Job Hunting Tips: Overcoming Five Hiring Red Flags

No one is perfect. But that doesn't mean you need to advertise your flaws. Many of us have something in our work history that might possibly detract from an otherwise perfect career. Things like gaps in employment and several jobs over a relatively short period of time can often send the wrong message to a potential employer. While it is important to be truthful, you are not required to shout your minor problems from the rooftops.

In order to overcome some of these "red flags" you need to downplay their significance. Here are five of the more common career problems and suggestions on how to address them.

Employment Gaps

Taking time off from work for an extended period of time can occur for many reasons. Layoffs, your own or a family member's illness or injury, or returning to school full-time are a few. How you handle the presentation will depend on the size of the gap.

If you have been unemployed for a month or two, you really should have no problem. People frequently leave jobs and begin working in new positions a few months later.

It is only when the gap is much longer, that an explanation should accompany your resume. You can either address it in your cover letter or indicate on your resume what you did during that time period - worked temporary jobs, cared for an ill parent. Just be sure to indicate you did more than sit on the couch watching television while waiting for the phone to ring.

When it comes to the interview, be sure to address the gaps; however, do not dwell on them. For instance if you were laid off eight months ago and have been having difficulty finding a new position, don't overemphasize the problems you've had. That's a quick way to turn off any recruiter. Instead explain all you have accomplished during your time off: remodeled your kitchen, took a computer course to upgrade your skills, or did volunteer or community work.

Job Hopping

A close relative to employment gaps is job instability. If for any reason you have made frequent job changes, you can address this issue the same way as with gaps. Indicate in your cover letter that you have been laid off from your last three jobs or quit your last two positions because they ultimately did not meet your career goals. Be sure to emphasize your desire to obtain stable employment.

From a resume design standpoint, consider using a functional resume instead of a chronological resume, this way more emphasis is on your best traits and less on where and how long you worked.

Inexperienced

Just got a college degree and looking for that first "real" job? Sometimes it can be tough. Be sure to indicate any work experience you have had, even if it was part time or volunteer. If you don't have any experience, get it. Look for opportunities on campus or contact a local employment service.

However, be careful not to go overboard. If you have had several part time, volunteer and campus opportunities during your four years at college, listing each and every one will make your resume look cluttered and make you look like a job hopper. Instead, use a functional resume or leave out non-essential, unrelated or short-term experience.

Overqualified

On the other end of the spectrum from having little or no experience is the worker who finds himself with a lot of experience. How can you explain all that you've done without taking up ten pages to do it? The general rule of thumb is to only include the last ten years of employment history.

Highlight only those experiences and skills related to the job or type of work you want to do. Focus on those things that appear to most closely meet what the company is looking for. Any other details can be discussed in the interview. Right now the whole idea is to get your foot in the door. If you send in a three-page resume filled from top to bottom, most recruiters will feel overwhelmed and quickly lose interest. Remember: two pages maximum.

Here's where using a functional resume can really be beneficial. Highlight your top qualities and follow up with your experience. However, because many recruiters/hiring manager prefer chronological resumes, you may want to go with the chronological style and limit your experience to the last ten to fifteen years.

Being Fired

So you've been fired. It happens. Be honest. Give a simple, polite explanation without levity or venom then provide examples of your successes. Don't make it into more than it needs to be.

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