Last job lasted 3 wks...should I include it on my resume?

elkpark · Aug 20, 2009

You might as well. Most application forms are going to require that you list all employment starting with your most recent, so you'll have to put it on applications, and a discrepancy between what you have on your resumé and what you put on the application will raise questions and eyebrows. IMHO, it would be a big mistake to leave it off both applications and your resumé -- you never know how/when a potential employer will find out about the previous job (they do seem to have a knack for this), and most employers consider any dishonesty, including omitting information they requested, to be grounds for discarding your application (or firing you if you've already been hired).

(IMHO, again,) your best bet is to include the info and practice answering the questions you're going to get asked about the short tenure. "Not a good fit" is the standard and classic "non-answer" in nursing; I suggest you further prepare to be able to talk about specifics of the situation, what you've learned from the experience, what steps you've taken to keep that same thing from happening again, etc. It's important that you be able to talk about it without sounding defensive or bad-mouthing your previous employer.

It's a sticky situation to be in, but it's not a career-killer. Plenty of people have been in similar situations and gone on from there. Best wishes!

caliotter3 · Aug 20, 2009

While many people successfully leave things off their applications and resumes, you can probably count on getting caught. With my luck that is how I look at it. Ten out of 12 times, they won't contact my references, but the 11th and 12th time, when I really wish they would skip the process, it seems they go through the trouble. Just best to play it safe. Good luck.

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Aug 21, 2009

I wouldn't list a 3 week employment history. It's not going to show any signs of commitment, or show any skills as you wouldn't have had time to develop them in that short of a time.

I had several jobs that I was only at a month unfortunately. I have successfully left these off my employment. If you can explain the gap, it looks better. I was usually in school at the time, so had that to cover for me.

elkpark · Aug 22, 2009

I wouldn't list a 3 week employment history. It's not going to show any signs of commitment, or show any skills as you wouldn't have had time to develop them in that short of a time.
I had several jobs that I was only at a month unfortunately. I have successfully left these off my employment. If you can explain the gap, it looks better. I was usually in school at the time, so had that to cover for me.

That's great, as long as potential employers don't find out about it and consider it dishonesty on an application ... That's a pretty big chance to take.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Aug 27, 2009

Because of Federal regulations, most health care providers have to do a 'deep' background check on all potential new hires. This includes information needed to determine if you are really who you say you are.. srsly. Part of this requires matching up all your SSN activity - contributions from employers, W4 info, etc. So -- yeah even a very short job will show up if the company filed the required paperwork as they were supposed to and handled your payroll deductions for FICA & income tax.

Best not to try to hide any info. As previous posters have advised, stick with the 'not a good fit' explanation. After you have successfully secured your new job, you may also think about reporting any factually-based safety issues at your previous employer. It is part of our professional obligation to patient safety.

SamB12rn · Aug 28, 2009

To all posters to my question:

Thank you so much for your input...you all made some good points & it was very helpful :up: . I've decided to include the job on my resume. I did my best there, so should not feel bad about it, right? (though I guess I do a little)

I am a bit frustrated though... I was told that they are well staffed (according to state guidelines) & safe. Yet, from what I've seen, my perception tells me otherwise. I recently researched a website from a link here: http://www.medicare.gov/NHCompare/include/DataSection/ResultsSummary/sideCompare.asp. Well, the results simply contradict what I was told at the facility!!!

How can the decisions for staffing requirements (& other issues) be made by people that don't even work there & therefore could not realistically know what's needed for the delivery of safe patient care in a certain facility (or possibly they never have worked in LTC? are they even all medical people?... the inspectors I mean- well, I don't really know, so I try to refrain from making judgements, but...it does not seem fair or just to the patients or their families :twocents: )!!!

Perhaps these last two paragraphs belongs on another thread, because now I am really getting peeved :banghead: & frustrated about the whole issue! Thanks.

obiwanjj · Jan 28, 2011

Hi - not sure if this is the right spot to post and ask this question - I searched and this was the closest topic I could find.

I am a new grad and was offered a position. I was called by HR to clarify my work dates at previous employment because it is off by one year. The application I filled out shows my work dates for one year longer than the organization has me in their system so it looks like I "fibbed" on my application.

I spoke to HR at the previous employer and they can't offer any explanation other than the possibility of moving me around to a different budget they can't track or find (it was research work and you often get moved around to different budgets until the next grant comes in, etc).

I am concerned that they will revoke my job offer because of the discrepancy! It was 12 years ago, but I sent an email to my supervisor at the time in hopes they will remember and verify my work dates.

What are my other options? I don't have any tax or W-2 forms from that long ago....

I feel like I need to change my resume to fit what the organization has just so it matches, but I really did work one year longer than they have in their system - this is the second potential employer who asked me about the discrepancy!!!

Thank you!

Nervous New Grad Who Doesn't Want to Lose Job Offer!!!!