When we hear the phrase “cover story,” we think of a story that’s not true.
Recently on CollegeRecruiter.com, Sital Ruparelia suggested that career changers should have a cover story for those between-jobs situations when someone asks what the career-changer is up to these days.
Ruperelia describes his personal experience with this process: “I came up with a “cover story’ — a vague (yet plausible) answer to that awkward question: “so what are you doing these days?” or the “what are you planning to do next?” question.”
Ruperlia admits to the lack of truth in such a story: “You could say it’s a little white lie or half truth you tell others (and yourself!) because it speeds up your career transition.”
The situation the blogger seems to be referring to occurs when an individual voluntarily leaves a job and is not sure of his or her next move.
Ruperelia lists five reasons this cover story is desirable but does not tell what cover story he used when he voluntarily left his job as a recruitment consultant and had not decided what to do next. It’s hard to evaluate his premise about the cover story without knowing what he considers to be an appropriate story. (And quite honestly, it’s hard to imagine — certainly in the current economy — voluntarily leaving a job without clearly knowing what one is doing next. Ruperelia’s exit was in 2003, so that may have been a more reasonable time for such a choice).
Granted, it’s awkward in networking situations to describe this limbo or indecisiveness about one’s current situation and future ambitions.
But is a white lie or half-truth really what’s called for?
Instead, I think we’re all looking for authenticity. It’s totally possible to confidently tell an authentic story — one that aligns with your personal brand — of what you’re doing when you’re not employed.
Would you tell a white lie or half-truth story to explain what you’re doing between jobs? Have you?