What's the Best Way to Present Telecommuting Positions?

by Ann Hanlon
(Tampa, FL)

I read the previous response to how to list the telecommuting arrangement, but my problem is that my manager also telecommutes from a different location, and in fact many, many positions are being held by telecommuters.

Several offices have been closed, with employees being offered telecommuting positions. How do you handle this virtual nature?

On top of this, my company has gone through 4 mergers and I started telecommuting sometime after merger 3. I am not sure the best way to list this information in the best light.

ANSWER: Use your cover letter! When things get this complicated, a resume just isn't going to get the job done. You'll need to list your jobs best you can on the resume, with some central location (say, where your paycheck is mailed from?), and then use your cover letter to explain what happened or what your current arrangement is, including a telecommuting boss.

Believe it or not, these types of work situations are becoming more common, so they shouldn't be a barrier to getting a new job.

If even explaining it in a cover letter seems to be too much, then you could just say something in the letter like, "I've survived a number of corporate mergers and changes in work location/environment over the years, which will be easier to explain in person at the interview..."

To your success,
Kathi