I am in the process of updating my resume once again, and I don’t guys, I feel like it looks a mess and maybe a traditional format is not the best for me...however, I feel like using a skills based resume might call my crazy history even more into focus.
Currently, my main issue is how many jobs I have had. It is what it is, and I will include a good cover letter to try to explain it, but I still feel like what I have will work against me, but if I can minimize it, that would be good. Right now, basically it looks like this
Name/Info
Education
Professional Experience
Company 1 May 2014 – Present
Bullet points
Company 2 September 2013 – May 2014
Bullet points
Company 3 April 2013 – August 2013
Bullet points
Company 4 September 2012 – April 2013
*Company 3 and 4 were both temp jobs through the same agency, I list them as the company I worked for via the staffing agency
Company 5 March 2010 – August 2012
Volunteer Experience.
2 examples because the things I did direct relate.
So right now, I am in the fixing up stage, I don’t have a specific positing I am applying to yet, but that will come. I am just trying to get my starting point in order.
Job 2 will have nothing to do with any job I apply for since that was my Flight Attendant gig. I have thought about not listing it, but I don’t want it to look like I was unemployed for 8 months.
I feel like Job 5 should drop, but it is the only one that shows that I can be a stable person! I swear I don’t WANT jobs that only last 6 months…but I can’t really tell future employers that I got pulled around from place to place by my STBX, but that is no longer a concern.
Anyone have a crazy job history like this? I feel pretty good about myself in a professional setting, but when I look at this, I don’t see someone who has a lot of experience to pull from, I see a person who gets restless and moves on quickly. Thanks for the help.
I don't know what field you're going in to, but your resume doesn't seem that bad. The only job that is short Company 3. For the ones that aren't directly related to anything you're applying to I'd just not make the description of your responsibilities super long and put more emphasis on the jobs that are more directly related.
It seems like this day and age, people switch jobs pretty regularly due to moving or just not finding their career fit yet, so I'm sure your resume isn't completely abnormal or having red flags.
Post by EmilieMadison on Oct 22, 2014 16:59:02 GMT -5
Since you work for a temp agency, it makes sense that you weren't at each place long. I would list the name of the temp agency and then list the jobs you held below them as sub headings, so it shows that you've been working for the same agency for a while and that you've had different positions within that agency. eg: XYZ Staffing Start Date-Current -job 1 -job 2 -job 3
I would also move your educational info to the bottom.
At the very top, you could list your "Key Strengths" to showcase the things you know you can offer. I would also make sure to list your accomplishments at each job, and not just your job duties.
Since you work for a temp agency, it makes sense that you weren't at each place long. I would list the name of the temp agency and then list the jobs you held below them as sub headings, so it shows that you've been working for the same agency for a while and that you've had different positions within that agency. eg: XYZ Staffing Start Date-Current -job 1 -job 2 -job 3
I would also move your educational info to the bottom.
At the very top, you could list your "Key Strengths" to showcase the things you know you can offer. I would also make sure to list your accomplishments at each job, and not just your job duties.
That is a good idea for the staffing jobs. It will then look like I have a year there, as opposed to the two shorter term assignments. Which is both accurate, and looks better.
I struggle with highlighting key accomplishments since my jobs have been administrative, so it's not like I am increasing sales or fundraising or whatever in a measurable way.