Can I or should I hide a job from my CV?

n1guy

So I'm in the process of redoing my CV.  I was made redundant a month a go, had the choice of a job I'd being doing all my life, or a new job in a new field just a few mins away.  I made the wrong choice took the job closer to home.  Long story short pretty sure I'm about to get the boot.

So with that in mind, I'm thinking I should perhaps leave this job of my CV, it kind of ruins it.  My last job I was in 9 years, the one before that 5, shortest job I ever had was 4 years, kind of better looking that 4 weeks lol.

happyc84

My thoughts don't hide it - learn from taking a risk. That's what I did.

Last job was 4 month duration, left because they were cowboys. Better to be honest and Frank. Even if your name isn't Frank.

tightauldgit

You can leave a job off your CV if you want but you shouldn't lie on your CV or if asked. It's highly likely that at some point in the process you would be asked about your current employer and if it looks like you've tried to hide it then that will probably be seen as worse than just being honest about it. 

There's nothing wrong with saying 'I took a position but it wasn't what I expected and I just don't think it's the right fit and I'd rather cut my losses and find something suitable than persist in the wrong role' 

Brie

If it's not on the cv then you'll be asked what you were doing with your time.  Possibly asked for proof that you were collecting benefits or a copy of your bank statement.  

Absolutely nothing the matter with admitting you made a mistake.  Spin it into one of those job scenarios one gets asked in an interview: "I thought i'd take the chance of trying a new industry but realised quickly that I'd picked the wrong company and for the wrong reasons.  This time I'm being extra careful to ensure I find a very good job match."

GrumpyDil

All of the above. My son started a job recently and had a heck of a time getting HR to understand that being a school leaver and having had no previous employment the gap between leaving school and apply for the job was perfectly legitimate. 

n1guy

Brie said:

If it's not on the cv then you'll be asked what you were doing with your time.  Possibly asked for proof that you were collecting benefits or a copy of your bank statement.  

Absolutely nothing the matter with admitting you made a mistake.  Spin it into one of those job scenarios one gets asked in an interview: "I thought i'd take the chance of trying a new industry but realised quickly that I'd picked the wrong company and for the wrong reasons.  This time I'm being extra careful to ensure I find a very good job match."

You're good at putting a spin on things. I like that

Sarahspangles

n1guy said:

Brie said:

If it's not on the cv then you'll be asked what you were doing with your time.  Possibly asked for proof that you were collecting benefits or a copy of your bank statement.  

Absolutely nothing the matter with admitting you made a mistake.  Spin it into one of those job scenarios one gets asked in an interview: "I thought i'd take the chance of trying a new industry but realised quickly that I'd picked the wrong company and for the wrong reasons.  This time I'm being extra careful to ensure I find a very good job match."

You're good at putting a spin on things. I like that

And it's true which helps!  

StevenB12

I've left a few roles out of my CV if they have been temporary or short term and it's never effected me. I suspect we work in very different fields and depending on what you go for, as others have said it may be queried. 

Think I had 3 short term contracts that I've left off my CV, in all fairness I've never once had a company query the dates I've got down, had references asked for etc. Different sectors different checks I think lol.

TELLIT01

Your new employer will need your P45 and that will show the employers name.  Hiding employment info isn't easy.

n1guy

TELLIT01 said:

Your new employer will need your P45 and that will show the employers name.  Hiding employment info isn't easy.

True, forgot about that

DullGreyGuy

TELLIT01 said:

Your new employer will need your P45 and that will show the employers name.  Hiding employment info isn't easy.

You can just fill in the "starter checklist" (the thing that replaced the P46) rather than giving the P45

StevenB12 said:

I've left a few roles out of my CV if they have been temporary or short term and it's never effected me. I suspect we work in very different fields and depending on what you go for, as others have said it may be queried. 

Think I had 3 short term contracts that I've left off my CV, in all fairness I've never once had a company query the dates I've got down, had references asked for etc. Different sectors different checks I think lol.

As you say, it all depends on companies/industries. Being in Financial Services and with PRA regulated entities most will require an explanation of what you were doing/how you funded it for any gaps of 28 days or longer in the last 6 years. Most also ask for statements from all banks to confirm your answers... obviously looking for employment that you've missed off.