Free Career and Job Search Advice

mizzez_harris · Newbie Joined: 29 Mar 2008 Posts: 1 Career Advice: +0/-0

I am applying for a job that has come open that I've wanted for a long time. I want to make sure I complete the application as accurately as possible so that my chances of getting the job will be good. I have some questions about listing your previous employers.

First of all, do I have to list ALL my previous employers?

I wouldn't say that I've got a employment history a mile long...but I've had quite a few jobs being that I am 30 yrs old and have been working since I was 16. On 2 occasions, I was laid off due to the company going out of business. Also, I must admit that I haven't kept an accurate record of all the dates and lengths of the jobs held.

What if I mistakenly put the wrong date that I started/ended? Will they assume I'm lying?

Or what about that job that you just hated and ended up quiting after a few days? Should I include that or not? Either way, I think it's going to look bad if they see that you quit after a few days, or if you just don't list it at all and they find out.

Do employment verification/records list every one of your jobs and the dates you worked?

I hope someone can answer some of my questions and give me advice on what to do. I really want and NEED this job!!

Thanks in advance! Rolling Eyes

Pauloz · Posted: Sun Mar 30, 2008 11:49 pm Post subject:

mizzez harris

You only need relevant information. Jobs over the last 5 years would usually be enough.

A job you left after a couple of days isn't really relevant, and hardly qualifies as a job, in terms of your skills and qualifications.

Dates should be accurate, but if you don't have an exact date, just put the month.

To cover both questions, if there are gaps in your employment, you can truthfully say "I tried out some things during that time, but they didn't work out." If they ask further, you can say the job/pay/conditions weren't what you wanted, also true.

Never tell an outright lie, and don't badmouth former employers.

Records only relate to the employer's records and your own. If you refer to an employer, they'd be a verification check, but not otherwise, in most cases.

The qualifier here is you need to mention relevant experience. If you get an interview and they need more information, they can ask for it.

Use what's called a "targeted" CV: Stick to skills, qualifications, and recent former employers relevant to the job. The new employer doesn't really need extra information not related to the job, anyway.

Try to stop worrying, because it takes your mind off what you're doing. You haven't really done anything wrong with these issues.

Good luck,

Newbie08 · New User Joined: 07 May 2008 Posts: 5 Career Advice: +0/-0

Thanks for giving out advice, which is very helpful for everyone need help on this topic. I have a question in mind. For a most recent job only last for 2 or 3 months and had to leave due to family reason, does it have to be listed on the employment history? And when being asked for reference, is it a problem only using co-workers, not supervisors? Thanks in advance!

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