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Subject:RE: Non Tech Writing Experience on Resume? From:"Erica Sullivan" <docudiva -at- hotmail -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Tue, 24 Dec 2002 15:47:37 +0000
As much as I understand the Non-chronological resume and even though the
T-letter works great... the fact is that employers want to see a regular
resume with the information to show where you worked and for how long. If
there is a gap, if you're lucky, they'll ask. If you're not lucky, they
chuck it in the trash and go on with the remaining 10,000 resumes on their
desk. So, here's my solution: I put in the time period just like I would
any other job. But instead of putting a job title, I put "Surviving the
Economic Downturn" or some other light title. Then I put a sentence (just
one) explaining that I took unrelated jobs, worked as a temp, trained myself
in new software, whatever I did during that period. It shows that I'm
diligent, resourceful, and creative WITHOUT giving them details of exactly
what I did. This also works if you did not have any kind of job at all
following a layoff.
You're a writer... you're supposed to be creative at presenting
information... So understand your audience and then give them exactly what
they need, nothing more and nothing less.
I'm a big believer in fate! Your resume portrays who you are (especially if
you're creative) and you will find a company that fits you because they will
appreciate your resume. I did. Took me almost a year but I'm happy.
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