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Ask HN: My CV says I'm a job-hopper/quitter, how can I reverse that?

2 points by evex ↗ HN
My job experience is with 2 startups that failed 4-6 months in, and once got fired after being burnt out.

So on my resume, I look like a job-hopper, and I only have these 3 jobs in my cv, what can I do to let recruiters know that I'm not a quitter?

Here's how it looks:

ListingMirror, United States — Full-Stack Developer July 2017 - October 2017

Mokusio, Dubai — Full-Stack Developer January 2016 - August 2016

Waitron, Lebanon — Full-Stack Developer September 2015 - December 2015

Here's my resume: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HdD6ymKVePDyFFoHstt0TeUKzArhksNJjH1Nn1gNDhM/edit?usp=sharing

12 comments

[ 2.6 ms ] story [ 35.1 ms ] thread
wsc981
You could just add a small story for each company on the work you did there and add that 2 start-ups failed imo.
evex
Hm, where exactly? In the coverletter or somewhere else?
wsc981
Just in your history, e.g. as such:

  Company 1, Location           StartDate - EndDate
  Role
  I was responsible for implementing an iOS tablet app and 
  provided guidance to junior team members. In the end I did 
  have to leave the company after x months due to the start-up
  failing.

  Company 2, Location           StartDate - EndDate
  Role
  ...
You might have to change the layout of your CV a bit. Personally I have the following sections on my CV:

- Contact Info

- Professional Experience

- Education

- Programming (I should rename it to 'Skills' or something)

- Certifications

- Languages

evex
Ok, makes sense!

I think I'll do this and ask some recruiter friends of mine about how it looks :)

thanks, maybe I reply here and ask you if it looks good

Khelavaster
Start contracting, and then let your resume show you enjoy contracting. Your previous full-time experience will fall into perspective naturally.
evex
I see, thanks for your reply

Is remote contracting a thing?

And if my resume is all contracting work, wouldn't it get harder to get a job as an employee later?

wsc981
There are many online platforms for remote contract work. I currently do remote contract work through Codementor [0]. I personally prefer it over any permanent position, but to each his own.

---

[0]: https://www.codementor.io

evex
I see, I tried signing up as a coach. but it needs a lot of info and writing(projects you've done, experience, impact) which I'm definitely not good at.

and after all that writing you should start marketing yourself. which has the same hustle as selling yourself to a company to recruit you, more or less.

wsc981
You don't necessarily need to be a coach, you could also sign up as a freelancer [0]. There are some tests and a Skype interview, but afterwards you can apply for jobs. For my current Codementor job I work for a US employer 40 hours per week, been doing this since June.

---

[0]: https://www.codementor.io/freelancer/apply

evex
ok this looks better, I just submitted my application, it says its under review. thanks for helping out!
zapperdapper
> And if my resume is all contracting work, wouldn't it get harder to get a job as an employee later?

No, not if you have the right skillset/attitude. Been in the biz 30+ years with a good mix of permie and long periods of contract work. Never had any issues switching between the two.

evex
I see, thanks for your input. I was a bit concerned about going in on contracting and losing the option to get a job later.