Resume Tenure Question

If I worked for Firm A (2 years), left for Firm B (3 months and was fired), pursued a passion project (1 year), and returned to Firm A (2 years), what's the optimal way to display this on a resume? The total timeline in this scenario is 5.3 years, and I want to minimize the middle 1.3 years (the short stint with Firm B + passion project). Leaving the middle portion off would be preferable since I'd forgo questions around 1. my short stint at Firm B and 2. forgo questions around jumping around so much.

Is it disingenuous for me to leave off Firm B + passion project and just show: FIRM A 2012 - 2017 on my resume? 2012 is the start date of Firm A's first stint, and 2017 is the end date of Firm A's second stint.

I know this is more suited for the Job forum, but figured I'd post it here due to more traffic. Thx

5 Comments
 

yes that would be lying because you didn't work there from 2012 - 2017....? Nothing you can do on a resume, you have to put the correct dates, however I think you might be able to leave off Firm B and just put passion project? Idk but putting incorrect dates is a surefire way to get fired again, 

 
Most Helpful

Eh, if it were a shorter break, like less than 6 months, then maybe. But 1.3 years and presumably a "re-hire" process, I think you need to bridge the time with the passion project. I think you can omit Firm B, but might as well disclose the gap. In reality, if you get ref checked, Firm A could easily just say your start date was the return date and completely omit the 2012 date based on what is probably in the computer. 

I could see someone getting creative and saying 2012 - 2017* on top line then adding a "*Note - pursued personal project from XX to XX". That would be be a "disclosure" method but you could be viewed as pulling a fast one on people. Really, just need to present the personal project in a good way. 

But to echo the above, simply putting 2012 - 2017 would be lying and you could get caught in the simplest of ref checks. 

 

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