A little fuzzy on the dates?? Employment History

 
No matter how you go about it looking for a new job can be challenging. One of the challenges that job seekers face is that dreaded little detail of “past employment history”. Especially for those that have been working with a company for a while and have recently returned to the job-hunt. It can be hard to remember employment history facts on a normal basis, let alone trying to remember exact dates of hire and departure after working for a long period of time. There are several ways that you can find the information you need regarding your employment history:

• Contact HR: If you can remember the names of the companies that you previously worked for, or if you still have contacts from previous employers seek out the Human Resources department and request information on your dates of hire and departure from the company. This is the easiest way to go about getting the information you need, especially if your work history is short. You may also luck up and score a job description for the position you held, this will help you be accurate when describing what your role was with the company and what duties you performed in your position.
• Tax Filings: Another way to get the information you need is to review previous years tax filings. If you have your W2 forms you will be able to use that information to update your job history. This is also an inexpensive way to get the information you need. It may take a little leg work, a little digging on your part but accuracy is best on a resume. If you are in the market for a new job then it may be even more beneficial to exhaust your personal resources rather than shell out some cash for others to do the leg work.
• SSI: For comprehensive, accurate information on your employment history you can contact the Social Security Administration. Remember, they will always have the most up to date information because they take funds out of each paycheck you receive. You will need to fill out the request form and ask for a “detailed Social Security Summary”, or “request for Social Security Earnings”. Keep in mind that they will charge you a small fee, and it will take time to get the information but it will be accurate.
• Conduct a public records search to get the information  you need.
• Hire a company to do a background check on you. This option is costly but you will get the information you need.

Once you have gathered the information you need, be sure that going forward, with every new position you begin you update your resume to reflect your start date and your end date when you leave the company. This way, in the future you will not be faced with having to search for your employment history. Also, keep a portfolio of your employment information, it can include things such as:

1. Copy of your job description
2. Accomplishments on the job
3. Employee contact information (complete with addresses and phone numbers)
4. Any information on major projects you contributed to while in your position

This way when you come across these questions on applications and in interviews you will be prepared.