Resume Advice: Work Histroy Issues
Resume Advice: Work Histroy Issues
(OP)
I have 5 jobs in the past 10 years. My first job was an operator and lasted only 1.5 years. My second job was a Chemical Engineer I and was promoted to II, and I left after 4.5 years. My third job turned out to be rotten, so I was only there for 1 year. My fourth job I was at for 1.5 years and was laid off. I have since been working at the same place for 1.5 years.
People I have spoken with (mostly recruiters and screeners) say that my job history is crowded or that I have had too many jobs. However, once I explain to them the lay off it all makes sense to them and it's not such a big deal. Also, my current job has been more of a place holder or a part-time job while I finished my second degree, and my first job was entry level at best.
So, how should I present this on my resume? Should I bother explaining on the resume, should I leave something off? Ideas please.
Thanks.
People I have spoken with (mostly recruiters and screeners) say that my job history is crowded or that I have had too many jobs. However, once I explain to them the lay off it all makes sense to them and it's not such a big deal. Also, my current job has been more of a place holder or a part-time job while I finished my second degree, and my first job was entry level at best.
So, how should I present this on my resume? Should I bother explaining on the resume, should I leave something off? Ideas please.
Thanks.





RE: Resume Advice: Work Histroy Issues
I would not leave anything out, I might organize it as a functional resume (by roles and responsibilities) rather than a historical resume.
Many recruiting firms offer a free service helping you to improve your resume. They are the 'experts', so I would use them.
RE: Resume Advice: Work Histroy Issues
Five jobs in 10 years actually doesn't sound odd to me. I've seen a lot of engineers resumes that are as crowded as yours.
The only question I have....your employed now, so why are you looking for a new job already?
Cedar Bluff Engineering
http://cedarbluffengineering.webs.com
RE: Resume Advice: Work Histroy Issues
RE: Resume Advice: Work Histroy Issues
Emphasize your accomplishments, skills, and knowledge that you can bring to the company and use to help them solve their problems. List, but de-emphasize, the work history at the bottom of (second?) page. Be prepared to explain it in honest terms.
Ignore the recruiters or find others. Better yet, quit using them and make your contacts directly. I have nothing nice to say about recruiters at all. They are only working to place yous somewhere, anywhere, so that they can make their commission. So of course they want the best, easiest placement for their own benefit.
TygerDawg
Blue Technik LLC
Virtuoso Robotics Engineering
www.bluetechnik.com
RE: Resume Advice: Work Histroy Issues
I am looking, or at least feeling out the job market, because I just received my masters (MBA) and would like to see if I could get a better job out of it. I am a technical consultant that doesn't make much as it's not in a field I have experience. It is a good job, so if nothing surfaces I won't be disappointed.
I'm not a big fan of recruiters. Unfortunately they are apart of the job hunt scene and are near unavoidable. I do make my own contacts and have a pretty solid network. The job market is tight right now, so I'm casting a wide net.
My resume is functional at this point, with work history last (bottom of last page). I guess I won't change anything, and will just tell the recruiters I can't change the past all I can do is try not to relive it.
RE: Resume Advice: Work Histroy Issues
RE: Resume Advice: Work Histroy Issues
Remember, your cover letter is the most important part!
Z
RE: Resume Advice: Work Histroy Issues
Always remember, free advice is worth exactly what you pay for it!
RE: Resume Advice: Work Histroy Issues
drawn to design, designed to draw
RE: Resume Advice: Work Histroy Issues
Many of my jobs were landed with unrelated experience. I landed a Sr Editor job on a tech magazine because of 10 yrs with Toastmasters. I proved competency after getting several readership approval awards one year.
RE: Resume Advice: Work Histroy Issues
RE: Resume Advice: Work Histroy Issues
rmw