Re: Had a lot of jobs – how do I avert that negative aspect

I have encountered something similar, too. Companies want stability right now in the market and in people. They don't want "jumpers", yet it is still expected that in order to stay afloat (technically), you have to jump jobs. Companies are starting to realize that you can't be choosey about who you bring on board and NOT train them. This is *slowly* being realized by executive managers.

Besides... when the "techies" leave their respective companies, they take their knowledge and skills with them, too. ;) And since (realistically) companies don't have time to document anything, the knowledge of whatever architecture has been put into place, now becomes (essentially) a "black box".

Here are your options that you have --

(1) Tell them the truth -- which, unfortunately, probably has not worked for you. Companies don't want to hear what grief, pain and anguish you have encountered over the past 2-3 years -- if so, stand in line and queue up with all the other "loosers" wanting work (not my attitude, but I have found this to be the attitude demonstrated by large corporations).

(2) Limit what you have listed on your resume. REMEMBER: you have to "tailor" your resume to whatever industry you are applying for. I know that this sounds like alot of work, and it is. But... doing so will get you noticed, esp. when you don't have everything listed. If they ask about the gaps, explain to them that you did contract work for these companies and were on "benchtime". ;) Believe it or not, this has worked for me... 8P

(3) One thing that companies like now is that they are OVERWHELMED by these online resume search engines (Monster, Dice, HotJobs, etc.) and many HR or recruiting people get THOUSANDS PER DAY!!! Now here's a little trick that has worked for myself and a few others -- IF they list a facsimile/fax telephone number, send your resume to THERE instead of sending it in via the online resume service OR even email -- don't use them; if you use the fax, HR or recruiters will see that you've taken the time to work *with* them. You may get noticed, or (with any luck) get a job. ;P

Hope this helps! Good luck with your job search!

-r

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At 07:29 PM 2/22/2003, you wrote:
>Hi,
>
>I am on the job market again.
Received on Mon Feb 24 15:08:43 2003