Bad job changes, re-entering the workforce and illegal interview questions

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Question:

I recently made a job change. After the first month, I have realized that making this change was a mistake and I am ready to begin a job search again. My employment history is six years in my last job, and ten in the previous job. All have been in the same field.

This job is in the IT industry. This company is 20 years behind the technology, the people are not friendly and I don’t see this job turning into what my expectations were. How do I address this situation on my resume and during the interview? I haven’t been there long enough to even have roles and responsibilities to put on my resume. Please advise.

Answer:

Don’t sweat this one. With your past longevity in jobs and your consistent history in the same field, you can explain this fairly easily. Don’t belabor it. On your resume, you can skip it altogether (since you’ve been there such a short period of time). Where you list dates of employment for each company, use years instead of specific months/ years. The few months you’ve been away from your old job won’t show up and you may not even want to discuss this job at all.

On the other hand, you may feel more comfortable listing exact dates and jobs. You will surely be asked why you want to leave after such a short time. In response, say something such as, “The job was not what I expected it would be. The technology is 20 years old and I was under the impression that this would be a career move that would allow me to grow on my job.” Enough said. You don’t need to go into detail about the climate or people.

Let your cover letter sell your strengths and don’t go into detail about why you are leaving. That is better left for the interview.

Question:

I have a question regarding re-entering the workforce. I have been a stay at home mom for the past eight years. I have also relocated three times because of my husband’s positions in marketing. I have a strong background in human resources. Do you have any words of wisdom for me?

Answer:

The human resources field has gone through a major metamorphosis over the last few years. Staffing firms are expanding their services to include HR consulting in benefits, training, compensation and other related areas. Many other firms are springing up to fill the growing demand for outsourced human resources services.

These firms offer the perfect opportunity to step back into the workplace on a part or full-time bases. You would be able to hit the ground running because you would work in many companies in a very short period of time. In addition, you would probably be able to take advantage of training opportunities they offer. You would make up for the eight-year hiatus in no time.

Question:

I recently interviewed for a job. On the way out of the office, the administrative support person asked me, in a very casual and friendly manner, if I am married and have children. I know that such questions are not to be asked during an interview. I also felt, however, that she was gathering the information to provide to the person who interviewed me. I think this worked against me. How should I have handled it? I don’t want to appear unfriendly or “closed.”

Answer:

It may have been innocent but if it wasn’t, it was very sneaky indeed. To ignore her or say, “That’s an illegal question,” would have probably killed your chances on the spot. A response for future sneak attacks is, “Yes, I am (or no, I’m not), and I have two great kids and (with a big smile) I’m also very lucky to have a great day care situation!”

Do you need answers to tough job hunting questions? Are you looking for some added punch to help you stand out from the crowd? Joan Lloyd’s has developed job hunting tools that can help you to maximize your job search:

Savvy Negotiation Strategies to Get Paid What You’re Worth on a New Job (Detailed, 8-page PDF by email – no shipping charge)
Easy, Step-by-step Guide to Using the Internet to Land a Great Job (Detailed, 10-page PDF by email  – no shipping charge)
The Resume That Opens the Door and the Interview That Gets the Job (Detailed, 37-page PDF by email – no shipping charge)