Landing a job is never easy — but a resume full of red flags makes it even harder. What does it take to win over an interviewer if you’ve got employment gaps, short stints with multiple employers, or an unplanned departure on your resume?
How to Overcome Red Flags on Your Resume
Take control of your narrative.
March 31, 2021
Summary.
When hiring teams see red flags like employment gaps, short stints with multiple employers, and unplanned departures, it can raise alarm bells. But there’s no such thing as a perfect resume — so what does it take to overcome these hurdles and impress a prospective employer? Based on her experience as an executive coach and HR leader, the author discusses three common red flags and offers a number of strategies to help candidates position themselves in the best possible light. Ultimately, she argues that a successful interview strategy comes down to addressing issues head on and controlling your narrative, in order to present a compelling professional story that’s both honest and positive.
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New!
HBR Learning
Difficult Interactions Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Difficult Interactions. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Learn how to resolve those inevitable workplace conflicts.