Posted by coral on December 23, 2002, at 8:33:38
In reply to Resumé Advice, posted by JonW on December 21, 2002, at 13:18:19
Dear Jon,
Sorry, but I'm going to offer very opposite advice on this one. Do NOT lie. If you're hired and there are problems (of any sort, your responsibility or someone else's) and you've submitted a resume with lies and were probably asked to sign a job application form, that is grounds for immediate dismissal in most states. (In fact, I'm not aware of a state in the US where it's not grounds for immediate dismissal). Instead, if questioned about the "gap", explain there were family issues that needed your attention. There are restrictions about what an interviewer can ask and most of those areas cover "personal" issues. Yes, it is a risk but the greater risk is to lie on a resume. Also, and this is an important judgment call, if your disability impacted your life (obviously, it did), you may have protection from the ADA against "Refusal to hire." While I realize companies can give other reasons (many do) for not hiring, some companies are very progressive.
The question in the employer's mind is whether the problem is going to reoccur.
Since you were on disability, that information would be available to your prospective employer's workers' comp. carrier in most states. Again, there is a prohibition against refusing to hire someone who has a disability claim on their record. (That doesn't mean it doesn't happen, though.)
This next point is a bit of a sticky wicket - your previous employer (if contacted for a reference) may be obligated to report the disability. (One clear example - if an employee was terminated for workplace violence, that employer can be liable if that information is not disclosed during a reference check - in the event of future violent acts.) If your resume says otherwise, your prospective employer will know of your dishonesty.
While I wholeheartedly agree with "active verbs," I would strongly suggest staying away from the use of "I" --- it takes some creative wording to accomplish the same impact without "I". In today's environment, companies are seeking (whether it's lip service or not) team players and excessive "I"'s are contrary to the desired image.
As a management consultant, I work with companies on the "management" side, making these types of evaluations. In spite of much of the bad press companies receive, many companies are very progressive in their approaches to employees. A company that has stone age attitudes isn't going to be a positive work experience.
poster:coral
thread:33732
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20021218/msgs/33808.html