Do I put a short-term position on my resume, if prior to that I was a stay-at-home mom for 8 years?

9 Comments

1. AnonymousJuly 23,2022 at 8:17PM UTC

   You are fortunate to have the option to not list it and appear as you are just reentering the work force. Or list it and when asked why you left be honest, but professional. You weren’t happy because XYZ, just keep it professional.

2. JenniferJuly 24,2022 at 12:46AM UTC

   I haven't encountered this before, so my advice is just what I would do if I were in your shoes.

   I'd include the job since it might help if hiring managers know you've already reentered the workforce. They might have an unfair (possibly subconscious) worry that you will decide you prefer being a SAHM or realize that working isn't feasible/the best decision for your family. I'm not at all saying that is appropriate, this is just my reasoning as an applicant.

   I also think you should list the job since it seems inevitable that the current role will come up organically in discussion, and not including it could suggest a lack of transparency.

   Plus, I think you should reframe how you're thinking about your current role. You seem to be assigning a lot of fault to yourself for the role not working out (even saying that you learned from your "mistake"). Jobs/companies turn out to be a poor fit all of the time. Don't beat yourself up about it.

   Actually, be really proud of yourself for the fact that you've not just transitioned back to working life, but you've adapted to being a working mom for the first time. Any of us that have had kids and gone back, whether it's when they're babies, in school, or grown, know that this is not easy.

   So try to give yourself some grace and begin thinking of how this current role showed you that you are looking for X, Y, and Z. It's about running towards something , rather than running away from something else. This will make discussions with potential employers so much easier. It's understood that when someone is looking for a role to XYZ, it isn't available at the current company.

   Good luck, and remember to give yourself the credit, and grace, that you deserve.

3. AnonymousJuly 24,2022 at 3:50PM UTC

   Your response made me cry because you are right, I don't give myself enough credit or grace. Thank you for that reminder!

4. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 24,2022 at 3:10AM UTC

   I would definitely put this on your resume.

   I'd say it's easier to generate interest when you can demonstrate that you have already re-entered the work force. Was this a permanent position you accepted? If it was a contract or temp assignment, it's even less of a big deal.

   I'm not exactly sure why you would say you "learned from your mistakes". You accepted a position that turned out to not be the right fit for you. You don't have anything to apologize for.

   I would definitely perfect your answer for the "why are you looking so soon" question. The shorter the better so "it wasn't the right fit" is a good first answer but be prepared for "how was it not the right fit" - there's tons of answers for that - company doesn't align with my values, the position wasn't what was presented during interviews, whatever made it not a fit for you without bad mouthing the company or the people you worked with - none of your reasons should be apologizing for anything.

   I also recommend you have an honest conversation with yourself about why you accepted the position and what you can do to make sure you don't wind up in the same situation. I would make sure you drill down around any issues that arise during the interview process - you should be interviewing them as much as they're interviewing you - and don't ignore red flags.

   GOOD LUCK and please let me know if you have any questions.

5. AnonymousJuly 24,2022 at 3:47PM UTC

   Thank you for your input. I did have the "why did you accept this position" conversation with myself and realized I collected a few red flags and rationalized them out of fear and uncertainty. Thank you!

6. AnonymousJuly 24,2022 at 2:24PM UTC

   This is a tough one. It’s really a matter of weighting.

   If your current job is highly relevant to what you are seeking *and* if you can speak about this employment positively, those are good reasons to include this job on your CV. As to the reason/s you wish to move on, cite why you’re an even better fit for the job for which you’re interviewing.

   That said, you may be correct that including the five month job on your CV will make you look flighty. If so, leave your current job off your CV.

   It’s a balancing test. Get a range of viewpoints and decide appropriately.

7. AnonymousJuly 24,2022 at 7:35PM UTC

   You could put it on your resume and call it “contingent” work you picked up to get back into the workforce and are now seeking a permanent position. Just because an employer isn’t calling a position temporary doesn’t mean you cannot.

8. AnonymousJuly 25,2022 at 9:36AM UTC

   Sure because you have so little to highlight.

   I would look at temp work and entry level work since you want to build a resume of current experience and learn skills that will help you build a career.

9. Saudia SantureJuly 25,2022 at 1:46PM UTC

   I would include just to show that you have 'current' work experience. You don't have to justify WHY you took that job, but could always say THIS JOB (whichever one you're currently interviewing for) looked so interesting, you just had to apply....