I'm just wondering what you ladies think. As of right now, I don't have any extracurricular activities listed on my resume (theatre stuff--directing, choreography, performing, ect). I also don't have my jewelry design stuff listed. Should I put this stuff on my resume?
The reason I'm asking is b/c one of my new roommates just got a job in Advertising with zero internship experience and a degree in German and History. And the reason she got the job was b/c she was a swimmer in college and one of the people who works at the company was a swimmer, so he called her. Mind you, I also sent my resume to this company and never received any kind of a response (despite Ad experience and a related degree).
WTF??? Should I put my extracurriculars on their in case some idiot thinks he has something in common with me and calls me for an interview? I'm so pissed, but I seriously want to know what you think.
If you can classify your extracurriculars as 'volunteer work', go for it if you think it would be appropriate for the position you're applying for. Maybe also stick an "additional skills" section at the bottom? (usually, this is where people list what software they can use, etc.) and include your acting/art experience?
If you want to connect on a personal level with the person reading your paper work, maybe you could incorporate that info in a cover letter if you don't want to put it in the resume?
Maybe something like "Through my experiences in (theater stuff, art stuff, etc.) I have learned (skills/stuff that would be useful in the job you're applying for)."
i agree with bastet- if you can find a home for them- maybe you should include them. i put my theatre experience under "activities" i believe b/c i was on the board for the theatre.
however, the reason i got called in for interviews a lot is because i studied abroad. people freaking love that. my best friend constantly interviews people for sales jobs that studied abroad just b/c she did.
and don't get upset. people also throw away resumes for the stupidest reason like they don't like the type you used, the format, the paper, etc. when my BF was hiring for an assistant he had so many applicants that he started nixing people who had a really bad format (multiple type faces and sizes)
keep going! we know you will land a job of a lifetime soon!!!!!
I would definitely list your talents as extra skills. You'd be surprised at what could get you hired...my BF just got hired at his dream job because he, like half of his new co-workers, are Longhorns. They apparently all talk about how great Texas (and Blue Bell) is during work hours...
I have listed on my resume my musical skills and my theater experience (although I have clearly stated that I have zero desire to perform, but that's only because agencies are rife with actors trying to infiltrate the system). Right now since I work with actors on a daily basis, having a wide knowledge base is really helpful when casting.
I've always heard that it's a good idea to put a few interests and hobbies on your resume, regardless of whether or not they gave you any work experience or relevant skills. As Bex said, people get so many resumes that anything that makes yours stand out is helpful and if your interests strike a chord with the interviewer your chances of getting called might increase.