Navigating Job Loss and Resume Honesty with HR Consultants: Expert Advice

Hi, I am not in HR, but I am a victim of a layoff. I work in IT (technical) and have 4 years of experience. I lost my job last month because the company is small, and projects were canceled. Now, my question may seem very different, but I have to ask it.

Should I mention in my resume that I have lost my job (worked from date to date), or should I say I am still working in the company (because the company that laid me off does not have a problem if I mention that)? If I mention that I have lost the job, it may be viewed very negatively, and I might not even get shortlisted. On the other hand, if I say that I am still working, HR consultants may find out, and I fear that as well. I am feeling very depressed and don't know what to do.

I have asked many of my friends for advice. A lot of them suggest saying that I am still working, but I am very scared to do that. A few friends advised me to write the truth that I have been laid off because it is common now, and it is not my fault. However, my worry is that if I write the truth, I will be seen in a negative light, and my resume may not even get shortlisted. In such a tough market with few opportunities, I might lose those as well. Additionally, I may have to compromise on salary, role, etc. If I try to hide that I am laid off, I may get caught because I am not good at hiding such things. I am asking this question here because HR people are the best to guide me.

Please advise me.

Usha,

It hardly matters whether or not you mention the dates of your current project in your resume. You, being a technical professional, will anyway be getting calls from recruiters if you have skills that are in demand.

Also, a good recruiter will anyhow check all the relevant information before submitting your profile for any open requirements. Our recruiters talk with the candidate in detail, enquiring about everything which is a client compliance, i.e., Employment check, Education check, Criminal check, etc.

Be honest with the recruiter about all facts, as the world is too small, my friend.

I would appreciate you sending me your profile, and I will see if my team can find an assignment that is commensurate with your skill sets.

Good luck!!

Rahul

Dear Usha,

It hardly matters; one should be honest because we do the antecedent check before hiring. I feel one should be honest.

Thanks,
J. S. Malik

Hi Rahul & Malikjs,

Thank you very much for the guidance. I have decided to be honest because it is not my fault that the company could not hold on to projects. I have done my work very sincerely, but if the company does not have a project, I cannot do anything about that.

Thanks a lot for the advice.

If you can call me, I would be in a position to give you some suggestions to go through this crossroad, since I have practical examples to explain to you. Call me if interested...

Dear Ms. Usha,

In my opinion, you should write the facts in your resume. You may be worried about not getting enough interview calls, but an even more serious issue would be getting shortlisted and losing your chance to join the company due to one lie in your resume. Most consultants look for the required experience. It is also advisable to include a covering letter along with your resume to explain why you lost your job. If you have a convincing reason, you will receive more calls than if you were to lie that you are still working.

If anyone from the HR department of the company checks your resume (plus covering letter), you have cleared the first hurdle for sure. Try to be as genuine as possible and keep brushing up on your skills. This will help you get the job you desire.

All the best.

Regards,
Arun

Hi Usha,

I feel that you should sound honest, describe the fact situation, and don't keep anything in the dark. Also, you cannot trust anyone as your company said that they don't have any problem accepting your lie. If any company does a reference check in your company and at that time, if your company changes their statements, then...???

This is what I feel, otherwise, let's hope for the best!

Regards,
Priyanka Vinda

It does matter for some foolish HR people who insist on working presently and don't understand employees. 😠😠

Hi Usha,

I am also in your position more or less, still I am yet to receive one good opening (after sending more than 300 applications for the past two months). But still, I am confident that one day I will win the race. For the past 5 years, I am trying to get into hardcore HR, which is a different stream of attempts (which is my dream job). But still, I am confident that one day I will win that race too. Keep the below words in your mind: Nothing is going to happen beyond human control (if it happens, God has something better for you, Pray to get that). No one can stop if our attempts are true. If your means are true, your wish will knock your door. Cheer up...