Anticipate The Inexperience Question Up Front In The Cover Letter?
I made a big career change a few months ago–I started designing for an ad agency–only to be laid off less than a year later because the company had financial trouble. I want to continue to work in this industry even though I was damn good at what I did before, but looking at my résumé gives you the impression that I didn’t last long at the only place where I’ve had direct experience doing what I want to continue to do. Because I am a very open, blunt person, I am tempted to address the concern in my cover letter, but I also know that could potentially put the brakes on the process before I even have the chance to sit for an interview. What are your thoughts?
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Posted On: Jun 8th, 2009 at 5:01 am
Mmmm. Tough one. I too worked in advertising and Graphic Design for many years. It’s a volatile field where folks are expected to move around quickly, just the nature of the beast. If you address the lay off do it coolly without emotion or bitterness. That’s the turn off. You could skip it entirely and concentrate on what you can do for the company you’re applying to…in fact, that’s probably the best approach. The cover letter and resume should be all about what you can do for them. If questions arise in the interview about your past work address them then; but positively. Lay no blame.
Best of luck! -
It would sound like you are bitter about your former employers situation or making excuses if you put all the messy details in the cover letter. Write a professional cover letter and resume without pointing out the flaws of the company you previously worked for and submit it to the places you want to work. If you are asked about your short term of employment you can explain the company had financial difficulties and had to cut back.