Free Career and Job Search Advice

Danielle Hester · Newbie Joined: 20 Apr 2007 Posts: 1 Career Advice: +0/-0

USA-
I am interested in applying for a position with a company I worked p/t for 10 years ago while attending college. I did not graduate from college. I moved to another city for a brief time. I returned to my hometown within a year. I've had several jobs during the past 10 years. I stopped working for a brief time to start a family. I recently got a full-time job, but had to quit when my husband got a full-time job (he makes a little more than me). We are just not bringing in enough income and I think I need to apply. This is a very professional and successful company. Great opportunity. I believe that I would be very fortunate if I had an opportunity to work for them agian. (The company I most recently worked for is not hiring for anything that I feel I would be qualified for at this time.)
How do I compose a cover letter? I am concerned with the fact that I've had several jobs, and I have not pursued further education (although I would like very much to.)
Thanks-

Randy · Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2007 11:09 pm Post subject:

I sometimes think ladies have the advantage here since employers are usually very reluctant to question and challenge "gaps in employment" for starting families and the such.

Frankly, if you weren't at that previous job very long, I'd just lump all that time under the "starting a family and staying home" time. And you've now reached the point where you're ready to "re-enter the work world," blah blah blah.....

And then there are the very real, valid, and unquestionable reasons regarding relocation--twice!

All in all, you should be able to present yourself very well (as in having worked there before) while being able to leave out some of the details which absolutely could be used against you, but only if you tell them. So don't tell them. These were matters of your personal life, not professional!

dorothea · Expert Joined: 01 Feb 2007 Posts: 123 Career Advice: +1/-0

Ok, first, don't worry about having so many jobs during the past ten years (you only have enumerated 4-5 or so, this is not that much if you ask me). You can list them without a problem because they are part of your work history and they should be mentioned in order to keep track of your experience.
The gaps in your employment history can also be covered. As Randy has observed, women happen to be more fortunate from this point of view because usually they are the ones responsible with family care.
If you want to apply now in this company you've worked a long time ago, just consider reviving your resume and building a strong eye athing cover letter.

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