When Your Professional Experience Is Lacking

R ecent high school                words per minute), computer        graduates, some                 proficiency (list software), data  stay-at-home moms, and          entry, 10-key, some bookkeeping,   those individuals who are just        tailoring (sewing), cooking (home  starting trade school or              economics skills), or whatever     vocational college are faced with     was learned in high school that    extra challenges in creating a        can be applied to a real job.      resume that will prove their                                             worth. As with all resume             In the case of a stay-at-home      content, it’s imperative to focus     mom, everyday tasks such as        on what you do have to offer,         managing a household budget,       rather than what you lack. All it     paying bills (bookkeeping in the   takes is a creative approach in       corporate world), childcare,       putting your best foot forward.       scheduling pediatrician visits                                           (appointment setting in the        1. USE A FUNCTIONAL FORMAT THAT       corporate world), planning         STRESSES SKILLS, RATHER THAN          children’s birthday parties or     EXPERIENCE:                           family get-togethers (event                                              planning in the corporate world),  Unlike the popular                    can all have value in a            reverse-chronological format that     professional environment,          details employers, titles, dates      especially in an administrative    of employment, and job duties,        assistant role.                    the functional format showcases                                          what you know.                        2. USE VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE IN                                           LIEU OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:   For a recent high school graduate                                        or those just entering trade          Many individuals erroneously       school, that may mean clerical        believe that if they weren’t paid  skills such as typing (including      for work, then it has no value in  the corporate world. Nothing                                             could be further from the truth.      Even a basic entry-level position  Skills in fundraising, event          such as reception requires skill   planning & coordination, media        in answering phones and greeting   relations (either speaking with       the public. Determine what         the press or authoring                employers generally want in an     newsletters), activities              employee, through online           planning, and community outreach      searches, then dovetail your       (providing after school               strengths with their needs.        activities for at-risk youth,                                            organizing a soup kitchen, etc.)      For example, a recent high school  can be stated as skills on a          graduate is seeking a job as a     resume so long as the volunteer       receptionist. The information to   work is relevant to the current       highlight on this individual’s     job search. It’s equally              resume is any school activity      important to indicate how these       that would tell the hiring         skills transfer to a corporate        manager this is a people-person,   environment – i.e.                    with a pleasant demeanor, who is   event/activities planning may be      always willing to help.            valuable in an administrative         Information that might relay this  assistant position when clerical      would be functioning as a hostess  support is needed to make             at a school-sponsored Las Vegas    travel/lodging arrangements for       night or a fundraising supper, or  an executive or when a corporate      perhaps this individual            party needs to be organized.          represented the school to                                                prospective students during        3. SEARCH ONLINE JOBS TO              campus visits and tours.           DETERMINE HOW YOUR SKILLS MATCH                                          THOSE QUALIFICATIONS MOST WANTED      Keep in mind that when you're      BY EMPLOYERS:                         looking for a job, the company     that's hiring is looking for          skills and your personality        someone who is a good match for a     matches tjhe need of that          particular job. Be sure that your     particular position.               About the Author: Darlene Zambruski is the Managing Editor of http://ResumeEdge.com and Professional Resume Writer. http://ResumeEdge.com provides Resume Writing Services, Resume Samples, and Career Guidance. Published At: www.Isnare.com