Best practices to manage short-term jobs on your resume

 I’m a professional resume maker. One of my readers wrote:

For me, 2008 has been an odd year. I was laid off in January, found new work in April, then was laid off again just a few weeks ago. What should I put on my résumé and in interviews to handle this? Is it preferable to have a gap in your resume or a temporary job? Both should probably be explained, but which is more palatable? 

This is an excellent question because it is one that many individuals are facing in today's climate. My response is to always err on the side of honesty and openness. There was nothing wrong with you. You have not been dismissed. You, like many others, were simply victims of a difficult economic climate. And believe me when I say that you are not alone in having one or two temporary jobs on your resume. The days of 5- to 10-year contracts with one company are long gone.

So, first and foremost, as a professional resume maker, I would recommend that you mention the position and write about it as persuasively as you did about your other viewpoints (for help in doing this, check out my free course). Second, each of your positions should have a ‘reason for leaving' section. This is optional, and there is no right or wrong answer, but it is an option if you have never been fired before. (Obviously, if you've ever been fired, this isn't a good strategy!) If you do decide to include it, make sure it's accurate. Instead of 'laid off because my employer is a moron who didn't see what he was losing,' say something like 'downsizing due to market slump.'(I know it seems self-evident, but you'd be surprised!) 

Even if you don't mention it in your resume – and you shouldn't – you can bring it up in a cover letter or email. Maintain a positive tone ("I enjoyed my previous position and made some valuable contributions, but unfortunately, a market downturn forced my employer to make cuts"), and then quickly move on to why you want this specific job. 

Finally, be honest and optimistic during the interview. Concentrate on how much you enjoyed the task (if you did) and how much you contributed. No matter how fair a reply, never come across as angry or resentful. Your positive attitude in the face of adversity will impress potential employers.

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