Should I List Unrelated Jobs in my Employment History?

by Paul
(Chickasha, OK)

I am applying for a job as a lifeguard at a local amusement park. I have worked as a lifeguard for 3 years prior to my newest employment. I currently work as a laborer in an aluminum anodizing facility. Now however I am applying for a job as a lifeguard. Should I list my employment at the anodizing facility in my resume or is it not necessary?

ANSWER: Paul, I think you should include the current job on your resume, but I wouldn't dedicate much space to it, as it's not that closely related to what you want to do. But leaving it off would raise unneeded questions about why you're not working now. If you think you gained any transferable skills on this job that you could use as a lifeguard, emphasize those. Otherwise, devote most of your resume real estate to your previous lifeguard positions.

In your cover letter, you may want to address why you are going back to a lifeguard job. Or at least be prepared to answer this question during any interviews.

Good luck! Kathi