What to Include On Your Resume When You Are Not Working

Are you wondering what to include on your resume when you are currently not working?  If you’ve been out of work for a bit, it can be hard to reenter the job market. Employers like to see a constant flow of employment on your resume. How do you explain your time off? And what skills have you used during your time off that transition to the job market?

What to Include on your resume

Whether you’ve been a stay-at-home mom, retired but now want to go back to work, or lost your job due to COVID or other economic difficulties, your time off from a job has not been lost. You’ve used and possibly gained more skills than you know.  Volunteer work, working for free, or with a non-profit on an ongoing basis is work that can be put on your resume.  

Items To Include On Your Resume

Just because money did not exchange hands, does not mean it should not be included on your resume.  Your resume is about your work history, NOT financial payment history in exchange for using your skills.

Let’s take a look at some of these skills that can transition to the workplace.

Organization

If you’ve ever tried to manage the schedules of your entire household, you know what it means to be organized. Making sure you know where every child is supposed to be and when, and what time they need to be picked up from where, and the items they need to take with them is the epitome of organization. Add to that your own schedule and your spouse’s; if you can master all of that, you are a master organizer.

How about organizing your pantry, fridge, and freezer.  Are you a meal planner? Checking inventory to ensure you have what you need for an entire week of meals is an added layer of organization. These are not skills to be taken lightly. Many people struggle to organize their own schedule, much less one for their entire family.

Multi-Tasking

Multi-tasking falls right in line with organizing and keeping track of your schedule. Have you ever dropped your child off at practice, run to the grocery store to pick up what you need for dinner, and realized you left your list at home but still managed to get everything on it and made it back just in time to pick up your child? 

How about doing laundry and cleaning the house while dinner’s cooking then cleaning up while helping your child with their homework as someone is texting you about something they need?  If these ring true for you, then you are also a master multi-tasker and this is a much-needed skill in the workplace.

Time Management

If you’ve been out of the workforce for a bit, you’re probably trying to figure out how you even found time to work with all that you have going on. Kids, chores, errands, cooking, cleaning, carpooling, making lists, and marking things off. It’s very time-consuming, but you’ve managed it all with, hopefully, a few minutes to yourself at the end of the day. 

Managing your time in order to get everything on your list done within a certain period is a skill that is much needed in the workplace. Employers like to know that you can get your work done on time and that you’re able to prioritize the most important tasks.

Volunteer Work

Suppose you’ve spent time doing any volunteer work while you’ve been out of the job market. In that case, these experiences can transfer into teamwork, team building, management, organization, time management, prioritizing tasks, and creativity. Don’t discount this work!  It’s very beneficial to your resume.

You Have More To Offer Than You Might Think

Take a look at your daily life. What do you do in a day? Are you managing anything? What do you keep organized? How many things do you usually juggle at one time? These are all skills that easily transfer to the job market and skills that employers will find impressive when you are ready to reenter the job market. Adding them to your resume when you are not working just makes good sense. According to an article on Forbes.com, “Inside you may be a quivering mass of imposter syndrome, but your resume needs to tell the story of why you are equal to the task.”

Do You Need Help?

If you are struggling with how to showcase these skills and abilities on your resume, please reach out to me, Rachel Schneider, CPC at Career Find. I will help you create a bulleted job description and job title that will communicate your abilities as well as your strengths. It will shout about your strengths from the rooftops and will not raise red flags. This will give you something to leverage and help you springboard into your next role.

 

By |2021-06-14T17:35:29-05:00March 17th, 2021|Uncategorized|Comments Off on What to Include On Your Resume When You Are Not Working
Read More

Things To Do At The Start Of The Year

A New Year, a fresh start, a beginning.   Maybe things didn’t work so well in your job search during the year.  Now is the time to prepare for upcoming opportunities.  There are a number of things to do to prepare yourself to hit the ground running with your job search in the new year.

Things to do

Get Ready For Success in 2021: Things To Do

Keep this list of “Things To Do”  at the start of the year handy and check them off as you go:

Update Your Resume

Be sure to include anything new you have accomplished, any new skills you have acquired, and any additional work experience you may have had.  You might even want to give your resume a new look and format.  Just make sure all the information is current.

Update Your Photo on LinkedIn

Changing your headshot at least annually is a good habit to get into. You may have changed your hairstyle or it’s just time for a new pic. Remember, the best headshots for LinkedIn are cropped so  60 – 80% of the image is a closeup of your face, with a plain solid background.

Revise And Update Your Bio Info on LinkedIn

Review your bio summary as appropriate. Maybe you have a new role or skill to add.  Make sure your info is authentic and shows that you’re ready for the next role you seek to hold. Your summary is the place where you can shine and tell your story. Make sure yours is current.

