| So what will you put on your resume when you | | | | year had over 40 children enrolled - this was |
| apply for your first "job" in 3, 5, 10, 15 years? | | | | volunteer work, and done because the area to which |
| Depending on the work you are applying for, this can | | | | we moved when my eldest son was 5, had no |
| be challenging. Challenging but not impossible. | | | | kindergarten. |
| The concept of putting "Domestic Engineer" or some | | | | - I have also been on the committee for several |
| other fancy way of describing time as a homemaker | | | | conventions - and can describe my responsibilities |
| may seem amusing, but it doesn't fool anyone. | | | | there in more detail to draw out other skills. |
| Rather, concentrate on the SKILLS you used in the | | | | - I have been on the board of a women's social |
| various things you were doing. | | | | group, with various positions giving me various skills |
| Pulling skills out of activities is in itself a skill, but a skill | | | | and responsibilities. |
| once mastered that is easy and even fun to use. | | | | I didn't volunteer at the school, or help organize the |
| From being a homemaker you have many, many | | | | girl guide cookie drive but if I had, these would |
| valuable skills. | | | | provide organizational skills too. |
| Did you volunteer? This is a job. Just because it | | | | Look carefully at your life and draw out all the things |
| wasn't paid, doesn't make it any less valuable as a | | | | you've done. Don't be modest. |
| venue where you contributed effectively and gained | | | | Here is a key point. |
| new skills. | | | | If there is ANYTHING, anything at all, that you do |
| You want to look carefully at the position for which | | | | that you think "Hey, that's nothing - EVERYONE does |
| you are applying - and this means doing this for | | | | (can do) that." STOP RIGHT THERE. There is nothing |
| every position. One resume does not fit all jobs. | | | | on this planet that everyone can do or does. The |
| What skills are they asking for? What other skills, | | | | mere fact that whatever this is, is so natural for you |
| although not mentioned in words, would they | | | | that you consider that everyone must do it, is a |
| obviously be very happy to find their applicant | | | | signal that this is a SIGNIFICANT skill you possess. |
| having? What other skills could be an advantage in | | | | Write it down as a skill. |
| this type of job? | | | | Ask everyone around you, friends, family, anyone |
| If in doubt, have a look at the Occupational | | | | who knows you well "What would you say my top 5 |
| Information Online website at Click on "Find | | | | strongest skills are?", and then "And what are my 5 |
| Occupations" and from there keep entering the | | | | strongest personal qualities?" |
| appropriate information to find the job you are | | | | You'll be surprised at the responses. |
| looking for. You will find great information about what | | | | Look at the position for which you are considering |
| skills and personal qualities are required. | | | | applying and see how these things can be worded to |
| Don't be put off by any qualifications you find there. | | | | fit the requirements. Wording is important. I am not |
| Obviously if you want to be a brain surgeon you will | | | | suggesting you lie or even exaggerate, but how you |
| need some pretty hefty qualifications, but for many | | | | phrase things can make you seem ideal for the job, |
| jobs there are ways in through just the appropriate | | | | or not. So read carefully and identify exactly what |
| experience and skills. And remember - experience | | | | they are asking for, and assuming you consider you |
| doesn't have to be paid experience! | | | | have this skill, tell them you have exactly what they |
| So let us go look at just one job. | | | | are asking for. |
| Let's say you want a position in office administration. | | | | Job Ad includes "good organizational skills". Your |
| I choose this one because it is one of the first jobs I | | | | resume then states "Excellent organization & |
| got when I went back to work. I was completely | | | | Time Management Skills." |
| self taught on the computer. I have never worked in | | | | There is much, much more to writing an effective |
| office administration in my life before, and I had no | | | | resume for returning to the workforce, and the skills |
| qualifications that would remotely relate. | | | | based resume is obviously much more complex than |
| So how did I write my resume? | | | | just writing a list of skills. This is just one aspect to |
| Well, I made a list of the skills and personal qualities I | | | | consider. |
| thought applied to this job. The one I'll use here as an | | | | However, it is an important aspect and one you need |
| example is Organizational Skills. | | | | to believe in. You can get back into the workforce in |
| Here is my list from which I can draw this skill and | | | | a job that you enjoy, that will give you a decent pay. |
| experience with it: | | | | Don't settle for less. Don't think you can't do anything |
| - I organized frequent moves for a family of 5. | | | | just because you haven't had a regular paycheck for |
| - I was one of the two founding members who | | | | while. |
| started a kindergarten which at the end of the first | | | | Aim high. Think big. You can do it. |