And B, I have recently graduated college (yippee) after 20 years of taking classes here and there and then finally going back full time.
I have started to apply to jobs and one thing came up today (I was grateful for the feedback). I’ve had pretty good jobs in the past (exec. assistant) that lasted about three years or so before I either moved on to a better position or moved (as in from one coast to the midwest or vice versa). When I finally settled to where I am presently, I worked for a company for a year that went bankrupt and another for a year and a half that restructured, thus, eliminating my position. At that time, I decided to go back to school full-time, which brings me to the present.
Feedback today consisted of “your past two jobs don’t show a long-term minded person.” Part of my agnst is that I know in my last position, had I really fought for it, I probably could have been re-assigned. At that point, I was sick of being an admin., sick of the whole thing and know that that definitely played a part in my wanting to get my B.A.
Bottom line, I’ve never held a position for more than three years, for whatever reason (but no reason has been firing). I know that a lot of my changing had to do with being unsettled and always feeling like I could do more than my admin status and taking jobs w/o a degree that would give me more responsibility. Now that I have a degree, I’m not quite sure how to present this whole thing to the folks that are hiring.
1: Try a resume format that hides job-hopping–focus on your skills, not your jobs
2: If/when job-hopping-cloaking resume is discussed in an interview say something like, “I’ve never held a position for more than three years, for whatever reason (but no reason has been firing). I know that a lot of my changing had to do with being unsettled and always feeling like I could do more than my admin status and taking jobs w/o a degree that would give me more responsibility. Now that I have a degree…”
Do what ya gotta do to get an interview. Once you get one, be candid and proactive about addressing the work history, why it looks the way it does, and why it should not be a concern to a prospective employer. Most good interviewers will recognize the truth of your situation.
What’s your degree in? You might try the angle that admin jobs didn’t suit you, and much reflection led you to get a degree in X, where you plan to make a long-term commitment.
Be forthcoming. In your resume, you do have the option to drop or combine into a summary statement some of your earlier employment history if it’s not relevant. But many jobs will require an application listing all dates of employment and reasons for leaving.
There probably isn’t any way to completely undo the effect of having lived your life with frequent job changes. But that is more important in some fields and to some companies than others.
Thanks, Matchka. I’ve considered doing the reformat but then thought, they know why I’m doing that (spotty job history), so it might look worse vs. being up front with them on the resume. Any other thoughts on this?
I don’t know your industry, but IT, etc. don’t care about that stuff so much. It wasn’t your fault those companies failed, either. Consulting or contracting employers aren’t terribly concerned about that either. Actually, I’m a little surprised that’s a problem anymore, as job changes are more frequent in all industries these days. Sounds like your interviewer is out of touch.
My degree is in English (concentration on writing and rhetoric) and, in my dreams, I would like to get some type of writing position. Truth be told, if I could ever find an entry level writing position, it would probably be easy to explain my career change. However, now I’m back to looking at what I know best to pay the bills – senior level exec. assistants – and that seems to be a problem. I dunno. Maybe I’m making my own argument – they probably aren’t interested because they’re right in assessing my commitment isn’t really there. Yikes.
However, let me try to be as honest as I can. I do creative writing, and I can do it on my own. I am not necessarily looking for a position where I can write (although pie-in-the-sky, it would be great). I would be extremely happy with an exec. asst/office manager position and can see myself committing until I become terrifically famous.
Easy. Undercut any possible future objections by prominently noting on your resume (and early during your interview) the bankruptcy/reorganizations that ended your employment. During the interview, emphasize that it wasn’t personal; it was business. Innoculate yourself by addressing the matter directly, factually, and without apology. Companies folding/reorganizing are a way of life. You don’t need to be apologizing for the theoretical possibility that you might have been able save your last job. Besides, prospective employers will never know and frankly it’s water under the bridge.
You’ve had one interview. Sharpen your presentation and swing away.
Immediately after explaining your short-term exployment with these two firms, follow up with your 3-4 top accomplishments at each job. Put a positive spin on your tenure. Don’t be defensive. Focus the interview on what you can do for a future employer.
BTW, if you’re interested in a writing career, consider getting an exec. assistant position with a PR or advertising agency. Once inside, show 'em what you can do and work your way up. It’s done all the time.