Young woman feels unsafe and leaves position after a few months, worries about job search
I recently spoke with a young woman planning to leave her job after only a few months because of some concerning things she’s learned about the company and a situation that makes her feel unsafe. Should she still include that job on her resume? And how can she address the very short time of employment when interviewing for a new job?
The input I received from everyone
I reached out to echoed this comment from personal empowerment life coach and executive coach Smita D Jain: “It’s essential for the young woman to prioritize her safety and well-being above all else.
Including the brief job description on her resume is, of course, a personal choice. Jain’s opinion? “Honesty is often the best policy,” she says.
Ryan Faber, founder and CEO of Copymatic, thinks there’s only one choice.
“She needs to mention the temporary position on her resume. Not including it could lead to concerns about employment gaps,” Faber says.
Being prepared to explain the brief tenure in a positive light is the best way to ensure the short time on the job won’t stand in the way of a job offer, according to Kimberley TylerSmith,
an executive at the career tech platform Resume Worded.
“Emphasize the skills gained and contributions made during your time there,” Tyler-Smith says. “Focus on what you’ve learned from the experience and your commitment to finding a more suitable longterm fit.”
Acknowledging the brevity and emphasizing a commitment to finding a workplace in which she can contribute effectively over the long term is also key, Jain echoes. “She should focus on the skills and experiences gained in that role without delving into the specific issues that led to her departure.”