This posting is a guest entry from the Career Doctor, Randall S. Hansen, PhD:
Lynn writes:
I have recently made a slight shift in my job field. I was an administrative assistant for more than six years and now I am working in the Accounting Department. How do I reflect the change in duties from administrative assistant to (I don’t really have a title now)…accounting. I have been doing this for only a month, but I recognize that the pay is better on this side of the fence. Some of my daily functions parallel what I was doing in my previous position. However, I want to show progression on my resume without looking like I job hop.
I am a very big proponent of keeping one’s resume current. You never know, especially in the current economic and corporate climate, when you’ll be in a situation where you need to have your hands on an up-to-date resume. So, I laud your efforts.
And when you get promoted (or transferred) within your current employer, that’s not job-hopping. In your case, it shows that your employer values your work enough to expand your job responsibilities.
You really need a job title, so you should either ask for a new one — or suggest one to your boss. Once you have the new job title, you can show the progress from administrative assistant to the new position on your resume.
While it may be a bit too early in your new position to identify some of your key accomplishments, remember that whenever you are describing jobs on your resume you should try and identify quantifiable accomplishments rather than list duties or responsibilities. Employers want to know how you made the job your own — and how you excelled in it.
You can find some great advice on writing a powerful resume — in the form of articles and tutorials — in the Resume Resources section of Quintessential Careers.
Need help with your resume, cover letter, or other career-marketing document? Order today from Quintessential Resumes and Cover Letters, powered by About Jobs Resume Writing Service.
This posting is a guest entry from the Career Doctor, Randall S. Hansen, PhD:
Anonymous writes:
Since 1992, I have worked for several different companies. About 3 years ago, I switched employers and stayed there about a year before joining a start-up company. I had been employed by the start-up for about 8 months before they were acquired by my original employer.
I’ve been asked to take a substantial pay cut. So, I’m somewhat torn between staying with this company and looking for new employment locally. I suspect that even at my reduced salary I might be faring better than the local wage scale. Then there’s also the problem of my resume. I’m concerned about how bad my resume looks with all the moves in such a short period of time. A co-worker said that since I was only gone for about a year and now back I started that I should just list the current company as “1992 to present”.
The current state of the economy is affecting workers and job-seekers in so many ways, from layoffs to reduced hours to pay cuts. And everyone is frustrated, including the employers and the employees. And you face multiple issues.
First, because you work for an out-of-state employer, I suspect your pay is much higher than the local wage scale. But rather than guessing, I suggest you hop on the Internet and do a little salary research. You can conduct your research by going to one or more of the several salary Websites and/or searching for similar jobs and comparing wage scales. Once you’ve completed your research, you need to develop your options. If you decide to accept the pay cut, I would try to negotiate a timeline for a return to compensation at your previous levels. I might also negotiate an increase in other non-compensation benefits, such as more time off.
Second, please do not “fudge” your resume. There is nothing worse than lying or providing misleading information on your resume. By definition, a resume is a statement of facts about your educational and work experiences. In your situation, you have solid work experience with a number of companies that shows your ability to stay with employers for extended periods of time. But just as importantly, job-hopping is so much less an issue than it used to be. Employers know that numerous factors (mergers, economy, rightsizing, dotcom bust, etc.) have led to many job-seekers having more short-term job stints than in the past.
Find more information about salary and salary negotiation tactics by going to this section of Quintessential Careers: Salary Negotiation Resources. And you can get more information about writing your resume by going to the Resume Resources section of Quintessential Careers.
Need help with your resume, cover letter, or other career-marketing document? Order today from Quintessential Resumes and Cover Letters, powered by About Jobs Resume Writing Service.
This posting is a guest entry from the Career Doctor, Randall S. Hansen, PhD:
D. A. writes: There is no way for me to hide the fact that I’ve had 7 jobs in last 7 years. Although I have great credentials, no one will hire me — I actually have a job paying 1/3 less than what I’m used to making. Do I stick it out for a year? Do I try to finish my CPA license in this state (varies from state to state). Do I go back to school at night for IT? Thanks.
The Career Doctor responds: You actually have a couple of problems. First, you need to figure out why you’ve had seven jobs in the last seven years — not only for your own well-being, but because employers are going to be asking you that question — and then you need to determine how to stop the job-hopping. Second, you need to determine why you are working at a job that pays a third less than what you’ve been making — and whether you should continue to do so. Third, you need to determine your career interests — do you want to be a CPA or work in IT…or do something entirely different? I suggest you sit down and determine what you want to do for the next five years or so.
Once you’ve determined the root of your restlessness and have zeroed in on a career goal, then you can start with your career and job-search strategies. If you don’t already use one, I strongly suggest considering a resume in a chrono-functional format. Read more in this article: Should You Consider a Functional Resume? Keep in mind, though that many employers dislike any kind of functional format, so you’ll want to also have a chronological version in case the chrono-functional isn’t working for you (many employers don’t like them). You’ll also need to have an answer for your job-hopping — one employers will believe. You can find help in the interviewing resources section of Quintessential Careers.
