How Do I Handle a Gap in Employment on my Resume?

by Dennis
(New York, NY)

I was with a company for 10 years prior to being laid off as the company downsized. I have had two brief periods of employment in the same field that didn't work out as I expected.

If I do not include them, it will appear as if I have not been employed in over 6 months which has not been the case. How do I show that I continued to remain active without drawing attention to the short term periods of employment?

Comments for How Do I Handle a Gap in Employment on my Resume?

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Jun 04, 2009

Honesty Is the Key
by: Kathi

Dennis... Your job history is your job history. If you try to fudge on it, it will eventually come out and that will do more damage in the long run. I always advocate honesty.

Be completely honest and accurate on the resume. In your cover letters, you can put a positive spin on your short periods of employment recently. Talking about "good fit" etc. is one way to do so. I think it's better to show you at least tried to succeed in working than it is to just show a long employment gap.

Good luck to you,
Kathi

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