Career change tips : Do I reveal I was laid off on resume

Need Advice: Do I put the last date worked on my resume ( I was laid off at Thanksgiving 2007) or do I keep it as 2005-Present on first work experience entry on my Resume? Obviously I will tell them if I get an interview, but do I reveal it on my resume for all to see at first glance?

Well, if you reveal it on your Resume it might save you time to explain it in an interview. Although, they will still ask you what exactly was the real reason you were laid off even though you put it on the Resume. It's happened to me before. You can also not put it on the Resume and pretend that you're still there but not for a long time though. Hope this helped. Good Luck on your search.

You could just tag it as "2007" with a reason for looking as "restructuring".

Just a thought.

It is a small lie, which, when discovered, because it will be, sets your candidacy back a pace. You can explain it away, if you wish, as just happened, haven't updated resume, etc., and that can work. However, unless you offer it up, then finding it out, or asking you, does create a small seed of doubt about integrity. Not always, but usually.

I would actually put the date - November or December, as it is very recent. The holidays have just happened, and not a lot was going on during that time, so you are now ready to hit it. I don't see a lot of problem

Ian Christie
Career Changers Coach

I was laid off and I put the month and year of my layoff on my resume. These days getting laid off doesn't have such a negative connotation as it used to (assuming it wasn't for cause).

People are free to ask you when they see the date. If they don't ask, you don't need to tell them. I interviewed plenty of people and always questioned the dates, and never thought the less of them if they'd been laid off.

If your resume is a good MARKETING document (it's marketing YOU), you'll get their attention in the first 5-6 seconds of review. Therefore it makes sense to lead with your expertise (not a list of employers) and if that catches their attention they won't be so concerned with a layoff.

You're not going to be able to hide it so you may as well not try and make yourself look like a liar and an idiot. If you were laid off last week, or in between applying and the interview, I'd buy the "haven't updated" line. Otherwise, personally, I'd write you off right now.

Tess

Career Tips

Do I reveal I was laid off on resume