Why You Should Never Place Your “Side Gig” on Your Resume

As an executive recruiter focused on Nashville, I’ve never known of an instance in 20+ years, where a prospective employer found a candidate more appealing after learning that they had a “side gig” - but I have seen several instances where it harmed a candidate.

And why should that surprise anyone? Whether it is realistic or not, hiring managers like to think that a candidate will be giving the company 100% of their energy outside of family and leisure time.

Granted, most employers are going to be diplomatic with prospective candidates, but recruiters get to hear the unvarnished truth from hiring managers (that we’re sworn to keep private). Here are some of the most common responses we hear once an employer discovers simultaneous positions on a resume:

• “They’ll be fielding non-work-related calls, texts and emails on our dime.”
• “They’ll be running out the door at 5:00 pm to get started on their other job.”
• “They’ll balk at any travel due to their responsibilities with the other position.”
• “They’ll lack the drive and motivation to work beyond 40 hours.”
• “They’ll be approaching our clients as prospects for their outside business.”

Please know that I’m NOT suggesting that you shouldn’t pursue other revenue-generating ventures outside of your regular position. I applaud anyone who does something that adds to his/her income and/or career skills – whether it is freelance work or having another part-time job. I’m merely speaking of placing those facts on your resume – especially within the job chronology section.

As long as it doesn’t interfere with your day job, what you do to add to your income outside of normal working hours is not your employers’ business. However, don’t kid yourself and think that adding your “side gig” on your resume is going to be met with enthusiasm by most prospective employers. Even if the simultaneous position occurred years earlier, it sends the signal that you could decide to return to working two jobs again.

Another reason not to include simultaneous jobs on your resume is that it often creates confusion within your chronological career history. At times it’s not clear to the prospective employer which position was your regular day job. Additionally, this can cause confusion for applicant tracking systems that try to parse your information for online applications.

One last related item. Just as you shouldn’t include simultaneous employment on your resume, don’t list concurrent volunteer activities within your career history timeline, as this also creates confusion. If you feel compelled to tell your employer that you’re on the Board of your Homeowner’s Association, place it as a single item under “Community Leadership” with any other not-for-profit organizations.

Remember, your resume is not your official biography. Instead, it’s a personal branding and lead generation tool – intended to get you the right kind of interviews.

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Need some candid and practical career advice? Just send an email to [email protected] – and someone will get back with you to arrange a time for a 20 minute phone call. Note: We don’t charge for our time and FiveChairs earns 100% of all placement fees from employers.

FiveChairs is a Nashville-based recruiting firm and one of the area's top recruiters since 2003, in addition to being noted experts on career personal branding and resumes.