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Spotty Work History

Q:

"I’ve held lots of different jobs over the years. How can I assure prospective employers that I’m ready to commit?"

A:

First, consider what might have caused your job-hopping. Was it disorganization? Trouble meeting deadlines or showing up on time? Brainstorm some ways to work around the problem. If you just can’t seem to get to work by 9 a.m., for example, maybe you could find an afternoon shift or a position that offers flexible hours.

Next, think of ways to put a positive spin on your work history. Make sure your résumé details the valuable skills you gained from your various jobs, not just the tasks you were responsible for. If an interviewer asks why you’ve held so many different jobs, you can say something like, “Honestly, none of those jobs was a good fit for me. But I’ve carefully assessed my strengths and limitations, and applied for this position because I’m confident it will draw on my strengths.” Then mention a specific step you’ve taken to correct a personal weakness — for example, “I began using a PDA, and I find that it helps me keep all my appointments.”

A pioneer in the field of coaching people with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Ms. Maynard was instrumental in the development of The National Attention Deficit Disorder Association's Coaching Guidelines and a founding board member for the Institute for the Advancement of AD/HD Coaching (IAAC). She is a certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and utilizes a holistic health and wellness approach with her clients. Ms. Maynard lives in Washington, DC where she operates Catalytic Coaching. Sandy lectures internationally and is a regular contributor to ADDitude magazine.

4 Comments:

  • Posted by Terri Cedro - Jul 29 2007 @ 1:24 AM
    Back to skating on thin ice!
    This time, I absolutely LOVE where I work and what I do. But a week ago I received the most deplorable, shame-filled job performance review after 8 months on the job. I think I was most flabbergasted at receiving a "D" in professionalism!!! Remember, this is for a job that I L-O-V-E!!! I'm at wit's end.
  • Posted by John - Jul 17 2007 @ 2:58 PM
    ADD Career battles
    ADD has caused serious problems in my career pursuits. I've changed jobs four times since finishing my M.S. degree in 1998 and usually get hired because of a 140IQ, great conceptual thinking, the ability to quickly grasp complex principles and strong presentation skills. Things tend to fall apart after 6mos-year at each new job due to the inability to complete projects, tardiness and remember details - both short and long term. Finally, I'm back in an NPO environment where I have the flexibility, pace and type of work that meshed with my ADD. The key is finding the right job for your unique skills and limitations.
  • Posted by tracey baker - May 10 2007 @ 11:39 PM
    add
    I seem to never get to finish anything When I was little I was just told I was stupid I"am 44
  • Posted by Barry Cutler - May 10 2007 @ 3:19 PM
    ADD and me
    I like the reason for the job changes and plan to use it next time, which will be my 11th job since 1988 and the second loss in three years.
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