Free Career and Job Search Advice

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

I have had three jobs in the past 5 years, first one is 10 months (relocation), second one is 2 1/2 yrs, then 10 months gap due to family reason, and the last job only last 3 months (resigned due to disable status of pregnancy). Now I got recovered and need to look for a new job. Is it hard for people like me to locate a job with a employment history like this? Is there anything I can do to make potential employer believe I won't leave their company after a short time of period?

Also, what if I couldn't get supervisors as reference from those past employers and will only co-workers be sufficient to get a job? Please give me some advice... Thanks very much in advance!

Pauloz · Posted: Sun May 18, 2008 10:19 pm Post subject:

newbie08

The circumstances of your leaving each job will need to be clear.

You should show that in each case your leaving was unavoidable.

The main difficulty in this situation is covering the gaps.

If that's done properly, there shouldn't really be a problem.

References: A colleague will do for one reference. You should look for a former supervisor, if at all possible, mainly because it's simple from the employer's perspective.

If you can't get references from former management, you'll need a special referee, someone impressive, preferably from a management background or a community group with a high profile.

The referee needs to be someone likely to be considered credible by an employer.

At interviews, you should tell them that you've had your difficulties because of your past situations, which were out of your control. Just make it clear that you're looking for a stable work situation. (Which, from the look of the last 5 years, they won't find hard to believe.) Tell them you really want to settle into a job, without any further complications like the ones you've been having.

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

Thanks for the advice.. Would you think including a CV with resume will make potential employer understand better about my situaion and at least give me some consideration on conduct an interview, or resume itself will be fine? I really haven't done anything during two gaps ( for the 10 months one and the 6 months one). How do I suppose to fill in the gaps then? Thanks!

Pauloz · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 1:17 am Post subject:

Yeah, particularly since you had unavoidable issues during the gaps, explanations need to be straightforward, and as clear as possible to any employer.

The important thing is that the information you provide is correct, and can clarify any questions for the employer. That fills the gaps, explains the situations, and shows that you're being honest about your application.

The CV will show how and when the gaps occurred, and what happened, with a few simple lines about the circumstances.

Actually, you can show that you were keeping those jobs until your situations happened. You did do 2 1/2 years in one job, and had no alternative. You also must have been doing some job hunting to get other work in the other periods.

Also suggest talking to their HR people if at all possible to make sure you get your message across. If you start hearing negative vibes, you can move on and save yourself some time.

One thought- If you can do some networking with your friends about getting a job, the application process becomes a bit less traumatic, and you have some backup for your case.

lexa10881 · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 3:57 am Post subject:

Co workers are better than no reference from your previous job, and all your prior leavings are explainable. As long as you can explain them and there is nothing bad there you might be ok. Just be prepared for them to ask you some questions.

http://www.cvtips.com/interview_questions_your_future.html

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

Thank you guys for the help and answers. I tried to apply for jobs and only get one response so far. The recruiter asked me why I left a 3 month job and what I have been doing in between the gaps. I told her that I had a baby and family relocation bla.. bla.. She turned me off. Should I just leave the 3 month job off my resume? Will it be a problem if they check and find it out later and think I was lying?

Thanks

Join our Newsletter
CopyRight © 1999-2008 cvtips.com This material cannot be published under any form or condition.