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Resume Writing

Does Your Hobby Have A Home on Your Resume?

Cue the song that never ends for this post: There are a few debates about resumes that never end. The one I'll focus on today:

Do outside interests matter?

 

Call me evasive, but my answer generally comes with a bit of a shrug, "it depends."Trapeze_catch

 

In some fields, interests matter quite a lot to employers, and they actively seek to know them. Recruiters filling positions in corporate finance and investment banking often place a high value on sports--they often look for accomplished athletes who've demonstrated discipline, the ability to compete, and the ability to work with a team. Employers in high tech and engineering often look for musical talent and an interest in sound engineering: Did you know that there's a high correlation between musical ability and quantitative ability?

But what if your hobbies have nothing to do with the skills you use at work. Do they still matter?

I recently asked this question on LinkedIn, and sparked a heated debate. Here are highlights from some of the answers I received:

 

My philosophy is that if outside interests further the client's goals then I include it. If it/they do not, then no. With a 2-page resume now the "new norm" even for senior executives, every word becomes even more critical.  

Executive Coach

Generally, I believe they detract. In my experience, the "interests" section has a reputation among recruiters and hiring managers as being too "fluffy" or a space filler. In short, they are a turn-off. The exception, of course, would be if the interests truly add significant, easily identifiable value in matching the resume to the job description. However, even in that case, I would would suggest building it into another section of the resume.

Marketing Manager

 

Personal interests show that you are well-rounded and are great conversation boosters. It's another way to connect with your interviewer.

Technology Director

 

Interests are no longer represented on the resume. During the interview the candidate can direct conversation to their highlight interests.

  Professional Development Consultant

I received over 20 responses to this question, with similar sentiments expressed throughout. My take-away? It's up to the you--as a job seeker to decide how and when to incorporate interests in your resume. There's no right way or wrong way; incorporating interests is a matter of personal preference. As you conduct your job search, seek out opinions from others who can help you. After all your resume isn't merely a summary of your past experience; a great resume also showcases your fit and expertise for the role you've got your sights on next.

And with that, I'm giving the last word to a senior career consultant from Denver, who answered my question with another question:

Rather than debating the merits of including...outside interests on a resume, it seems to me that [job seekers] ought to be using networks associated with those interests to facilitate connections with the organizations that [they] want to work for. That might be the best use of those ancillary interests.

 

I'd love to hear your take on this. Have your interests ever helped or hurt you in the job search? Share your thoughts, and let me know if you have any other questions "up for debate."

 

The Web-Based Resume: Do You Need One?

Amidst all of the noise about the "most difficult job market in memory," I see a bit of a plum: There's never been a better time to use technology to set your skills and experience apart.


Meglevinedesign_discount_r1

Despite a crowded marketplace, those who distinguish themselves online are finding work. Over the last few months, I've had conversations with many of these individuals, including Jamie Varon ("Twitter Should Hire Me"), David Heiser, and Kelly Giles (see new guest post on my blog, The Emerging Professional). I've watched these individuals present their interests with a clear voice, and then land recognition and opportunities. It's been fun.


Early in my career, I had success with a web-based portfolio that I created during my final year of graduate school at the University of Virginia. The website included my resume, work samples, and career resources (I was applying for career-related positions). I applied for a handful of positions, and landed interviews at two very different institutions, Colby-Sawyer College and the University of Pennsylvania. I received job offers from both, though the offer from the University of Pennsylvania came a year later with a call back (I came in second to a much more experienced candidate the first time around). Bottom line: For me, having a website that showcased my skills and interests helped me stand out as a job seeker.


I've continued to believe in web-based portfolios, especially since they are not widely used.  I think developing websites (often referred to as e-folios) are a perennial way that job seekers can showcase skills and experiences and differentiate themselves from the crowd. After all, a well-designed website shows that you are tech-savvy and demonstrates the depth of your knowledge as well as enthusiasm. It "shows" instead of "tells." Have you ever met a high school English teacher who doesn't tell you to do this in one form or another?


