Tips For Handling Short-Term Jobs On Your Resume


Based on today’s ever-changing job market, it is not unusual to see short-term jobs on a resume. But short-term jobs, which could be contract positions or permanent jobs, may raise red flags for many employers.

Here are some tips for listing them on your resume:

Don’t Lie. The first rule of thumb when applying for a job is to never lie on your resume. If you put information on a document and submit it for consideration for employment, it better be valid information. There is nothing worse than being offered a job only to have that offer rescinded when your background is thoroughly checked.

Leave It Off. With these rules in mind, let’s look at the various ways you can allay an employer’s fear about short-term positions on your resume. One oft-forgotten method of avoiding concerns over short-term employment is to leave that job off of your resume and application. While not always the best solution, this is one possible way to avoid any concerns.

If asked about the gap in employment you can say that you worked a short-term contract job that did not contribute to your overall experience and you did not want to record it on the resume and application.

Referring to Contract Positions. Short-term contracts are easily explained by either mentioning that you took the position to get experience in a certain area or by explaining that no matter what, you must always work and this was the only position available at the time. You can further qualify the second reason by saying that you are responsible for providing for your family and will do that, no matter what. While not the greatest way to explain a short-term contract, it does allow you to demonstrate to the prospective employer that you are willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

Referring to Permanent Jobs. While these types of jobs are harder to explain away with a simple statement, there is almost always something you can come up with about the job that would warrant you leaving. Things like illegal activities or abusive superiors are reasons that most employers will understand. However, never use these reasons lightly.

All in all, you need to evaluate the position in question and find the most viable and least offensive reason why you left the company. Once you decide, use that excuse consistently in all your correspondence with potential employers.

Don’t Bad-Mouth. The final rule of thumb when applying for a job is to never bad-mouth a previous employer or company. Bad-mouthing creates negative feelings in an interview or conversation and will almost always cost you the job offer. Keep your negative opinions to yourself.