How to explain short job stints on your resume

From the Wall Street Journal on-line (for the full story: http://bit.ly/b8EIh)

"While multiple jobs in a short period of time is often deemed a red flag when it comes to hiring, companies have been forced to become more understanding of this trend during the current economic downturn."

There are some good comments and food for thought in this article. I don't agree with it entirely, but every new strategy you are aware of is like having another bullet in your gun and different industries tend to have their unique "norms".

I'm finding that companies aren't "forced" to be more understanding of your frequent job moves in this economy. They feel that there are a lot of fish in the pond, so they are more selective than ever. (It always amazes me when I have a hiring manager who is dogmatic about movement until he or she is looking for a job and you see they have the same problem with their resume).

In my experience, functional-only resumes (resumes without dates) won't get you much further than the "send" button on your computer. People immediately see that you are de-emphasizing a weakness and will either move on or press you for the dates prior to committing to the interview. I would put dates in the body of the resume and then be proactive with references. Offer your references proactively (in written format) and lend strength, support and credibility to your professional background and reputation. This is an incredible competitive advantage. Most people wait until they are asked for references, I say, have them ready for presentation on the first interview. You can tell a manger how great you are for hours, but one third party reference that corroborates your claims is worth its weight in gold. And managers like people who are savvy enough to recognize this.

The net here is: be innovative, but do so with a filter of pragmatism. Put yourself in the hiring manager's position. If you know executives who hire, run your ideas past them. As mentioned in the previous post, the resume needs to be very well planned and thought through.