Tales from the Resume Reef: Contractual "Obligations"

Lately, I've seen some resumes where a candidate has worked for less than a year at several employers.

As a recruiter, I try to read further, and can usually discern that the person was working on contracts or consulting. If I speak to the candidate, he/she usually confirms my suspicion.

However, not all recruiters nor employers "dig" that deeply when they see a lot of short employment stints.
It tends to make them wonder about work histories when they may not have to.

If you have worked temporarily or contractually or as a consultant, showcase that:
3/07 to 9/07 CONTRACT Network Administrator, The Zorch Group, Bristol CT
3/07 to 9/07 Network Administrator (Consultant,) The Zorch Group, Bristol CT
3/07 to 9/07 Network Administrator (Temporary Position,) The Zorch Group, Bristol CT

In that way, you've made clear what short-term employment really was, and makes employers quickly understand why you had such.

Truth is, most of us have done contract, temporary or consulting work at some time; it's common and normally not of any concern to employers looking for full time employees. And, if they ARE looking for something more "temporary," they will see that you have already done such.

Just "clarify" your work history!

It's just a matter of making things EASY for the employer, which is always a good thing for you!

Greg Lachs