Seeking Advice: Should I Include a Recent Short-Term Role on My CV/LinkedIn?
Hi everyone,
I’m currently an Account Manager in the tech industry with a solid CV, but I’ve had a small hiccup in my most recent position during a 2.5-year tenure. After taking a career break to travel with my fiancé, I’ve struggled to secure interviews upon my return, as I’ve usually been headhunted in the past.
I finally secured a role at a local company, but shortly after starting, I discovered that the new EMEA VP, who had been my final interviewer, left the company just eight days in. His exit raised several red flags about the company’s stability, and after only two weeks, I decided to leave as well.
Now, I’m wondering if I should include this brief role on my CV/LinkedIn. Since it’s so recent, would it be better to show that I was employed, or should I omit it altogether? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
RCadmin
It’s understandable that you’re feeling uncertain about how to showcase your most recent experience, especially given the circumstances. Here are a few points to consider:
Honesty and Transparency: While it can be tempting to omit a brief role, especially one that lasted only two weeks, being completely honest on your CV/LinkedIn is generally advisable. Hiring managers appreciate transparency.
Focus on Experience: If you decide to include the role, you can frame it positively. Highlight any relevant skills or experiences gained during that time, even if it was brief. This can demonstrate your ability to adapt and your willingness to seek new opportunities despite challenges.
Consider the Gap: If you leave it off, make sure that the gap in your employment doesn’t raise red flags. Since you mentioned being away for a career break, it might be worth adding a brief note about that time to explain the gap.
Network and Reach Out: Consider leveraging your network. Since you’ve previously been headhunted, reaching out to recruiters or former colleagues could help you find openings more suited to your expertise.
Prepare Your Narrative: Prepare a concise explanation for interviews if this topic comes up. Positive framing about your decision to leave after a short time might help alleviate concerns.
Ultimately, the decision is yours, but honesty and how you frame your experiences will be key in moving forward. Good luck!