Can I omit a job on my application?

Question

I had a job for 5 days in between two jobs that make up the majority of my resume. If I omit this from my application, will they zing me for this when doing the background check?

In retrospect, I should never have taken that job and should have done more thorough research when accepting the offer. While I can't change what I've done, I do need to know how to handle/address it.

I never mention it on my resumes or on interviews.

rhyme · Answer

I cant imagine it would show up on your background check. Did you ever get a paycheck?

ncp · Answer

How about turning this 5 day stint as an example of your courage to admit your mistakes, but move on and learn from them. (Assuming this is the only blip on your resume).

I think with some creativity, you can address this issue pretty easily.

lhotseface · Answer

5 days..I think you can just ignore it as long as you have a valid explanation if it comes up during a background check. There must be some reason why you left in 5 days...make sure you mention it if asked during a background check.

mba2010 · Answer

Hmmm...definitely a mistake on my part. It didn't even occur to me to use for an essay. The rest of my resume is pretty good though.

Basically, I was desperate for a job after I'd left my previous one to take care of a difficult family situation. I thought I liked the position. When I started, I realized that the VP had no idea what he was doing and that the company was going nowhere. If the "CEO" can't explain to me WHY someone would want to buy this product...it definitely isn't somewhere I wanted to work, regardless of how much I needed the job to make rent. There was no trust, it was a hostile environment, and I basically left my key there after five days with a note scribbled on the VP's desk saying "I'm sorry. I'm not coming back."

Definitely not my most mature moment...but I've done great things since then...really! 

I did get a paycheck...for a lot more than I thought I would.

grad_mba · Answer

If all your other departments are strong, Id say that you should definitely OMIT this stint !

ncp · Answer

venguyen, I beg to differ with grad_mba. In your position, I will omit the position for a school for which my profile is on target. But, I would not be this conversative for a reach school. For a reach school, I will definitely use this failed job for either an essay on mistakes or for an optional essay. 

By admitting this mistake, you muster credibility for the rest of your essays. I say, use it for your reach schools and lose it for the rest of the schools.

lhotseface · Answer

I beg to differ. I don't think you need to draw attention to a weak failure story to bolter your credibility. Weak because you wan't a stronger failure/weakness story which is richer in introspection and reflection and not one which may hint at immaturity (this may lead to an automatic ding). In any case, you don't need to waste precious essays real estate to establish credibility. Consistency with your resume, interview and perhaps most importantly your recommendations should be enough to establish that.

mba2010 · Answer

Thanks everyone for your advice!

I won't mention it. If it comes up in a background check, it sounds like it is an insignificant enough experience that I can explain it away. I have a better mistake story drafted that draws business parallels and doesn't highlight my immaturity at the time.

09App · Answer

Sounds like you decided, but here's one more opinion for what it's worth....

If you can use it creatively in an essay, then definitely include it. If not, I don't believe that you should put it in there because it will raise questions that wont' be answered. 

Somewhat similar - my sister (age 33) just left a job after two months and I advised her to leave it off her resume. It's insignificant in the course of her career and the omission doesn't seem to be purposely deceptive or unethical. Guess I view this similarly.

rhyme · Answer

I think its very simple to mention if it comes up. You simply say, "Yes I took the job but left immediately afterwards, so I dont list it on my resume."

Can I omit a job on my application?

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards