Resume keepers: Sometime the overlooked parts of your past are the most essential

Article takem from ChicagoTribune.com

By Christopher Nelson
Tribune Media Services

You might like to think you have the memory of an elephant but it's probably closer to that of a goldfish. And that's a problem when it comes to putting together a resume.

Try to remember all the wonderful things you've seen in life. Try to remember all the causes for which you've taken a stand. Try to remember everything you've done that will make you an essential asset to any company.

It's not easy. Very often, people overlook things they've done when piecing together their resumes. So if you're searching for ways to fluff out your credentials and bring some interested talking points to the table, ask the skeletons in your closet for help.

Ever been on a sports team? While saying you threw a pair of shin-guards on in the third grade might not make the cut, being on a competitive sports team can be appealing to potential employers.

"For sales or any revenue-generating jobs, participation in competitive athletics indicates a winning mental set that supports success in these areas," says Sally Haver, senior vice president of The Ayers Group.

The person looking at your resume can infer a lot about who you are through the activities you do.

"Getting to be an expert in any physical activity requires putting in the time, practice, dedication and skill-honing," says Haver. "This translates directly into your work ethic on the job."


Show off


If you've given a public speech or written an article for a publication, include it.

"Companies like to hire high-profile stars," says Haver. "They can show them off to their clients and use them as ambassadors to attract new business."

Haver says this same principle is used when schools hire top teachers.

"They use them in promotional materials to attract students and to reassure parents that their money is well spent," she says.

Whether it's the PTA or the Neighborhood Watch, if you're in a leadership position, be sure to mention it in your credentials.

"If you choose to lead outside your day job, chances are you choose to lead, in general, and will rise to the top at your company as well," says Haver. "It shows you as a well-rounded person with interests and activities outside the workplace."

But it's all bupkis if it means nothing to your potential employer. If you simply say that you play soccer and are a member of the PTA, what does it do for them? Nada.

"You can't say you're brilliant," says Jean Baur, author of "Eliminated! Now What?: Finding Your Way from Job-Loss Crisis to Career Resilience" (Jist Works, $14.95). "But you can prove that you're brilliant."

Instead of rambling on about different things you've done, be succinct and show your potential employer how your life experiences will bring something fresh to their company. If they don't receive any benefit from you and your extracurricular activities, why would they hire you?

Volunteering at the soup kitchen is great for a lot of reasons. Selflessly, you get to give back to the members of your community who are less fortunate than yourself. Selfishly, you get to put your selflessness on your resume.

Kunin Associates is passionate about getting you the right job and giving you the tools to exceed in the resume writting and interview process!
Visit our website at www.kuninassociates.com and subscribe to out twice a month newsletter!