How do others interview if your resume shows short stints (1 to 2 years), a couple that were layoffs?

10 Comments

1. Barb HansenAugust 2,2024 at 8:15PM UTC

   I've worked in and out of startup land for about 15 years and I bet I've got more short term gigs than someone who didn't work in startup land.

   Here is what I say when asked:

   "Its very common for startups to fail or pivot or have layoffs depending on their ability to fund raise, and even if a startup grows, early staff may be laid off as new senior leadership is hired. Because I've spent so many years working with startups, my network lead me to other roles in startups and since my skill set is valuable I've been able to find employment with startups. My time with these companies has <insert the benefit that you got from working at a startup>.

   Good luck!

2. AnonymousAugust 3,2024 at 12:13AM UTC

   I am just honest and upfront. I have had 2 layoffs in 2 years and a short stint because the job was a bad fit and I found a better paying one. (Also in cloud tech).

   For the layoffs, I make it clear the team was laid off because priorities changed and the project ended.

   For the bad fit, I take responsibility and admit I should have asked more questions, and restate that I want a staff role where I can make a long-term impact.

   Then, I leave it. Most tech recruiters and hiring managers get it but I have had some screeners respond negatively.

3. AnonymousAugust 3,2024 at 12:24AM UTC

   I think turnover is normal in both IT and even some industry accounting positions (especially in tech industries or tech hubs) because these fields have been so in demand the past few years, so the industry and location should be factored in. Because of your field, I would think that you are at much lower risk than many other fields for being scrutinized for this.

4. AnonymousAugust 3,2024 at 12:31PM UTC

   When you tell them you were laid off, also give the reason for the layoff (company restructure, reduction in force, position redundancy due to a merger/acquisition) so they don't think you were covering up that they fired you. If the company went out of business, don't give them anything to believe that a poorly run IT system was a direct cause because that makes your department (and you) look bad. Always try to put your best spin on any termination, not for a better opportunity that is a better fit for your career goals. When you say that about your current job, always follow it with how you think the position you are applying/interviewing for is a good fit. The IT industry looks competitive, so always go in with your best A-game and try to put the best spin on everything. Keep trying and try not to get discouraged. The right opportunity will come along.

5. AnonymousAugust 5,2024 at 12:39PM UTC

   Thank you. The two layoffs were with startups that overspent, the first one on too many hires in rapid succession--there were three big layoffs 4 months after I started and all those hired after me, The first round laid off almost everyone hired after me. The second round laid off more, and lastly, I was affected by the third mainly because they had hired someone from overseas who could do my job too.

   The second was a result of their spending too much money on implementing a new feature, which as it turned out, required a lot more programmatic development, and I do declarative development. I actually didn't sign up to implement a new feature with this job. It wasn't in the job description, or I wouldn't have taken it. It was presented to me on my first day, which I wasn't happy about but I never say anything to future employers. Anyway, they chose to hire a developer from overseas.

   I don't know how much of this I should say because it might seem negative, although I always say that although I was disappointed, I understood both decisions.

6. Mayumi FlorekAugust 4,2024 at 12:44PM UTC

   Your reasons for leaving a company to for a new, greater opportunity is valid. With stints that are 1-2 years, it is challenging for potential employer to understand your commitments, i.e. were all your projects completed with excellence, success, satisfaction to the employer? Successful companies understand it take multiple years for a team member to blossom. Leaving after short periods will leave doubts that this employment

7. Mayumi FlorekAugust 4,2024 at 12:52PM UTC

   (sorry, fat fingers, here's continuation)

   ... may not be worth investing in, that you may exit company soon thereafter hiring. There may be misunderstanding on the potential employer on your future intensions. Be clear and concise on your resume to speak to that.

8. AnonymousAugust 4,2024 at 4:47PM UTC

   1-2 years are not short stints, especially in startup land, most startups fail.

   Here's the script, feel free to steal word for word.

   I joined ABC when I was recruited there for my expertise in (fill in here) after working there during their growth for 12 months they decided to pivot and I was approached and recruited once again this time for my experience with (fill in here) I really helped them to do (fill in here) The timing was good because ABC had a RIF and I was going to be a part of that. Then I went to DEF and worked with some great people to build something new. Etc....

   In other words, I was recruited because I'm great, I went to something fast moving and dynamic, I was a part of it during stratospheric growth but the company faltered or changed because of the market. (not my fault) and I am so good I got snapped up by the next rocket ship.
   See positive response, nothing negative and no I did not change jobs for more money. Never make it about money, don't badmouth a company that failed and be sincere about being okay with changing and fast moving companies. You got this sister!

9. AnonymousAugust 5,2024 at 12:35PM UTC

   Thank you!!

10. AnonymousAugust 5,2024 at 3:55PM UTC

    Anytime! And FYI, I read resumes for a living and have hired thousands upon thousands in my career. Do note that when you work in tech it's very fast moving, you got recruited away by folks who hired you before because you are great and that is what you should focus on when speaking to the short stint concern.