Be sure to take the time to really address — for your sake — the reasons for your restlessness. You will be much happier (and healthier) when you are in a career field and job that challenges you and one which you enjoy doing.
Need help with your resume, cover letter, or other career-marketing document? Order today from Quintessential Resumes and Cover Letters, powered by About Jobs Resume Writing Service.
This posting is a guest entry from the Career Doctor, Randall S. Hansen, PhD:
Erika writes:
I have had 3 different jobs in 3 years. My job-hopping has been done to extenuating circumstances that have been out of my control. Job # 1 declared bankruptcy and went out of business after I had been there only 7 months I left job #2 to move to Virginia to take care of my grandmother who was terminally ill. That one lasted 7 months as well. Currently I am in job #3 and am planning to move in the next couple of months because I am getting married.
I am concerned that this moving around will affect my chances in finding my next job. People have said that since I am young and in the telecommunications industry that this moving around is expected. But I have also heard that employers frown upon this because my erratic job history looks on paper like I can’t stick to one thing. What can I do to offset this liability and change it into an asset?
On the other hand, you always need to keep in the back of your mind that the purpose of your resume is to get you an interview — and you want to remove as many roadblocks as possible. Thus, even if all three of the jobs you’ve had have been similar, I would probably recommend that you experiment with a chrono-functional resume. Chrono-functional resumes focus on your key skill sets and accomplishments, listing your actual employment history at the end of your resume. You can read more in our article, Should You Consider a Functional Resume?. Be prepared to revert to a chronological resume if the chrono-functional version isn’t working for you as many employers disdain any kind of functional resume.
Also be prepared to explain the short job stints in your interviews — and how you are now in a position to settle down and make a long-term commitment to your next job.
Need help with your resume, cover letter, or other career-marketing document? Order today from Quintessential Resumes and Cover Letters, powered by About Jobs Resume Writing Service.
This posting is a guest entry from the Career Doctor, Randall S. Hansen, PhD:
Lynn writes:
I have recently made a slight shift in my job field. I was an administrative assistant for more than six years and now I am working in the Accounting Department. How do I reflect the change in duties from administrative assistant to (I don’t really have a title now)…accounting. I have been doing this for only a month, but I recognize that the pay is better on this side of the fence. Some of my daily functions parallel what I was doing in my previous position. However, I want to show progression on my resume without looking like I job hop.
I am a very big proponent of keeping one’s resume current. You never know, especially in the current economic and corporate climate, when you’ll be in a situation where you need to have your hands on an up-to-date resume. So, I laud your efforts.
And when you get promoted (or transferred) within your current employer, that’s not job-hopping. In your case, it shows that your employer values your work enough to expand your job responsibilities.
You really need a job title, so you should either ask for a new one — or suggest one to your boss. Once you have the new job title, you can show the progress from administrative assistant to the new position on your resume.
While it may be a bit too early in your new position to identify some of your key accomplishments, remember that whenever you are describing jobs on your resume you should try and identify quantifiable accomplishments rather than list duties or responsibilities. Employers want to know how you made the job your own — and how you excelled in it.
You can find some great advice on writing a powerful resume — in the form of articles and tutorials — in the Resume Resources section of Quintessential Careers.
Need help with your resume, cover letter, or other career-marketing document? Order today from Quintessential Resumes and Cover Letters, powered by About Jobs Resume Writing Service.
This posting is a guest entry from the Career Doctor, Randall S. Hansen, PhD:
Anonymous writes:
Since 1992, I have worked for several different companies. About 3 years ago, I switched employers and stayed there about a year before joining a start-up company. I had been employed by the start-up for about 8 months before they were acquired by my original employer.
I’ve been asked to take a substantial pay cut. So, I’m somewhat torn between staying with this company and looking for new employment locally. I suspect that even at my reduced salary I might be faring better than the local wage scale. Then there’s also the problem of my resume. I’m concerned about how bad my resume looks with all the moves in such a short period of time. A co-worker said that since I was only gone for about a year and now back I started that I should just list the current company as “1992 to present”.
The current state of the economy is affecting workers and job-seekers in so many ways, from layoffs to reduced hours to pay cuts. And everyone is frustrated, including the employers and the employees. And you face multiple issues.
First, because you work for an out-of-state employer, I suspect your pay is much higher than the local wage scale. But rather than guessing, I suggest you hop on the Internet and do a little salary research. You can conduct your research by going to one or more of the several salary Websites and/or searching for similar jobs and comparing wage scales. Once you’ve completed your research, you need to develop your options. If you decide to accept the pay cut, I would try to negotiate a timeline for a return to compensation at your previous levels. I might also negotiate an increase in other non-compensation benefits, such as more time off.
