Need Help with Resume/Cover letter

Lostdoggie

I hate my current job and luckily today I found a position that would be a huge upgrade in just about everything. The problem is my job history in the past year and a half sucks.

I was laid off twice in 2007, the last time being 8/07. By 12/07 I was panicking and I took a job I knew I would hate. Now I want to apply for this new job, but I don't know how I should explain that I was laid off twice in '07. I think if I put some sort of explaination in either the resume or cover letter it would smooth things over a bit.

Thoughts?

zenith

laid off why? have you got a job history prior to that? if so you could probably get away a contact from back then, along with using your current employer as a referee contact. and then you can always gloss over the layoffs as 'job/position restructure' or that you voluntarily left.

when i do c/v's for people i always list their emplyment history by month/year - i'll sometimes break that down into the blocks they worked, but if they only stayed there a few months ill just stick to the month/year. then a rundown of their duties there.

as i said, unless you have to provide a contact for either of those positions you left, just include them in your c/v, buff up the duties a bit, rave on in the cover letter about wanting to boost your career development and how you'll provide the new position with both experience and enthusiasm, and an ability to learn ... blah blah

i always tell people anyone can sound good on paper - so long as you get your bum on that interview chair, the rest is really up to you...

mca47

If you are willing to spend a little money, there are companies that will make your resume look incredible. They have people that design and create resumes specific for certain industries.

I've done it twice and the job I just got is amazing!!

riffrandall

I used to do a fair amount of hiring, and to be honest, layoffs never bothered me on a resume. It's not like "terminated for cause."
Right now in particular there are plenty of industries where everyone is being laid off- i.e, finance and/or mortgage companies.
They will ask why you had that history in 2007, just be honest and you should be fine. It's WAY better than trying to cover it up.

zenith

mca47 wrote:

If you are willing to spend a little money, there are companies that will make your resume look incredible. They have people that design and create resumes specific for certain industries.

I've done it twice and the job I just got is amazing!!

yea and i do it for free ... or chocolate ... or bourbon ... :rolleyes: i swear to god my karma bank is close to overflowing

Lostdoggie

riffrandall wrote:

I used to do a fair amount of hiring, and to be honest, layoffs never bothered me on a resume. It's not like "terminated for cause."
Right now in particular there are plenty of industries where everyone is being laid off- i.e, finance and/or mortgage companies.
They will ask why you had that history in 2007, just be honest and you should be fine. It's WAY better than trying to cover it up.

That's exactly what happened. I was in the mortgage industry and two banks I was with in 2007 folded, so I was laid off for that reason, nothing negative on my part.
My questions is how do I incorporate that information into my resume so the person looking at my resume doesn't think I'm a job jumper.

Born.Mine.Die

I say don't mention the laid off....think of other work references you can use...old friends from work who know your habits maybe?..
Thats what I would do..
especially is any of those old friends are now managers?..


good luck

You could put the job description down...just not the people you worked for.

The Juggler

Lostdoggie wrote:

That's exactly what happened. I was in the mortgage industry and two banks I was with in 2007 folded, so I was laid off for that reason, nothing negative on my part.
My questions is how do I incorporate that information into my resume so the person looking at my resume doesn't think I'm a job jumper.

are you trying for another mtg industry job? if so they will certainly understand the layoff situation. and most people outside the industry realizes it as well.

riffrandall

Lostdoggie wrote:

That's exactly what happened. I was in the mortgage industry and two banks I was with in 2007 folded, so I was laid off for that reason, nothing negative on my part.
My questions is how do I incorporate that information into my resume so the person looking at my resume doesn't think I'm a job jumper.

You have to cut them off at the chase & control the interview. Start by saying something like, "one of the things that you can't tell from my resume is that 2007 was very stressful! Due to market fluctation I was laid off from 2 separate jobs, so that is why I am seeking a position with a stable company such as yours."
Something like that. Don't wait for them to ask.

Black Diamond

Lostdoggie wrote:

That's exactly what happened. I was in the mortgage industry and two banks I was with in 2007 folded, so I was laid off for that reason, nothing negative on my part.
My questions is how do I incorporate that information into my resume so the person looking at my resume doesn't think I'm a job jumper.

Good Morning. I am in the industry too. There is absolutely nothing wrong with getting laid off in this environment. I am in the process of helping people who were laid off in my group with getting interviews and resume building. Anyone who is aware of what is going on will be sensitive to it and should not have a problem.

You should not leave yourself vulnerable to questions on why you left things off your resume. When I am hiring (unfortunately not right now) and I find out there is discrepencies or ommisions on the resume that will end the process.

Be honest and disclose everything.