Problem Work History

Potential Barriers

Possible Solutions

Job Hopping

• group similar jobs on your résumé
  
  
• don't include every single job you've ever held
  
  
• use your cover letter to stress that you want a long-term position

Long Time with One Employer

• list promotions as different positions to show forward progression
  
  
• have a Professional Development section to highlight your ongoing education
  

Recent Employment Gaps (of months or years)

show work that you did while unemployed, including volunteer and community work, projects, family activities and education

Been Fired

during the interview, take responsibility for your actions and / or put the situation in positive light, depending on the circumstances

Been Laid Off

focus on the present to show that you're moving on

Not Enough Experience

emphasize adaptable skills (e.g., being a fast learner) and non-work experience

Temp, Free Agent, Contract Work

see Non-Traditional Work for ways to describe this type of work on your résumé

"Overqualified"

• don't include information on résumé you may think raise red flags
  
  
• emphasize your eagerness to work at the job in question; show that you'll stay
  

No College Degree

• if you have some college credits, list the college without a graduation date
  
  
• emphasize recent training, including workshops
  
  
• skip the Education section entirely (unless you're a young person)
  

Criminal History

• remember that only convictions matter
  
  
• avoid occupations related to any felony you might have
  (e.g., if you stole, don't try to work with money)
  

Disability

address the issue head on and openly state that you have the ability to
overcome any challenges your condition may pose

Poor Grades (for students)

focus on extracurricular activities or how you addressed your academic problem