What to do when you look horrible on paper?
Hi,
I graduated from college last year and since then it’s been a rough road work wise.
I started at a fashion company right after I graduated and two months later, they shut the doors. I bounced back and starting working at a development company which was absorbed about five months later, and you guessed it–I was let go. Now I’m struggling because I look unstable on paper as I’ve had two jobs in under a year.
How should I address my work history in interviews or introduction emails? Please help, my student loans are getting worse by the month!
Thanks.
Cara
Hi Cara,
What a year! It seems like it’s been a roller coaster. Sadly, you’re not alone, many of our interns and associates have job-hopped due to redundancies. While we don’t have a crystal ball, we can assure you that another job is in your future and like Cookie Lyon, your student loans will be paid.
Here’s our top tips for bouncing back after a year of job-hopping. Good luck and keep us posted on the search.
1. Accentuate the positive.
For interviews and cover letters, always focus on your career strengths. Highlight the tasks that contributed to the overall growth of the company and/or assisted in streamlining projects. Employers want to know that you’ll be an asset to the team, make sure you strongly convey that message.
2. Don’t be the victim.
You’re not the first person to be made redundant and you won’t be the last. Avoid a pity party when speaking to potential employers. When they ask about your employment history, be honest and concise. Whatever you do, avoid trash talking – looking bitter is never a strong job quality.
3. Be cautious.
It’s so easy to let desperation guide your job hunt but keep your wits about you. If the company looks to good to be true, trust your instincts and ask questions. It’s perfectly acceptable to ask when the company will receive the next round of funding, what’s the turn-over rate for your department and have there been any massive layoffs in the past year? Sometimes settling for a job isn’t the best move for your long-term career, make sure to factor in future growth opportunities and not just a paycheck.
This article was originally published on The Politesse.