Update Your Work Experience Entry On LinkedIn

If you have completed another year of work experience, be sure to reflect that. Even if you are in the same role, you likely have some new skills to add.  If you have done odd jobs, show your work history and new skills you have acquired.

List New Accomplishments

LinkedIn allows you to document your accomplishments.  If you have taken a course or completed a volunteer project, or become certified in anything, be sure to list it.   Make sure you are up to date in the following areas:

  • Certifications
  • Courses
  • Honors and Awards
  • Projects
  • Publications

Request Testimonials On LinkedIn

If you have not requested testimonials from employers, professors, or others you have worked with during the past year, now is the time to connect and ask.  It can make a difference in your success in the new year.  (They don’t have to be a supervisor to recommend you.  It can be a coworker or someone you supervised.)

Update Job Boards

If you have your information listed on various job boards, be sure to take the time to make sure they are updated.  All information should be current and if they permit a picture, make sure it is a recent one.  Using the same one you update your LinkedIn profile with is a smart idea since employers may review both.

Make A List

If you have interviewed or contacted people regarding jobs in the past or even worked for them at some point, add them to a list so you can begin the new year by reaching out to them to touch base.  Ask about current or future openings.  This is to build your relationship and stay on their radar.   Do the same with the contacts you have met while networking.  (You are not asking for a job at this point, you are just connecting and relationship building.)

Review Your Social Media Accounts

Perhaps you have headed out to a few parties or get-togethers over the holidays.   Be sure to review your social accounts and remove any tags or photos that do not show you in a positive light.   Employers do look at social accounts.

Take the time at the start of a new year to take care of this list of “Things To Do.” Some of these tasks may seem tedious, but they’re important to help you get ready for success with your job search in the new year.

Do You Need Career Search Help?

If you need help updating your resume, practicing for an interview, or organizing your job search information during these challenging times, consider reaching out to Rachel Schneider at Career Find to assist you.

By |2021-06-14T17:35:55-05:00December 31st, 2020|Uncategorized|Comments Off on Things To Do At The Start Of The Year
Read More

Are You Neglecting Your Network of Professional Contacts?

During normal times it is easy to find yourself neglecting your network of professional contacts. During this trying year, it is even more likely that you might be neglecting to reach out if you are not on a zoom meeting with them.

Neglecting Your Network

Active job-hunters know social networking sites, especially LinkedIn, can be some of the best tools for finding employment opportunities because it is easy to network with other professionals, friends, family, co-workers, and new contacts. But suppose you are happy in your job. In that case, you forget to continue to update your LinkedIn profile with recent accomplishments and connect with new co-workers and industry contacts you’ve met at previous conferences.

While we don’t think you need to be always looking for the next best thing, we do believe that you need to be prepared when life throws you an unexpected curveball, especially during a year like this. In other words, you never know when you may need to utilize your resume and contacts again.

Tips to Connect With Your Network of Professional Contacts

Here are four tips to help you stay on track with your resume and professional contacts:

  • Stay in Touch

Carve out time each week to go through your business cards of new and old connections and get LinkedIn with them. It’s an easy way to say “it was nice to meet you” or “remember me, I met you at…” and that you would like to stay in touch.

  • Help Others

Help Others

If you know a professional contact, friend, or family member looking for a job and you can help, don’t hesitate. Getting recommended for an interview gives that job-seeker a leg up on the competition. You also never know where that person may be able to help you out in the future. During trying times, helping someone else can be a mental health boost for both you and the recipient.

Consider using any free time you might have to give others recommendations on LinkedIn. When employers see current recommendations, they usually feel the person is a relevant candidate, especially if they are getting genuine recommendations during this time.

  • Show Off

When you further your education by taking some classes, getting promoted, or landing a big client, don’t be afraid to add that to your LinkedIn profile and resume. As your job changes and grows, so should your resume. The easiest way to update your resume is through your LinkedIn profile, where co-workers, clients, and even your boss can comment on a job well done. Be sure to thank them for their comments and keep the connection going.

  • Promote Good Things That Happen To Someone In Your Network Of Professional Contacts

Another opportunity to connect is when you see something positive happening for someone else.  You comment and share their good fortune on social. According to a post on the Muse, “When they get a new job, give a great presentation, or publish an article on a major website, send them a quick note to congratulate them on their milestones and tell them that you admire the work they are doing.” The person who congratulates and promotes others always looks good and others see you actively helping others.

A job search strategy isn’t something you should only think about when you are actively looking for a new job. It’s what you do BEFORE you start looking for a new job that’s equally important. If you have been neglecting your network of professional contacts, now is the time to do something about it.

Do You Need Career Search Help?

If you need help updating your resume, practicing for an interview, or organizing your job search information during these challenging times, consider reaching out to Rachel Schneider at Career Find to assist you.

