28 Apr
How To Avoid Gaps In Your Resume – Don’t Let Them Happen
What can you do about those dreaded gaps in your resume? The short answer is try to avoid them. You may be out of work, but that doesn’t mean you are out of opportunities.
Enrolling in professional development shows potential employers you’re using your time off wisely. You may decide to take a class or obtain a certification. A less expensive way to keep up your skills and avoid resume gaps is by volunteering.
If you think strategically, there are many ways working for a cause you support can also help your job search.
First, volunteering can help you maintain your skills and develop new ones. If you’re a public relations professional offer to do PR for a local nonprofit. It’s likely many organizations can use your social media or web development savvy as well. You’ll have a chance to make connections and may even be offered a job.
Serving on the board of your favorite organization, whether their mission is to serve the elderly or save the planet, can develop leadership skills you may not have used on the job. Skills that will likely be valuable to a potential employer.
Many photographers have honed their skills and saved lives by taking pictures of shelter animals.
Depending on your profession, finding a volunteer opportunity that will work for you may require a little creative thinking.
But, there’s a lot of help out there.
There are several national organizations that can help you match your interests to local volunteer opportunities including:
Don’t discount the benefit of being in the right place at the right time. Being an active participant in your industry’s local chapter is an easy way to make valuable connections. And possibly learn about jobs before they’re advertised.
However, volunteering is not all about how it can help your job search. Particularly if you’ve been out of work for a while.
The biggest bonus is the boost of self-worth.
Last weekend, I spent Saturday morning cleaning a local park with members of my university alumni association. We chatted as we picked up assorted debris. The time flew by. I thoroughly enjoyed myself even thought I almost fell into the pond three times reaching for discarded Styrofoam cups.
No, I wasn’t excited about starting the day so early, but I was really glad to have been part of helping my community. Every time I ride by that park I’ll know that I contributed to making it better.
If you’re worried about losing your skills and having gaps in your resume find a place to volunteer. You may develop some new abilities and even network into a new job.
One thing there’s no doubt about is that that by contributing you’ll end of feeling better about yourself. That boost of confidence will be invaluable when you’re interviewing for your next position. It may mean the difference between they’re considering other candidates and you’re hired.
If you’d like to work with Annette Richmond, a certified resume writer, LinkedIn Profile writer, and career consultant, please schedule an introductory call to discuss your needs. You will be able to access Annette’s calendar to choose a day and time that works for you.