Ask HN: Can I hide an employer when applying for a job?

[throwmeplease]

I joined a company a month ago and I'm currently applying for a new job since I'm not happy at all. I've been in for only a month and was wondering if I could simply bypass this experience when applying to other companies without getting into any troubles? I just want to make it simpler and smoother.

Would a company find out about that experience when they'd start their onboarding process?

[Mz]

Yes. No. Maybe. (To the question of "Can I leave it off my resume?" -- I would not hide anything. There is a difference.)

Different sources say different things about this:

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/can-i-leave-a-job-off-my-resume/

http://work.chron.com/can-leave-really-bad-employer-off-resu...

https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2016/05/02/five-good-re...

https://workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/9965/is-it-ok-...

[Powerofmene]

I would probably not list it on the CV but in an interview be forthright about it. If it is not the right fit be prepared to say that and why. As an employer I would be impressed with someone who knows what they want and can tell me why their present situation is a bad fit. Explain it framed with what you are looking for rather than what they do that you don't like. That being said, if I found out an applicant had a job and never mentioned it I would have to wonder what else has been misrepresented and would wonder if I could expect honesty and transparency should I hire that individual. It is never a good idea to start what you hope will be a long term relationship with secrets or worse with lies. Even if you don't consider an omission a lie many people do so think carefully on what to say when it is brought up or how you bring it up if they do not, should you choose to disclose that information. It is truly a personal choice.

[paulcole]

Your resume is the story you tell a prospective employer to get an interview.

Does the story you want to tell include that 1-month old position? If not, don't include it! It's a resume, not a deposition.

[icedchai]

They might ask what you've been doing for the past month. Do you have a good answer?

[taway_1212]

Some companies will ask you what you did during that time and will want you to provide a proof that you actually weren't working (crazy, but true).

[davelnewton]

I'm ambivalent. I've left off jobs that didn't really matter, including those of longer duration. It's never been an issue.

[JSeymourATL]

> Would a company find out...

Personal Disclosure is a desirable leadership trait. It's probably fine to leave it off your CV given the short tenure. However, once you start having conversations/interviews with a prospective employer -- do volunteer that information verbally.

Positive Spin: You'll want to share what you've learned in the past month and why that company turned out not to be a good match.