Be honest—what’s your first thought when you see “In Transition” on someone’s resume, cover letter, or LinkedIn profile? Share your thoughts in the comments!

If you’re like me, the reaction isn’t positive. If it’s not working in your favor, it’s time to remove it from your profiles!

When I see “In Transition,” I wonder, “Why are you in transition? Is something wrong?” No one aspires to be in transition. While career transitions can be positive, the term often carries negative weight.

Why does “In Transition” have such a negative vibe? To me, it suggests uncertainty—you’re not clear about what you want. Instead of being “in transition,” you should focus on clearly stating your goals and the direction you’re heading.

Why You Might Be “In Transition” and Seeking a New Job:

• Retirement from your previous role (often viewed negatively due to age bias)
• Switching careers entirely (potentially positive if you’re willing to start at an entry-level position)
• Fired from your last job
• Laid off or company closed down
• Owned a business that has since ended
• Took a personal leave of absence (for reasons like FMLA, further education, child-rearing, or caring for an aging parent)

The challenge is finding a term that doesn’t immediately raise red flags for TA pros and hiring managers. While there’s no perfect phrase, honesty framed positively can go a long way.

Here are some suggestions to replace “In Transition”:

• “I resigned from my last position because…”
• “Retired from my previous role and now seeking opportunities to contribute my skills in…”
• “Took time off for [specific reason], and now looking to…”
• “Laid off from my last job due to [specific reason]…” (Be truthful, as savvy TA professionals can verify this.)
• “Started and ran my own business, which [insert outcome]. Now, I’m excited to leverage my entrepreneurial skills to help your organization in…”

What do you think? Does the term “In Transition” make you wary of a candidate?