I had been in the same position (Hotel Receptionist) with different companies over a short timeframe due to the economy. Currently I am working as a temp worker according to business needs. How do I address that in my Cover Letter and Resume?

Resumes are always an interesting topic - everyone has their own opinion on what is best way to proceed.   Here's my 2 cents:  I like the "bundle" approach.    Hotel Receptionist - mm/yy to mm/yy  (use the starting date of the first job, then use the ending date of the last job)   Then, instead of simply listing your job duties (actually, although I've never held that position, I can imagine what types of duties you did)  I would start listing accomplishments.    The reason for listing accomplishments instead of job duties is because my guess is most folks can imagine what you did as a receptionist, but they don't know your accomplishments.  Did you streamline a process?  Frequent compliments as great with guests?  Were you the go-to for tough jobs?  Get your accomplishments out on the table ASAP - although it's not your fault, your job history will probably work against you.  Many folks think you're a poor worker if you've been laid-off, especially several times (as if these folks haven't watched the news lately!)   Trick #2: make sure your references are solid.  Get as many reference letters as possible, and although I wouldn't bring it up in a cover letter or resume, I'd bring it up in an interview.    Trick #3: speaking of when to mention your "bundle" is actually several jobs together in one, I'd only bring this up in an interview.  No, it's not lying.  You goal is to get an interview, and you don't want to set yourself up for discrimination if the hiring manager thinks/knows you've been laid-off several times.    I could ramble on a lot longer, but the takeaway is this: always list dates on your resume, bundle your Hotel Receptionist experience, list your accomplishments and not your job duties on your cover letter and resume, and prep your references to make you near God-like in their reference letters and if solicited for a phone reference.   They should do this for you, after all everyone knows getting a job right now is tough and a good former employee can use a helping hand!  Good Luck!

In my experience writing, editing and reviewing resumes your best bet in this case is to use Hotel Receptionist as one job entry and choose the name of the most well known company or the one you worked longest at.  This works well if these positions spanned less than a month and you have previous jobs to round out your history.  I always recommend to clients to use the hybrid format - functional-chronological which is the best of both worlds.  Yes you use dates - just skip months.  Sunny Lam http://shinobicareercoach.com

I only partially agree with using a functional resume. Many employers know you're trying to hide something when they don't see dates, and it often makes it impossible to scan your resume in their applicant tracking systems. I'd definitely highlight skills and qualifications, but recommend sticking with a putting your functions. Titles can always be edited to better reflect what you did. Scroll the job description and see what terminology the company uses, and figure out what titles are more appropriate.

Under no circumstances use a functional format. It's vital to ensure that your qualifications and background are highlighted in the  best fashion. If you have numerous short-term positions and it is advantageous for your presentation, downplay this to show a streamlined, focused work history. Simply use years or exclude irrelevant/less-needed positions to improve the focus of your resume.

Use a functional resume format versus a chronological resume format.  Focus on what you bring to the table; your skills and expertise first and then a simple chronological listing of your positions at the bottom. Another helpful tool would be to seek reference letters from past employers citing economic conditions as the reason for your separation. Good luck!!