Having a resume that discloses your job-hopping ways is not the death knell it once was.
Whereas bouncing from one job to the next was once seen as a lack of focus, or an inability to keep a job, today’s job market views job-hoppers as driven, resourceful, on-the-rise and highly sought-after.
Thanks to the soft job market and the rise of the freelance class, recruiters have become well-acquainted with resumes that feature a variety of short-term jobs. But the key to gaining recruiters’ acceptance lies in how you present your work history: which employers, positions and accomplishments you choose to highlight, and which you actively withhold.
Keep in mind that a resume is a marketing document—not a tell-all exposé. You are under no obligation to share via your resume every full-time job, freelance gig and consulting assignment you’ve ever held. In fact, doing so can be harmful.
As the job applicant, it’s your responsibility to curate your experience; in fact, being able to do so in and of itself shows that you understand your target employer’s challenges and hiring needs. Don’t be afraid that you’ll be “found out” for having not listed your complete work history; rather, if you’re questioned about it, use the occasion to describe your reasoning for having done so. That pitch should demonstrate how it tune you are with your future boss, and will place a feather firmly in your cap.