Should I include this in a resume?

I was a personal/admin assitant for this financial advisor for 3 years. But I was getting paid off the books. If they call him to verify employment then I don't think it's a problem. However if they do background check, and check the dep of labor then they will not find this record anywhere. I don't want them to think I lied but I learned alot from my previous employer, which would make me a great candidate.

Should I keep this experience on my resume? How should I handle this without getting the wrong impression?

8 Comments
 

Just explain the whole truth and provide them with the advisor's contact info. The company might go after him if it was done under the table, so make sure they do not call HR and tell them about it....

It is pretty common btw....many advisors are happy to do it that way so you get more money (no taxes) and are happier to work for him/her. Managers hate it and do everything possible to prevent it.

 
MrFutureJust explain the whole truth and provide them with the advisor's contact info. The company might go after him if it was done under the table, so make sure they do not call HR and tell them about it....

It is pretty common btw....many advisors are happy to do it that way so you get more money (no taxes) and are happier to work for him/her. Managers hate it and do everything possible to prevent it.

I plan to. Infact, he's even one of my references. I just dont want the future employer to view this "negatively" if you know what I mean.... for not paying taxes! LOL Also, do I let know them ahead of time that I was paid under the table? Or tell them when they ask? do they usually not check with the department of labor and just call the employer instead?

 

I never heard of companies actually contacting the dept of labor.....but regardless, it is not like they would fire you or not hire you without first asking you about any issues they had during their background check, so when that moment comes, you would explain.

But before that moment comes, when they ask you about compensation during your interview, simply say that you were getting X from the company, plus you were getting Y from the advisor (without specifying how). IF they check, and IF any issue comes up, just say that it was out of your control that the advisor actually paid you privately. They cannot hold you accountable for that, because I actually saw several advisors imposing cash payments to their assistant, no choice.

 

Oh Also, I forgot to ask... on the resume, whats the best way to put this on a resume?

Mr. John Smith__________________________________________ XX/XX to XX/XX Executive Personal Assitant

or

ABCD FIRM____________________________________________XX/XX to XX/XX Executive Personal Assitant

 

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