HR / Background Check Question

[asphaltgambler]

Some of you here may know my previous posts and rants on the auto repair industry, I'm a Euro tech by trade and hopefully will be moving on soon to a better career outside of this. But of course there are some hurdles to overcome.

Since December 2010, I have completed training classes in electronics and electronic security and obtained certifications. These were boot-camp style courses. I have also passed and obtained my DCJS card - (department of criminal justice) for electronic technician to work in Virginia.

As I update my new resume my problem is my work history. It has been a tumultuous (sp?) 11 years. I have had many jobs as a tech and it (to me) looks suspect. As in: why so frequent job changes? To clarify, When the money (work) ran out or someone decided they needed more of my cut, I left. I always left of my own choosing, never fired. My compensation 100% commission and very volatile even when the economy is good. It's mostly for this reason I am getting out.

I am afraid that if I list all the places I've worked, I will not get past either the HR software or the person that actually views it before I can explain. I feel that it is an ethical issue on my part that will be discovered anyway if I don't list all when I give them my SS# and I believe most HR software does bring up credit report and work history through the tax information.

Anyone here have experience with this or comment - thanks

Other than this I have composed an excellent technical resume (with professional help) with great references.

[VincentVega]

Happens a lot in IT, not sure it's an issue in most cases.

Just list a few years back on your resume to show some history and identify key accomplishments at each. If it comes up at an interview, tell the truth, you were in a career with a lot of churn.

[stomachmonkey]

I would present them as "Contract" jobs.

Or present your self as an Independent Contractor.

Good luck.

[Rick Lee]

I list freelance copywriter on my resume. I was a W2 employee with an org. at the time but did some work on the side. In 2001 I was asked in an interview about my job hopping. I had been laid off once and the next job just sucked, which was why I was looking for that next one. They expressed concerns, but hired me. A year later, when I gave them a chance to counter a much better offer, they beat it, but wanted me to sign something saying I'd stay at least 18 more. mos. I'm still there.

[asphaltgambler]

Something I have forgotten to ask - how far back ( in years) in work history is appropriate today?? what is the trend for technical professionals?

As far as listing a few of the former gigs as a "contract" wouldn't the tax info reveal differently? - Please explain

Also I have recently composed my resume though a company's HR software and they will ask for a contact and reason for leaving for every previous workplace listed

[krystar]

as long as its relevant, put it on there. just try not to go over a page. if you go to 2 pages, there better be some big name dropping and you should be working in-field for at least 15-20 years.

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

I would present them as "Contract" jobs.

Or present your self as an Independent Contractor.

Good luck.

This is EXACTLY correct.

[asphaltgambler]

so how many years back in work history is expected these days?

[asphaltgambler]

Anyone here can answer this??

[Joeaksa]

Usually 10 years max. Anything further back that this need not be listed unless its for the type of job you are searching.

[Groesbeck Hurricane]

IMHO, your skill sets are the pertinent pieces of information. Break down your resume into skill sets. List former locations worked (as an independent contractor) on a seperate page. Have a second resume (the one you currently have worked up) to provide to people who want to see exactly where you applied/learned which skills. I have used a skill set resume for two decades with good success. Some companies do not want to see them and will throw them away. There will always be something in everyone's resume that causes a company to do a quick pass on you. It is inevitable with so many people looking for work and so many good options available.

Do you have a cover letter explaining why you are doing a career change at this time in your life?

Do not sound bitter! Be very polite and discuss the good parts of what you did and why you have come to your decision. Point out your ability to work with techinical details and ability to troubleshoot. Identify problems, plan the fix, execute, test, did you correctly identify the right problem? Just go through the basics. If the company is interested they will dig deeper.

[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by Groesbeck Hurricane

Do not sound bitter! Be very polite and discuss the good parts of what you did and why you have come to your decision.

I've had two recent recruiter calls and their first question is always, "So why are you looking to make a change?" I always reply, "Because I don't need to and that's the best time to look." They always agree. I later explain that my revenue numbers are way above where they were a year ago and I'm getting paid far less for it.

[JeremyD]

Or list all the different positions under a more general heading - but be prepared to explain it:

IE:

1999-2007 European Automobile Technician

[tab]East bay garage - Lead Tech = troubleshot mainly mercedes - bosh based automobiles YADA YADA YADA

[tab] west end automobile - Line manager - Yada Yada Yada

[tab] European performance - service tech - yada yada yada

Setting it up like this will get you past the career search algorithiums...

Two page resume MAX - if you are making a career change I'd keep to one page (don't want anyone to dwell on your past) 10 years is fine.

[asphaltgambler]

Thanks all - very informative

[Zeke]

Work history is not important if you are making a change. Be up front about the change, the recent certs and give references.

What people want to see is what you can do for them in the future more than what you did in the past. If in your past you did something that you could repeat and that would benefit your new position, by all means, capitalize on that.

The biggest thing talked about in hiring today from what I gather is the lack of ability to follow instructions to a T and present oneself properly. Correct grammar, spelling and syntax are mandatory. Proper dress and manners are mandatory. Beyond that, it's a simple sales job.

Do a good job applying and job history will not be the most critical factor. If your brief outline of job history coincides with your background check, what you are today, right now in this chair, is the most important factor in deciding if you are the best candidate.

Don't offer more information than asked for.

[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by milt

Don't offer more information than asked for.

This is great advice in just about every life situation.

BTW, my sister just got her dream job offer yesterday, but they told her they had concerns about her previous job hopping. I would have just sat there and not gone into explanations, since they had already made the offer and it couldn't get any better, but it could get worse. My sister went into explanations and all is still good. But I wouldn't have done it. No need to offer more than is asked for when it comes to information about yourself.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by milt

Do a good job applying and job history will not be the most critical factor.....

Not always. When I interview people I have a general idea of their age. Under 30 I like to see minimum 1year in a gig but do like to see multiple jobs their first 5 years out of school. Multiple jobs should equate to broader experience. Different companies do the same things differently so it's nice to bring multiple perspectives. But less than a year raises a commitment flag for me.

Once they are older and more established they should have reached a level where long term commitments are necessary. I don't want or need people that i hire to lead projects to get up in the middle of them and go somewhere else.


Don't offer more information than asked for.

Was commuting to TX before moving here. Picked up a rental. Landlord was not fond of cats but was willing to give it a shot.

He asked me "you have 2 cats?"

I said "yes"

I had 4 at the time.

I answered his question honestly.

[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Was commuting to TX before moving here. Picked up a rental. Landlord was not fond of cats but was willing to give it a shot.

He asked me "you have 2 cats?"

I said "yes"

I had 4 at the time.

I answered his question honestly.

Just like when Insp. Clouseau asked that old man, "Does your dog bite?" Old man says no. Clouseau pets the dogs, gets bitten and says to the old man, "I thought you said your dog does not bite." Old man replies, "That is not my dog."

[asphaltgambler]

Really informative everyone..............................great spot on real world advice - please keep them coming!!

[ramonesfreak]

Originally Posted by asphaltgambler

Anyone here can answer this??

im in a different field, however, i think it is appropriate to list your work history from your first "real" job until the present.

In other words (for me), the right amount of time would be from the time I graduated with my graduate degree until now.....excluding of course part-time work at the local adult book store