Best Fit Forward is pleased to announce a new partnership and collaboration with Meg Levine Designs. Together, Meg and I can offer you comprehensive support in developing a web-based portfolio that showcases your skills (see example #3 below). Meg and I will work side-by-side with you to ensure that your online web presence aligns with your career objectives, and strengthens your chances for new opportunities.


That being said, working with us is only one option. Here are three "best-in-class examples" of web-based portfolios:


1. David G. Heiser (Website & Guide to "Film and Food")

David's website is an example of a Do It Yourself (DIY) portfolio.

A 2009 graduate of the College of Charleston, David is currently an intern at Ketchum, a leading global public relations agency. His website content has changed now that he is employed, during his job search his resume, LinkedIn profile, and Twitter account access were prominently featured.


2.
Robert Hoppey (Visual CV)

Robert's website is hosted on Visual CV and is an example of a website where you can create your own web presence for free. Another site that provides a similar service is Optimal Resume (the "optimal" employment opportunity landed by @kellygiles)

Robert's job search techniques were recently featured by CBS in a piece on job hunting "do's and don'ts." A recent graduate of Elon College, Robert (also known as Bobby) is seeking employment in PR.

I have tried Visual CV and have found that it takes a great deal of tweaking to look as professional as Robert Hoppey's CV does. In addition, you'll note that both Robert and David have something in common: they are very tech-savvy and are also tuned into cutting edge PR techniques. If you'd like additional help, consider hiring a professional.


3. Laurence Rosenthal (Meg Levine Design)

This website was produced by graphic designer Meg Levine to showcase the diverse range of talents of writer, Laurence Rosenthal. This is an example of a personal "e-folio" you can develop to showcase your skills.

A skill writer and teacher with experience in film, tv, and publishing, Laurence's e-folio goes beyond the traditional resume to provide a sense of his previous client base as well as the high-level nature of some of his work. This is a great strategy for freelance and contract professionals, particularly as it allows the additional perspective of former client reviews.

If you are interested in having an e-folio of your own, please contact us to learn more about Meg's services as well as my resume writing, and personal branding services.

5 Resume Tips: Lessons Learned from Microsoft's "My Resume Talks"

As mentioned elsewhere on this site, I've been working as the "Resume Specialist" for Microsoft's My Resume Talks campaign. You can find the official site on Facebook:
www.myresumetalks.comMyresumetalks

A key component of the "My Resume Talks" program was a sweepstakes in which winners received a free resume consultation. I collaborated with Microsoft to design the consultation process, and then reviewed resumes for hundreds of winners. It was a great experience, particularly as I received a bird's eye glimpse of resumes from across the country, from college students to baby boomers.

As the campaign is in the final stages (the deadline to enter the sweepstakes has passed), I took the advantage of the opportunity to write up some of my findings. Click below for a free, downloadable PDF:

Do you have any additional tips to share? If yes, please comment below or visit the My Resume Talks website and share your insight there.

Why I've Been Quiet (And Free eBook)

If you're a regular visitor to my website or stop by to read my blog, you've probably noticed that I've been quiet as of late. Please don't mistake this for a sign of my lack of continued interest in Best Fit Forward. I've been busy. 

Last week, I gave a talk called "Face It: Using Social Media with Intention" at the Career Management Alliance conference in San Antonio, Texas. The talk was an on-going project that I revised four times in six months. (Among other things, the statistics kept changing--did you know the user base for Twitter grew over 130% in March alone?)

I've also been serving as a consultant to Microsoft Office Live's "My Resume Talks Campaign," a national campaign over Facebook which ends today . Recently, Microsoft released my free eBook, "Has Your Resume Graduated from College? Five Strategies for Finding a Job in Today's Economy" on the campaign website. You can have your own copy here.

While I work with job seekers of all levels, the eBook was designed especially for the recent college graduate.

Could someone mistake your resume for a laundry list? If yes, find out how to fix it. 

Check it out, and tell me if you find my tips for resume writing to be helpful, or if you have additional strategies to share that I may have missed?

As always, thanks for reading.

To Your Success,

Chandlee

P.S. If you have time, do check out Kevin Connolly's resume in a blender routine on the MyResumeTalks.com campaign site on Facebook.