Workplace

Finding a job can be tough – especially when millions of qualified and capable people are out of work. It can be even harder if things like extended time between jobs or a move derailed your career path. However, don’t wait for the job interview to deal with those issues – address them in your résumé. Here’s why, courtesy of Yahoo! HotJobs:

• The first thing employers want to know about is employment gaps. If you took time off to raise your kids or care for a sick parent, make sure you explain what’s going on without apologizing. For example, in your resume summary, say something like, “I’m returning to the workforce after four years of raising my twins, and I’m excited to help my next employer boost their website traffic and online sales.”
• Employers also want to know about any sudden title changes. After all, if you’re the manager one day and an assistant the next, employers will want an explanation. So make sure you explain that you needed a more flexible schedule for family reasons, or you helped a friend grow their business.
• What else should you address in your résumé? Geographical moves. Most people don’t like to disclose personal information in their résumé, but a bullet point like, “Left Pennsylvania Hospital to join my fiancé in Des Moines, Iowa” could make the difference between getting the interview and missing out.
• Finally, you have to explain getting laid off. Workforce reductions are common in this economy, but don’t assume a hiring manager will think that’s what happened to you. Often hiring managers think you did something wrong and were fired – so they’re reluctant to interview you, let alone hire you. So make it plain that you were laid off – and not fired for cause. So, add a statement below the job like, “Left when the company downsized.”