Should I include Non-related Job Experiences?

by Kelly
(Markham, Ontario)

I graduated from university a year ago, but unfortunately I was not able to find a job in my field, and have been working as a receptionist since. I have been looking for jobs in my field ever since, and on my resume I haven't been mentioning about my current receptionist position.

Would you recommend that I do mention it? I was afraid of mentioning it because it would seem like I wasn't qualified for any jobs out there in my field but really there's been a low demand for my job due to recession.

How Should I Describe My Employment as a Nanny on a Resume?

I am a college student, but will have to put my studies on hold because of financial situations. While in school, I've been workking as a nanny with the same family for 3 1/2 years now.

I go to classes in the morning and after school I go to their house until the parents get back from work. I pretty much serve as a parent, since I take them to their sports activities, go shopping (groceries, clothes, school supplies, etc.) for the kids if they need anyting, am familiar with the kids friends and their families, etc. During the summer I am with them all day long.

I am now having to look for a new job where I would be able to get paid more and save up for school, but I am not sure how, if at all, I should write down my job as a nanny. It is not really a professional employment, but I do not want to leave a gap since my last job which was a sales associate at a store in 2005.

I was also wondering what was the best way to call it instead of "nanny." Is "caretaker" a better option? Should I add it at all?
Thanks

Is it ever all right to leave education/experience off a resume, and if so, how would I explain the gaps?

by Carol
(New York)

I have been a chiropractor in private practice for the past eight years. In 2007, I relocated and opened a practice in a new area. Business is very slow and I have been struggling (do not have the money to continue trying to build with so little income).

I am considering leaving the field and looking for other work, just to be working regularly again. However, because I have a doctorate, I think I am considered overqualified for many positions. Can I leave off my training and experience in chiropractic, and if so, how do I explain the past twelve years?

How to state my study break into my work history

by Alireza Nazarnia
(Somewhere)

Regarding writing my CV, I had a study break between my employment and now I am asked to put it into my CV, but I do not know how to explain and state this in the work history section which matching its layout.

Should I leave a gap in my resume or include all work history?

by Danielle
(Maryland)

I am looking to apply for a position in a field I worked in 7 years ago. The potential employer is looking for someone who has had experience in that field. I have done numerous jobs over the last 7 years. Should I list all the jobs that lead me back to 2001 when I worked in this position? Or should I leave a gap and explain it somewhere in the cover letter?
Thanks!

Should I Include My Nanny Job on My Resume?

by Lacie
(U.S.A.)

I am a college student and I have worked as a nanny for 14 months. Prior to that, I worked as an assistant to a CPA for 2 1/2 years.
In the "nanny" job, I worked approximately 24 hours a week watching a 2 year old little girl.

The family that I worked for paid me in cash mostly but also paid me in a check occasionally. They did not want to go through the hassle of reporting what they paid me and taking taxes out so there is no record through the IRS.

Should I include this job when applying for a new job? I ask this because I just quit the nanny job on not-too-great terms because I was being taken advantage of and they wanted me to do much more than taking care of the child. I honestly think that the woman will give me a bad reference if I put her down.

What should I do? I don't want to have a huge "gap" in my resume/work experience but since there is no real record of my employment as a nanny, I think that it may not be relevant because it is kind of like babysitting.

And, if I don't have to put it down, what should I tell employers if they ask what I have been doing for a year? I have been in college for four years so I have been enrolled in school while being a "nanny."

Should I simply say that I took some time off of work and did some babysitting for extra cash? (I still live with my parents, so no rent or bills, etc.)

How do I list multiple jobs from temp services on resume without looking like I'm not dependable?

by Alicia G. Henne
(Joliet, IL)

I got laid off last October after 11 1/2 years at Solar Communications. This company closed the doors for business and the machines are being sold to our next competitor in another state.

I don't have skills too much to speak of on my resume. I'm going through temp agencies trying to learn new skills. I'm thinking of going back to school to learn new skills in the health care field.

I'm going through jobs at a temp service and not making the grade to stay.

Should I list 2 years of travel as "Experience" to fill in employment gap?

by Char
(San Diego)

I have been unemployed for nearly 2 years because I have been traveling throughout the US. I am now actively seeking to get back into the workforce but I would like to explain the gap in my employment history. How can I (if at all) list the travel experience on my resume?

How Do I Explain My Employment Gaps to Future Employers?

by Juliet
(New York)

I have been unemployed since April of 2004, and I still am. I am currently seeking employment, but I am not sure how to address the employment gaps. In that time, I have had a child, gone back to school and received my Bachelor Degree, I have also worked for three months in 2005, and I also did a three months internship in 2008. Thank You.

Should I Include My Craft Business on My Resume?

by Anonymous
(Somewhere)

I was laid off from my job almost a year ago. While looking for employment, I have tried to make the most of my time by designing, sewing, dying and selling eco-friendly clothing online at Etsy.com. I have done quite well at it. Should I mention this at the bottom of my resume, maybe under "Interests" to show that I am self motivated and haven't just been lounging for the past year??