BLUF: Do I include my most recent employment on my resume?
I was laid off from a large firm in November of 2009. In January 2010 I started at another company in a role that didn't really align with my career, but I hoped it would lead to something else within the organization, so I put my passion into it.
I did well, quickly distinguishing myself from my peers.
Five months into the new role, I became the victim of workplace bullying from a VP, who also happened to be a good friend of my boss.
Through the expected routes, my boss was able to put me in a position where I either had to do the impossible, or get fired.
I chose to resigned in lieu of discharge.
I was at the company for less than 9 months. If I don't include it, it will appear as though I've been laid off for 10 months so far.
Should I include this company on my resume?
Casper
Definitely include that job
There is no reason to not include that job on your resume and plenty of reasons to do so. In my opinion, to not include it would be disingenuous.
If, in the likely scenario, at least one of the interviewers asks if you have been laid for off for 10 months (or some variation), you would be obligated to say "No" and explain the situation anyway. At that point, the hiring manager will be so distracted by the fact that you didn't include this on your resume that they won't hear what you are saying.
It is easy enough to say that your previous job wasn't a good fit, especially if the job was in a completely different field, and not accuse anyone of bullying.
I will also recommend that you listen to the Career Tools podcast about "Bad Bosses" which, includes a segment about how to resign (rule#1 - get a job before resigning) and also a podcast about answering Job History question.
Effective Layoff Announcement Response06/04/2009
Bad Boss #1 - The Angry and Demeaning Boss, Part 102/20/2009
Colleen
Can You Clarify?
Colleen,
If you think it would be disingenuous, at what point does one draw the line? If I take a job flipping burgers to pay the bills and feed my family, do I include that position? What about standing in the parking lot of a Home Depot and getting a day job installing sod or digging post holes? Many online applications ask the salary of your last position. Do I put $50/day for post holes? There are a number of jobs I held prior to starting my career... am I obligated to include my part-time dish washing position I held in 1979?
As for responding to questions from a hiring manager, I think saying I've taken a number of jobs to pay bills and feed the family, and these positions have no relation to my career, would be an adequate response.
Casper
Agree with Colleen
What did you learn, accomplish or improve at the last job? Is it somehow an embarassment to you?
Face it, essentially, you got fired and that stings. Your response to Colleen makes me wonder if you haven't quite gotten over the sting.
I would include the job & all you did there. And, if you were taking a bunch of jobs to pay the bills, I'd indicate that too.
If you told me your jobs had "no relation to your career" I think the interview would be over. You learn & accomplish something at every job.
Casper: it sounds like you have your answer..
Casper:
Reading your response to Colleen - especially the last sentence - gives me the strong impression that you've already made up your mind.
And that's fine.
But really - you asked for advice. Colleen shared some. And you're arguing about it? Giving straw man examples of hourly labor jobs??
If you're looking only for answers that agree with you opinion, maybe you shouldn't ask for advice.
No intent to offend
I apologize for my previous post. Clearly people in this forum see it as hurtful, and that wasn't my intent. I should have taken more time to craft something less polarizing.
If anyone's interested, I've decided to include the position. Partially because I think it would be disingenuous if I didn't. I went into the role thinking I could leverage it to benefit my career. If this had started out as something purely to pay bills I'd feel differently.
In addition to this, I had some good accomplishments in the role which, while not directly applicable to my career on the surface, do help to round out my skills and perspective.
Finally, I learned a good lesson. I created a dangle all by myself and failed to evaluate the primary position on its own merits.
Holding up a mirror to the sting helped me accept where I am and cleared my head enough to make a decision I can live with.
Thank you to all three responders. Each of you helped me make this decision.
It's time now for me to return to Whipstaff.
Casper