Independent Consultant Resume

Submitted by Sharma Ajay
in
Career Management

I started my career as a consultant with Big five companies and then 10 years back, I decided to work on my own as a independent consultant through my S-Corp. I am planning to go back for a full-time position (Director, AVP) type position. I have two-fold question for this forum.

1. How do i represent my self on the resume for a one-page format.. 

MM-DD, Consultant , <Client1>

* Accomplishment 1

or 

MM-DD, <My S-Corp Designation>, <S-Corp>

* Accomplishment <Client 1>

* Accomplishment <Client 2>

 

My fear is that, if I do not use my S-corp then how would HR verify my employment since my S-Corp does only do Corp-Corp Contracts so my clients can give my references but cannot give any employment verifications. 

2. Will prospects employers will be willing to discuss full-time employment after 10 years of independent contracting

Submitted by Phil Johnson on Thursday January 3rd, 2013 3:18 am

I'll start y saying I'm not a CV expert and I've not done much hiring, but I hope I can help!
1. I would keep your past experience in chronological order. It tells a more comprehensive story than flitting back and forth between roles. For notable engagements add a brief description to provide context and a list of achievements containing hard data where possible. Specifics beat ambiguity. Not sure about your S-Corp query sorry!
2. I work for a Fortune 20 company and we have plenty of staff who have switched from consultant/contractor to full-time. Circumstances change and as long as you can explain your decision to make the change (personal circumstances, security, stability, taking the pressure off!) the employer should not take an issue with this. Remember that your diverse experience with different situations, companies, people, cultulres, problems is an advantage. Just make sure the employer knows you are committed to staying full-time so they don't feel that you are a risk, or are looking for something tempory.
As always speak truthfully and ensure you are clear on your reasons for wanting the role, your principles, your motivations, your strengths, your achievements. Hope this helps!
Jonno

Submitted by Phil Johnson on Thursday January 3rd, 2013 3:18 am

I'll start by saying I'm not a CV expert and I've not done much hiring, but I hope I can help!
1. I would keep your past experience in chronological order. It tells a more comprehensive story than flitting back and forth between roles. For notable engagements add a brief description to provide context and a list of achievements containing hard data where possible. Specifics beat ambiguity. Not sure about your S-Corp query sorry!
2. I work for a Fortune 20 company and we have plenty of staff who have switched from consultant/contractor to full-time. Circumstances change and as long as you can explain your decision to make the change (personal circumstances, security, stability, taking the pressure off!) the employer should not take an issue with this. Remember that your diverse experience with different situations, companies, people, cultulres, problems is an advantage. Just make sure the employer knows you are committed to staying full-time so they don't feel that you are a risk, or are looking for something tempory.
As always speak truthfully and ensure you are clear on your reasons for wanting the role, your principles, your motivations, your strengths, your achievements. Hope this helps!
Jonno

Submitted by Sharma Ajay on Friday January 4th, 2013 12:30 pm

 Thanks for your insight. This is really helpful and it aligns with my thinking.