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    Side Business started while searching for work--to disclose or not disclose? follow this discussion

    confidentiality consulting businesses disclosure freelance work recruitment transparency
    started 2 months ago by

    I am seeking advice on how to position an interim consulting business while actively seeking an executive position at a Fortune 500...I write this inquiry on behalf of one of my clients. 

    "Jennifer" is a former VP for a Fortune 100 company. She was laid off earlier this year, and is developing a small side business concurrent with her job search. The business model that she has developed is one which will enable her to stay current with the major changes in her field that have occurred in the past year.

    (She does not foresee this as a replacement for her job search and is 90% sure that she wants to return to full-time employment. This consulting work would not interfere with any future full-time engagement.)

    My client has two primary questions:

    1. When and whether to disclose side consulting business to prospective employers?

    2. Would it be inappropriate to omit this information completely from her LinkedIn profile?

    Any assistance you could provide would be most helpful.

    2 replies

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    • 1 point 2 months ago

      I've been running a side business (event marketing) for seven years now. In all of my experience, each employer has either been uninterested, or fascinated by it. In every case, the only question that any had was if it had any conflict of interest. After a quick 5 minute overview, they understood what my business entails, and were happy that I had an additional source of income. I only disclosed it in casual conversation, or when it offered some sort of additional insight based on experience in some situation at work. 

      Keep in mind that many companies include a statement in your paperwork that you must disclose any additional forms of employment, regardless of whether or not you feel that they're a conflict of interest.

    • 1 point 2 months ago

      Thanks, John.