as some fly by night carpet bagger.

[mitt]

Just thinking I should address it in a PC way on my resume as not to get looked over as some fly by night carpet bagger.

That is a tough nut.  I am not sure how to word it, but there is a lot of smart people on here that will likely chime in.

mitt

[NoisyDante]

My brother just got laid off recently for the second time in a year.  He seems to be putting an emphasis on perseverance and drive in his coverletters or wherever it is applicable.  I hate online applicants, it's so hard to distinguish yourself when you're just plugging in facts and filling in the blanks.  Try to convey a positive message, noone wants to hire a downer.

[badgalbetty]

Be honest and upfront in your cover letter. Put in there what you accomplished before being laid off for whatever reasons.
I bet I face bigger employment challenges than all of you combined.
BGB

[Popeye the Sailor]

Easiest way to get a job is to ask friends/family, as they can help you get your foot in the door.

If you haven't done this, I would recommend it.

[il d00d]

This sounds like something best handled in a cover letter, if you get the opportunity to submit one. 

"While it was unfortunate that I was subject to RIFs in my previous three jobs, I believe I was able to make positive contributions to the companies before financial circumstances led to my being released .." blah, blah.  I think every industry is different, but I treat the resume like a list of accomplishments, and the cover letter like a sales pitch.  Just church it up, and +1 on keeping a positive tone.


Best of luck on the job search 

[fouramdesigns]

This sounds like something best handled in a cover letter, if you get the opportunity to submit one. 

"While it was unfortunate that I was subject to RIFs in my previous three jobs, I believe I was able to make positive contributions to the companies before financial circumstances led to my being released .." blah, blah.  I think every industry is different, but I treat the resume like a list of accomplishments, and the cover letter like a sales pitch.  Just church it up, and +1 on keeping a positive tone.


Best of luck on the job search 

exactly what I had in mind. Good feedback from all.

[RAT900]

You answer it honestly unless your prior job was lost and it involved criminal charges lodged against you....

Last in/First out during restructure/down-sizing..... currently seeking position in a dynamic company with an aggressive/proven business plan for growth and success


as for interviews......

Unfortunately some interviewers look at the interview like I would look at a date....

When she tells me her last 3 husbands were non-starters...well it does set off alarms for two reasons...she either pathologically picks thugs and oafs or she is intolerable to live with once the make-up and perfume wear off....either way, she is problematic...unless she explains how each of them died tragically of natural causes or accidents

Nevertheless it is an honest question and it will be asked...actually it is a good question in that the hiring company isn't necessarily running a flesh mill where they burn people out and hire new ones...they are in fact interested in a "relationship" ....it sort of indicates they are looking for a long term employment arrangement.

And that is actually how you should respond to the question.....

A good response would be "I am glad you asked that question, it tells me you are looking for a long-term relationship with an employee"

Followed on by " By the way do you mind my asking... how is the turn-over here, what do you see as your company's biggest challenges in the current economy?....I have been last-in and first-out in my last 3 jobs and do NOT want to add a fourth one to my resume if at all possible"

Don't lapse into tortured explanations of each reversal if it can at all be avoided with a blanket statement dismissively delivered as an impersonalized fact-of-life circumstance of the modern era

or a ballsier approach is "I am glad you asked that question as I am curious about the position here, is it a result of company growth or am I replacing someone who left?".....

and remember when the hard question is thrown on the table make EYE CONTACT as you speak and keep your tone of voice even, light and conversational....not the unblinking Charles Manson sort of stare but the kind that telegraphs ease and confidence

On a personal note, I have had more jobs in my industry than a crack ho has during Fleet Week....the best interviews I have found are when I take the lead and ask about the assignment, the company, what differentiates it ablah ablah...it works with the hiring managers....don't bother with this approach with the HR geeks

Don't ask about the benefits package other than "do they have the "usual standard benefits package"...if you dig deep on bennies they will think you may have illness in the family that will drive up medical cost, don't ask about vacation allowance or things that you will "take" from the company...

ask the questions that indicate your interest in how you can "contribute" to the company

and perhaps even cite an example of success you had at a "great prior company" and then mention after-the-fact that it was one that had to ding you


Good luck

[fouramdesigns]

Very good RAT, very good. Thanks a ton

[cyrus buelton]

god I missed the insight of Rat