2 answers
2 answers
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Carol! Great question! 😇Building up your resume with relevant activities is always a smart move, and there are tons of cool things people can do to stand out. Here’s a mix of some solid options that can help boost your resume:
1. Volunteer Work: Whether it’s mentoring (like you’re doing on CareerVillage) or helping out at local charities, volunteer work is a fantastic way to showcase your teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Plus, it highlights that you care about giving back to the community!
2. Freelance Projects or Side Gigs: Freelancing is a killer way to gain real-world experience and build a portfolio, whether you’re into writing, graphic design, consulting, or managing small businesses. It shows initiative, self-discipline, and the ability to work independently.
3. Certifications and Online Courses: Picking up certifications in areas like Google Analytics, project management, or coding can seriously make your resume pop! Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or edX offer a ton of options to help you sharpen your skills and stand out.
4. Personal Projects: Personal projects are an awesome way to show creativity and passion. Whether you’re building an app, creating a website, starting a blog, or even designing a product, these projects demonstrate your initiative, problem-solving abilities, and eagerness to learn.
5. Internships or Work Experience: Internships, even unpaid ones, provide hands-on experience and help you make professional connections. Even part-time jobs can highlight transferable skills like customer service, time management, and teamwork.
6. Networking & Professional Groups: Joining networking events or professional organizations related to your field is a great way to stay updated, learn new things, and make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
7. Hobbies or Skills: Show off your unique hobbies! Whether it's sports, playing an instrument, or organizing events, showcasing these interests can highlight your leadership skills, teamwork, and time management.
The key is to focus on activities that align with your career goals and give you the chance to grow. Don't just add things for the sake of it—pick what genuinely helps you develop your strengths. Stay consistent and proactive, and your resume will reflect all the amazing things you're working on!
Keep up the great work – you’ve got this! 😎
One suggestion not mentioned yet is taking on leadership roles in clubs or organizations. If you’re part of a student group, community organization, or even a social club, stepping into a leadership position (like president, treasurer, or event coordinator) can really strengthen your resume. It shows employers you have the ability to manage responsibilities, motivate others, and make important decisions—skills that are highly valued in any career field! Plus, it’s a great way to practice communication and problem-solving in a real-world setting. So, if you’re already involved in a club, try running for a leadership role! If not, look for an organization that interests you and get involved—it’ll definitely pay off in the long run! 😊
Another suggestion is creating and sharing a personal portfolio or online presence. If you're in a creative field, or even if you're not, having a portfolio that showcases your work, projects, achievements, or even writing can really make a difference. Websites like Behance, LinkedIn, or even starting your own blog or website can help you stand out to potential employers. This allows you to organize and highlight your skills and experiences in a visual and easy-to-access way, showing your initiative and attention to detail. Plus, it gives you a platform to showcase your personality, creativity, and work ethic outside of just a resume! It's a fantastic way to impress employers and make a lasting impression.
1. Volunteer Work: Whether it’s mentoring (like you’re doing on CareerVillage) or helping out at local charities, volunteer work is a fantastic way to showcase your teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Plus, it highlights that you care about giving back to the community!
2. Freelance Projects or Side Gigs: Freelancing is a killer way to gain real-world experience and build a portfolio, whether you’re into writing, graphic design, consulting, or managing small businesses. It shows initiative, self-discipline, and the ability to work independently.
3. Certifications and Online Courses: Picking up certifications in areas like Google Analytics, project management, or coding can seriously make your resume pop! Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or edX offer a ton of options to help you sharpen your skills and stand out.
4. Personal Projects: Personal projects are an awesome way to show creativity and passion. Whether you’re building an app, creating a website, starting a blog, or even designing a product, these projects demonstrate your initiative, problem-solving abilities, and eagerness to learn.
5. Internships or Work Experience: Internships, even unpaid ones, provide hands-on experience and help you make professional connections. Even part-time jobs can highlight transferable skills like customer service, time management, and teamwork.
6. Networking & Professional Groups: Joining networking events or professional organizations related to your field is a great way to stay updated, learn new things, and make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
7. Hobbies or Skills: Show off your unique hobbies! Whether it's sports, playing an instrument, or organizing events, showcasing these interests can highlight your leadership skills, teamwork, and time management.
The key is to focus on activities that align with your career goals and give you the chance to grow. Don't just add things for the sake of it—pick what genuinely helps you develop your strengths. Stay consistent and proactive, and your resume will reflect all the amazing things you're working on!
Keep up the great work – you’ve got this! 😎
Dr recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Good question. While I'm retired, I don't often need to provide a resume because I spend all of my time involved in various volunteer opportunities.
Adding volunteer experiences to a resume is often seen as a very positive inclusion. It's something you can do now for future resumes. Note all the skills you gain such as teamwork, flexibility, understanding of various cultures, etc.
With every good wish and many blessings.
Karen
Adding volunteer experiences to a resume is often seen as a very positive inclusion. It's something you can do now for future resumes. Note all the skills you gain such as teamwork, flexibility, understanding of various cultures, etc.
With every good wish and many blessings.
Karen