Which is the worse sin?

[traillius]

I have two apparent choices:

1. lying on a resume to get a job
   or
2. Being the man who not only will not work, and thus not eat, but also the man who fails to care and provide for his family.

I do receive unemployment insurance from my state but that is not a long term solution. I fail to see a third option from the two above.

 

[Chayla]

I have two apparent choices:

1. lying on a resume to get a job …

This can lead to termination if the lie is revealed, and could be a career-buster down the road. Thus, lying on ones resume is a very risky move and NOT recommended.

 

[traillius]

I might put freelancing as a job for the past 3 years. I’ve done it on and off during that time anyway, and in a few different fields. It wouldn’t be a lie, since I have done it.

 

[frizzgrig]

I might put freelancing as a job for the past 3 years. I’ve done it on and off during that time anyway, and in a few different fields. It wouldn’t be a lie, since I have done it.

“Independent consultant” is a nice way of putting it.

I was out of work for almost 2 years. I took care of my kids & house. A recruiter advised me to list the time as a “Sabbatical” because it would not raise any flags with potential employers where “unemployed” and “home maker” cause many to stop reading right there.

 

[Xantippe]

trailius said:

“I might put freelancing as a job for the past 3 years. I’ve done it on and off during that time anyway, and in a few different fields. It wouldn’t be a lie, since I have done it.”

That’s totally fine. Don’t worry two seconds about it.

Nobody expects a freelancer to work 40 hours a week, 50 weeks a year.

 

[pianistclare]

“Independent consultant” is a nice way of putting it.

I was out of work for almost 2 years. I took care of my kids & house. A recruiter advised me to list the time as a “Sabbatical” because it would not raise any flags with potential employers where “unemployed” and “home maker” cause many to stop reading right there.

I agree with “sabbatical”.

Words like “freelance” and Consultant" translate as “unemployed” to resume readers.
I know. My late husband was “chronically” unemployed and recruiters told him that those words were a huge red flags. They read them as negatives.
Good luck on the job search. It’s brutal out there. I will add you to our prayers for jobs…
Peace.

 

[Sunbreak]

Why do you think these are your only options? You can check whether your local unemployment office offers classes to help you update skills and write a better resume. If you are a college grad, you can check if there are any jobs listed through the college for graduates. You can join an association of people who are interested in the career you are interested in to make personal contacts. You can start your own business doing odd jobs.
I don’t agree that using the word consultant or freelancer is necessarily a problem in a resume. I was a consultant for several years and worked almost full time. It didn’t stop me from getting other work when I was done with the consultant work. The most important thing is to make connections, though. It seems that people will hire someone they know or that is suggested by someone else they know over the “unknown” candidate.

 

[agnes_therese]

Having worked in Human Resources for more years than I care to admit, I advise very strongly against lying. You are extremely likely to be fired when the lie is discovered – and it most likely will be, if you’re working for anyone worth working for. And after that, you’ll have a “termination for cause” on your record, which will make it even harder to get another job.

The saddest thing I’ve ever had to do professionally is to fire someone for lying on their application, about something that wouldn’t have been a problem if they’d been honest. I just hate that.

 

[SuperLuigi]

I do receive unemployment insurance from my state but that is not a long term solution.

That’s fine.

But if you’re not working, I would suggest volunteering in your field to keep your skills current and it’s something you can put on your resume.

 

[Warandpeace]

Instead of listing all your previous work experience, you can have a header that says “relevant
experience.” I’ve had alot of odd jobs and I was advised to take them off, even though it left gaps in my employment history. I am now happily employed (though I did relocate)

 

[pianistclare]

Instead of listing all your previous work experience, you can have a header that says “relevant
experience.” I’ve had alot of odd jobs and I was advised to take them off, even though it left gaps in my employment history. I am now happily employed (though I did relocate)

That’s a great idea…straight and to the point…also doesn’t make it look like you flit from job to job. I like it!

 

[Sarcelle]

That’s fine.

But if you’re not working, I would suggest volunteering in your field to keep your skills current and it’s something you can put on your resume.

Good suggestion.

Not only would it keep your skills current but it would also provide valuable networking opportunities.