I’m a senior and I am confused about my resume and keep getting different opinions. For the last 5 years I have worked as a waitress instead of interning but I really want a job in broadcasting. Some people have said that I should leave off the restaurant work because it isn’t relevant but other than that I just have 6 months volunteer work at a local radio station. Advice?
You are not the only one to have this concern. So many people have had jobs in college to help support themselves that will not be in the same field as their career. When you’re starting out, all of your experience has been important- what makes it relevant, are the skills you have gained along the way! The fact that you’ve worked your entire college career is a great testament to your work ethic and discipline and it will be noticed by hiring managers.
The skills you learned at the restaurant- being detail-oriented, having a high sense of urgency and accuracy, interpersonal skills. These translate across industry and it’s important to show your confidence in them. Also, think about your experience in a way that you can show quantitative and qualitative context. Stick with me on this: did you have regular guests who always asked to be in your section- more than other staff? What about the number of tables you started with and have now- has the number grown? Can you assign a percentage?
The volunteer work at the local radio station is fantastic. Have you thought about asking the radio station if they would be okay with you listing your experience as an Internship? I have a feeling if you did a great job for them and left them with a positive impression, they might be more than willing. Plus, you will likely have them as a recommendation down the road.
My biggest advice is figuring out how to insert what makes You, You into the resume while still being professional. What can you add that’s memorable from your experiences and sound like an individual, who someday might be the next Diane Sawyer. P.S. Did you know she used to be a waitress? Good luck.