By |2021-06-14T17:33:42-05:00November 18th, 2020|Job Search, Professional Contacts, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Are You Neglecting Your Network of Professional Contacts?
Read More

How to Master a Phone Interview in 5 Easy Steps

With the state of the world, a phone interview is more common than ever. With hundreds of candidates applying for a single job, it might sound and seem intimidating when you think of making a great impression with a phone interview.  How in the world will you do that?

Don’t panic, We’ve got your back!

Phone interview

5 Tips for Mastering the Phone Interview

According to a post on Zety.com, “On average, each corporate job offer attracts 250 resumes. Of those candidates, 4 to 6 will get called for an interview, and only one will get the job.”  These 5 tips will help you master your phone interview and stand out from the crowd.

1. Prepare 

Prepare the same way you would for an in-person interview. It’s crucial to spend just as much time prepping for your phone interview as you would an in-person interview.

Come up with a list of your strengths, the skills you bring to the table, and why you are interested in that specific job.

2.  Set A Time

If the call comes out of the blue, without warning, ask to set a time to talk. Let them know you’re thrilled to talk but ask to speak later and suggest a time.

Even if it is just for later that day, you need time to gather your thoughts, take a deep breath and find a quiet place to talk with a good connection where you won’t be interrupted.

3. Smile and Make Eye Contact

Try standing and smiling while talking. Standing boosts your energy level and smiling while looking at yourself in the mirror, affects your tone of voice and will make a more favorable impression.

4. Don’t Over-talk 

Don’t over-talk and listen closely. A phone call makes it difficult to read nonverbal cues that indicate the interviewer is about to speak.

Talk slowly, pause, and ask if more detail would be useful.

Take notes on what the interviewer is asking. This will help you write a personalized thank you letter, which you MUST do post-interview.

5. Ask About the Next Step 

Ask about the next step in the hiring process and then follow up. Before you hang up the phone, tell the interviewer how excited and appreciative you are for this opportunity and ask what the next step in the process will be.

Use the notes you took during the interview to incorporate specific details in your thank you note. It is also important to include specific ways you would contribute to the company.

Mastering a phone interview can seem overwhelming, but by following these 5 simple steps, you can make the impression you want and help you land that important job.

Do You Need Help?

If you would like to practice or hone your phone interviewing skills, contact Career Coach Rachel Schneider for an appointment.

By |2021-06-14T20:05:59-05:00May 28th, 2020|Job Interview, Job Search, Uncategorized|Comments Off on How to Master a Phone Interview in 5 Easy Steps
Read More

Why You Need a Perfect Elevator Pitch

The Incredible Power of an Elevator Pitch

The holidays are upon us. As we begin to gather with family and friends, are you confident sharing your elevator pitch? Will they understand what you do or will their eyes glaze over?

If you can’t explain what you do for a living in 30-60 seconds and have people walk away with a very clear understanding, you need to perfect your pitch.

This skill is essential in business and in your personal life as you network and meet new people. The people you know and meet along the way need to have a very clear understanding of what you do in order to drive business and new opportunities your way.

Take Action Now:
Click here for tips and tricks on how to perfect your elevator pitch.

By |2015-12-08T14:15:16-06:00December 8th, 2015|Elevator Pitch, Uncategorized|Comments Off on Why You Need a Perfect Elevator Pitch
Read More

How to Create the Perfect Elevator Pitch

When thinking about how to formulate your perfect elevator pitch, consider what will peak someone’s interest and cause them to them take action. The truth is, it’s how you make people feel that makes you memorable.

Does your current elevator pitch inspire action? Here’s how to put together a new elevator pitch that sparks some interest and feeling…

“So, what do you do?”

“I’m a… (insert your job title)”.

“Officially, my job is to… (insert your job description clearly, i.e. market to investors, refine my client’s job searching skills, save company’s money with their health insurance, etc).”

“Which is a fancy way of saying… (insert your emotional job description, i.e. find wealthy people and encourage them to fall in love with our properties, help people land their dream careers, navigate through the health insurance mess so companies don’t have to, etc.)”

Keys to creating a job description that people will actually want to hear:
– Use phrases that get straight to the emotional core of what you do.
– Sneak in a little of your own personality to peak some interest.

Examples of those phrases include:
“Which is a fancy way of saying…”
“Which really means…”
“More simply put…”

Suggestion:
Put together a few scenarios and try them out. See which ones make the biggest impact and go from there.

Want some more help?
We can help you formulate your elevator pitch.  Schedule a session with Career Find before your next event.

By |2015-12-08T14:10:03-06:00December 8th, 2015|career consultation services, Elevator Pitch, Uncategorized|Comments Off on How to Create the Perfect Elevator Pitch
Read More
Load More Posts

© Career Find. All Rights Reserved. | 281-816-6400 |

Design: jriley creative | Programming: Nilzon Designs