Advice needed from biz savvy types re: resume

[BuelahWitch]

I got laid off from Verizon Wireless almost a year ago. The only "job" I've had since has been doing some promo work for a friend of mine, trying to get his book reviewed by newspapers around the country (ie. I sent emails to the editors and then followed up with phone calls). Problem is, that was from April (when I was laid off)till August. Since then I've been back at school, trying to get all my math done at a local community college so I can hit a four year institution at some point and not deal with algebra.

Here's my question: how do I attest for the time between August and now? The local University has some seasonal positions open in data entry. It doesn't pay much, but it would get my foot in the door there and possibly lead to a permanent position (which includes one free class a semester in the benefits). I really, really, REALLY want this job! If your wondering, yes, I *could* have gotten another customer service job during this time. However this was very abhorrent to me and I chose to do other things instead.

As for my current student situation, my classes (which I'm taking other general ed courses as well as math) are all done online, so I can log in at 3 in the morning and do schoolwork if I want to. I do plan to tell any prospective employer that my current education situation is flexible.

Another thing: I've done some volunteer work for our Dean Meetups (I've been in charge of database upkeep and composing and sending emails to our lists). Is this something I can put on a resume?

Thanks for any and all help!

[BuelahWitch]

1. Giving my own thread a kick n/t

[smirkymonkey]

2. Do a functional resume, which focuses

on skills rather than chronology. Go to Monster or Hot Jobs.com, as they give resume help or advice. Also there are books on resumes that tell you how to write a resume for a variety of situations such as yours.

You can explain yourself once you get in the interview if it comes up, but it seems like most people these days are very aware of the incredibly lame job market over the past few years and are a little more willing to accept it than they would have been during boom times.

Good luck!

[BuelahWitch]

3. Thanks alot!

:hi:

[markses]

4. You needn't do a chronological resume

A functional resume highlights your strength for a particular position rather than a chronological rendering of your work history. You could also try a mixed for chronological and functional.

Remember to produce different resumes for different audiences - highlight what is most important to the given audience in each resume.