Entrepreneur on resume?

[thezone]

I've always wondered would you put that down on your resume? especially if the business you own is still in business but won't be affecting the new job. Would the entrepreneurial spirit play a positive role or would it backfire even in a temporary/contract position?

[pacificstart]

From my experience I found it's better not to put that stuff on the resume, rather mask that experience under a differnt title. Say you were doing contract work for example.

That varies with the position of course and it depends highly if it's a business developments/sales position or not.

It also depends on the company's culture, hiring manager, etc. But until there you got to get passed the resume screening.

So I would say, don't put it. At least in Canada.

[funzone36]

I still don't get why it shouldn't be on a resume. It shows you're someone can likes to take risks, works hard and take a great deal of responsibility. And why do you need a new job when you're already self-employed in a successful business?

[AGR-1]

Most companies have a low "appetite" for folks that have worked for themselves, call them entrepreneur if you want.

There is a dichotomy between what you read in the media, and what transpires in the real world.

[Hunt]

Companies tend to look at the negatives first and think if that business is still running, it may be a priority over the position you are applying for. I would take the advice of the first response and mask the skills under another position on your resume if possible.

[funzone36]

Got it. Thanks.

[TooSoonJr]

I have that on my resume along with all my volunteer & extracurricular work...it kind of blends in and no one pays too much "negative" attention but they get the buzz words that they are looking for out of it. :)

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