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Jean Copeland

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How should I include a failed business on a resume?
Returning to the job market after attempting to start my own business. Is there anyway I can restructure my resume to make this look less negative?
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over 10 years ago
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11y
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Hi Jean, Absollutely. Can you fill out your profile more (or upload your resume and our tech should populate your profile from this) and I'll take a look at it?
The main point is that most businesses fail. Having tried to start a business, and being able to articulate what you learned from that can be VERY positive. Don't dwell on the fact it may not have succeeded. You showed initiative, entrepreneurship, and a high risk tolerance. That can help you with the next gig. How it looks on a resume is easy (resume doesn't have to say why you left, how it ended, etc.); but what you say when you tell your story is the bigger issue - just be sure you speak positively with learning lessons that take responsibility. (nobody wants to hire someone who blames failure on something external - even if its true, talk in terms of what you leaned about navigating external risks or planning for them better, etc.). I applaud you for trying, jean - thats really cool. Wear the attempt as a badge of honor - not a badge of shame. Almost all startups fail. Its just the way it is. That failure is the business - not you. You just completed an incredible experience and the right employer is going to really value an employee who can bring that experience to the table! Good luck! Fred