Second, please do not “fudge” your resume. There is nothing worse than lying or providing misleading information on your resume. By definition, a resume is a statement of facts about your educational and work experiences. In your situation, you have solid work experience with a number of companies that shows your ability to stay with employers for extended periods of time. But just as importantly, job-hopping is so much less an issue than it used to be. Employers know that numerous factors (mergers, economy, rightsizing, dotcom bust, etc.) have led to many job-seekers having more short-term job stints than in the past.
Find more information about salary and salary negotiation tactics by going to this section of Quintessential Careers: Salary Negotiation Resources. And you can get more information about writing your resume by going to the Resume Resources section of Quintessential Careers.
Need help with your resume, cover letter, or other career-marketing document? Order today from Quintessential Resumes and Cover Letters, powered by About Jobs Resume Writing Service.
This posting is a guest entry from the Career Doctor, Randall S. Hansen, PhD:
D. A. writes: There is no way for me to hide the fact that I’ve had 7 jobs in last 7 years. Although I have great credentials, no one will hire me — I actually have a job paying 1/3 less than what I’m used to making. Do I stick it out for a year? Do I try to finish my CPA license in this state (varies from state to state). Do I go back to school at night for IT? Thanks.
The Career Doctor responds: You actually have a couple of problems. First, you need to figure out why you’ve had seven jobs in the last seven years — not only for your own well-being, but because employers are going to be asking you that question — and then you need to determine how to stop the job-hopping. Second, you need to determine why you are working at a job that pays a third less than what you’ve been making — and whether you should continue to do so. Third, you need to determine your career interests — do you want to be a CPA or work in IT…or do something entirely different? I suggest you sit down and determine what you want to do for the next five years or so.
Once you’ve determined the root of your restlessness and have zeroed in on a career goal, then you can start with your career and job-search strategies. If you don’t already use one, I strongly suggest considering a resume in a chrono-functional format. Read more in this article: Should You Consider a Functional Resume? Keep in mind, though that many employers dislike any kind of functional format, so you’ll want to also have s chronological version in case the chrono-functional isn’t working for you. You’ll also need to have an answer for your job-hopping — one employers will believe. You can find help in the interviewing resources section of Quintessential Careers.
Be sure to take the time to really address — for your sake — the reasons for your restlessness. You will be much happier (and healthier) when you are in a career field and job that challenges you and one which you enjoy doing.
Need help with your resume, cover letter, or other career-marketing document? Order today from Quintessential Resumes and Cover Letters, powered by About Jobs Resume Writing Service.
This posting is a guest entry from the Career Doctor, Randall S. Hansen, PhD:
Erika writes:
I have had 3 different jobs in 3 years. My job-hopping has been done to extenuating circumstances that have been out of my control. Job # 1 declared bankruptcy and went out of business after I had been there only 7 months I left job #2 to move to Virginia to take care of my grandmother who was terminally ill. That one lasted 7 months as well. Currently I am in job #3 and am planning to move in the next couple of months because I am getting married.
I am concerned that this moving around will affect my chances in finding my next job. People have said that since I am young and in the telecommunications industry that this moving around is expected. But I have also heard that employers frown upon this because my erratic job history looks on paper like I can’t stick to one thing. What can I do to offset this liability and change it into an asset?
On the other hand, you always need to keep in the back of your mind that the purpose of your resume is to get you an interview — and you want to remove as many roadblocks as possible. Thus, even if all three of the jobs you’ve had have been similar, I would probably recommend that you experiment with a chrono-functional resume. Chrono-functional resumes focus on your key skill sets and accomplishments, listing your actual employment history at the end of your resume. You can read more in our article, Should You Consider a Functional Resume?. Be prepared to revert to a chronological resume if the chrono-functional version isn’t working for you as many employers disdain any kind of functional resume.
Also be prepared to explain the short job stints in your interviews — and how you are now in a position to settle down and make a long-term commitment to your next job.
Need help with your resume, cover letter, or other career-marketing document? Order today from Quintessential Resumes and Cover Letters, powered by About Jobs Resume Writing Service.
Job-hopping is far less a concern than it was just a few years ago. Mature job-seekers will remember a time when long-time company loyalty was expected. Those days are gone. Workers at all levels stay at their jobs for much shorter periods than they used to. That’s not to say that job-hopping is no longer questioned. Very short, frequent job stints can certainly raise eyebrows. A chrono-functional resume will deemphasize job-hopping but comes with its own significant drawbacks. Another choice is to omit jobs of short duration. In these days of background checks, however, your omission can be risky. Most hiring decision-makers we’ve surveyed emphasize that nothing should be left off because jobs you’ve omitted will be discovered eventually in the vetting process, and you’ll be eliminated. It’s best to list everything, but make a strong case for your qualifications in your cover letter and top third of your resume so that you get called for an interview. Then be prepared to explain and put a positive spin on problematic or short-duration jobs face to face. Read more in our Frequently Asked Questions About Resumes: The Complete Resume FAQ.
Need help with your resume, cover letter, or other career-marketing document? Order today from Quintessential Resumes and Cover Letters, powered by About Jobs Resume Writing Service.
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