AboutRuth Butler Expertise I will answer questions about resumes and how to do well on an interview. I am a former employment counselor and I have owned my own resume and career counseling business since 1982.
Expert: Ruth Butler Date: 3/9/2008 Subject: Entry Level with Bad Work History
Question Hi Ruth,
I recently left a job after 5 months on bad terms. I was being bullied in the
workplace and as it was a small start up I had no one in HR to talk to. So I left
and a two months later had to take job to pay rent, bills, etc.. I have been at
this job for a less than a month. I am still looking for better job and am not
sure if I should include this on my resume and what to do about it
considering my bad work history. Below is my current resume. As you can see
2 out of the 3 jobs listed have been for less than a year. Out of those two, I
left one on good terms, the other bad. Am I completely ruined? How can I fix
this resume?
PROFILE
* Goal-oriented, creative graphic designer with a versatile range of
experience in web and print design, as well as proven strengths in realizing
creative concepts, client interactions, and delivering projects on time.
* Experienced in web development, web site maintenance, content
management, and project workflows.
* Organized and efficient with excellent team playing and communication
skills. Quick learner.
DESIGN & COMPUTER SKILLS
* Mac OS, Windows, Unix, XHTML/HTML, Homesite, GoLive, Dreamweaver,
Contribute, CSS, Flash / Basic Action Script, Basic PHP and ASP, JavaScript,
FTP, IIS, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat Professional, MS Office,
TeamTrack, Version Manager, ViceVersa Pro
* Photography; Four-color Printing, Prepress, B&W; Oil, Gouache, Acrylic Paint
Mediums
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
FREELANCE GRAPHIC DESIGNER, City, State, 2006 - Present
Graphic/Web Designer
* Design, update, and maintain web sites for a wide range of clients,
including Client 1, Client 2, and Client 3.
* Strategize with clients on web-related topics, such as search engine
optimization.
* Create custom logos. Manage client correspondence and handle project
negotiations.
* Design promotional materials such as postcards, flyers and posters.
NAME OF START UP, City, State, 7/2007 - 12/2007
Graphic/Web Designer
* Design and develop landing pages for a diverse range of clients including as
Client 1, Client 2, and Client 3.
* Prepress print production on a range of projects, such aslarge scale
promotional banners and tradeshow posters.
* Design banners for clients such as Client 1, Client 2, and Client 3.
* Collaborate with the Vice President of Creative Services to redesign web site
for Client 1, Client 2, and Client 3.
* Design web sites and microsites for clients, including Client 1, Client 2, and
Client 3.
* Develops CSS/HTML for FaceBook applications and client web sites.
EMPLOYER, City, State, 12/2006 - 7/2007
Web Designer (Contract)
* Lead web site design and management, logo creation, and web-ready
image production.
* Honored with the Employee of the Month Award for outstanding
performance and client satisfaction.
* Worked in collaboration with developers to produce user interface designs
for web applications.
* Provided administration of Adobe Contribute content management system;
deliver support to users.
* Coordinated TeamTrack web-based application for issue management
critical to business processes.
* Successfully took leadership of sidelined TeamTrack workflows and attained
production in two months.
* Created TeamTrack workflows. Gather system requirements, train users,
and write user documentation.
EMPLOYER (ALMA MATTER), City, State, 2003 - 2006
Print / Web Designer, Department Name (2003-2006)
* Managed print/web design with responsibility for web site maintenance,
and Flash animations in support of Website 1, Website 2, Website 3.
* Designed print layouts and coordinated prepress production of handbooks
and flyers.
* Successfully redesigned Website 2, improving navigation and overall
aesthetics.
* Received a two-year extension of internship following the first year of
superior performance.
* Worked closely with the associate director and professional staff on a
regular basis.
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
Alma Matter, City, State
Bachelor of Arts in Art History, Architectural Emphasis, 2006
* Merit Award Winner, Name of Art Gallery, Spring 2006
* Vice President/Founder, Art History Club, 2005-2006
Answer Dear Mary:
I am so sorry for the delay in answering your question! I was having some computer difficulties.
You may be better off with a functional type resume instead of this chronological resume. In a functional resume, you pick 2-3 headings and list your experience in bullet format (just like you did here). In the resume you have now, all of the experience is listed under the employer where you performed the duties and responsibilities. In a functional, that is not done. Then, in a functional style, you do the Professional Experience section last and simply list the name of the employer and state and years of work. You don't give months.
You will still have some issues with a short work history, but at least, it won't "hit" an employer in the face. You will also have to be prepared to explain this history in an interview. I also, at this point, probably wouldn't include the job you are at now in the resume. As time goes on, if you still haven't found a job, you will have to include it.
Try to be very sure and selective about where you go next. I know you have to pay rent, etc., but you need to ask a lot of questions and the right type of questions and really observe to see if the next job you take will be a good fit and deal for you.
