So you’re updating your resume and rechecking your references only to discover that one of the companies you recently worked for has gone out of business. Do you leave it off you resume? Do you offer a lengthy explanation? How will potential employers and recruiters check your references?  Below are a few tips on handling this situation:

1.      Don’t exclude a former job from your resume just because the employer went out of business.  However, you can make a brief note on the resume that the employer is no longer in business.

2.      If you want to have physical proof that you worked for this out-of-business employer, request a detailed work history report from the Social Security Administration. The report will list the employer and any other employers you worked for within a certain time period.  On your resume you can note that “proof of employment history” is available upon request. Do not attach the report to your resume or cover letter unless the employer has requested that you do so.

3.      Try to get in touch with former colleagues and/or supervisors so that they can provide a written or oral reference for your work with this employer.  Using social networks and/or a good internet search, you should be able to locate one or two former co-workers.