My resume is a constant work in progress based on interviews and feedback and now I am wondering about a few more things on it.....

First, a company I worked for has since changed its name and ownership.  Should I put the new company name and give list phone number as "The Work Number" since I found out the new owners only verify through them and will not answer questions about previous employees.  (Also, how does this really look to the company I am applying to?)

Second, most of my previous employers have closed up shop all together.  They were small locally owned businesses and not reachable for verifications.  Is this hurting my resume by having them on there?

Always list the company name,  not the 3rd party verifier.  The company that I work for does not do its own verifications either.  We direct employers to the 3rd party verifier.   Many companies have outsourced this part of HR.

Second, most of my previous employers have closed up shop all together. They were small locally owned businesses and not reachable for verifications. Is this hurting my resume by having them on there?

If you cannot prove this, then yes.  My sister once had to prove that she once worked for a bank that had gone belly-up.  Both of us have our pay stubs going back ten years.

Your best shot at employment is through another small, locally owned business.  The Fortune 500 types are just too picky today.

 

 

I'd be happy for anything right now...volunteering isn't going to move my family in the spring nor is it going to allow me out of my crappy situation.  I am tired of looking and looking and not getting an offer.  I have applications in at every fast food joint, restaurant, and temp service in a reasonable distance.  I know it is rough out there but this is getting ridiculous.