MiddletownJournal.com

COVER LETTER: "I am aware my resume appears shoddy at best, but I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to meet with you so I can prove I am not as bad as the periodic stretches of empty time suggest."

The job seeker above believes prospective employers are wary of resume gaps. He's right. According to a recent survey by Robert Half International, 93 percent of senior executives say they'd be concerned about a candidate's fit for a job if the person's resume showed involuntary periods of unemployment.

If you have a scattered work history, consider writing a functional or combination resume, rather than one in the traditional chronological format. Using a functional or combination style, you can emphasize your skills and achievements instead of your dates of employment. Another tactic is to offer a succinct explanation for an extended gap in your cover letter. Do not, however, criticize former employers or associates in the process.

COVER LETTER: "I've been out of work because the business went under when the owner hired a parasite contractor."

Tell us how you really feel about the contractor.

In addition, it's unnecessary to cite the reason for leaving a prior position on your resume. Doing so tends to raise more questions than answers.

"REASON FOR LEAVING: The job was not glorious."

Maybe he was hoping to rescue damsels in distress.

"REASON FOR LEAVING: I was a young and hungry graphic designer."

The company didn't have a snack machine?

"REASON FOR LEAVING: I need a great job where I can be my own boss or have a really cool boss who loves to laugh and joke around. I'm a joker at heart."

Will you try to squeeze in a little work between breaks?

"REASON FOR LEAVING: My boss stole my last two checks."

Now, that's a good reason!

Max Messmer is chairman and CEO of Robert Half International, a specialized staffing firm, and author of Managing Your Career For Dummies and Job Hunting For Dummies, 2nd Edition. His most recent book is Human Resources Kit For Dummies, 2nd Edition.