How to Handle a Termination on Your Resume

Being terminated from a job after just four months is a challenging experience, but it’s important to handle it appropriately when updating your resume. This article provides valuable guidance on whether to include or exclude such a position, and how to explain it if you choose to include it.

Why You Shouldn't Hide It

Contrary to popular belief, it is generally not recommended to hide a job termination on your resume, especially if you had contributions to Employee Provident Fund (EPF) and Income Tax deductions. Here are several key reasons why:

Transparent Career History - With the single Unified Account Number (UAN) for life, all your EPF contributions will be consolidated under one number. Hiring companies and background verification (BVG) agencies can easily validate your employment history, making it essential to keep it truthful. Validation through Official Documents - Your official documents, including income tax filings (Form 16) and other sources, will serve as proof of your past employment and income. Reason for Termination - Unless the termination was due to unethical or policy violations, it is usually sufficient to state the reason as ‘termination’ in your relieving letter. Filling this in your resume can help maintain transparency and honesty.

Explain or Omit?

It ultimately depends on your situation, but there are some guidelines to follow:

If the termination was due to a Reduction in Force (RIF) or some circumstance unrelated to poor conduct or performance, it is advisable to leave the job on your resume and explain the circumstances during interviews. If you are in the early stages of your career and seeking your second job, providing context for the short stint might be necessary. Highlight what you’ve been doing in those four months and the skills you’ve developed. Be prepared to explain the situation honestly and briefly in interviews, focusing on what you learned and the growth you experienced.

Keep or Remove It?

Deciding whether to keep a short-term job on your resume can depend on several factors:

Relevant Experience - If the job adds valuable skills or experiences relevant to the positions you are applying for, it should be kept. Positive Contributions - Highlight any positive achievements or contributions you made during your time there. Employment Gaps - If leaving it off creates a significant gap in your employment history, it might be better to include it for continuity. Irrelevant Experience - If the job is not relevant to your career goals, it might be best to omit it. Negative Circumstances - If the termination was under circumstances that could raise red flags, it might be wise to leave it off.

How to Frame It Positively

If you choose to keep the job on your resume, make sure to:

Be honest and brief in your explanation during interviews. Focusing on the positive aspects of the experience, such as what you learned and how you’ve grown.

Ultimately, the decision to keep or remove the job from your resume is personal and depends on your specific circumstances. If you choose to keep it, ensure it adds value to your application. If you opt to remove it, make sure your resume still presents a strong narrative of your professional journey.

Note: For detailed advice, you can refer to my Quora profile for further insights and support.