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How to Take Care of Weaknesses on Your Resume

  Gaps in Work History
Being Out of Work
Being Fired
Unrelated Job History
Changing Careers
Recent Graduate
Too Little Experience
Over Qualified
No Defined Objective
No Degree
Too Young
Criminal Record

BEING FIRED AND OTHER NEGATIVES IN YOUR WORK HISTORY

There is no reason for a résumé to include any details related to why you have left previous jobs -- unless, of course, they were positive. For example, leaving to accept a more responsible job is to your credit. If you have been fired, analyze why. In most cases, it is for reasons that do not have to do with your performance. Most often, people are fired as a result of interpersonal conflicts. These are quite common and do not indicate that you will necessarily have the same problem in a different situation. If your performance was the reason, you may have to explain why that would not be the case in a new job.

The résumé itself should present what you did well in previous situations. Leave the discussion of problems for the interview, and take time in advance to practice what you will say if asked.


From the book titled, "The Quick Resume and Cover Letter Book," by J. Michael Farr. Copyright JIST Works, Inc.. Used with permission of the publisher. Additional photocopies strictly prohibited.

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