I need resume help, please!

[supernova]

I need help phrasing a resume blurb. I can put in for a job this afternoon. The recruiter I just talked to asked me what I've been doing since I got laid off in Aug 2002.

Ugh. I mentioned (mumbled is more like it) that I was doing my own projects: some creative writing, journaling, a newsletter here and there. He wants me to put that on my resume. The problem is this stuff is mostly for my own amusement and no one has ever paid me for it, nor evaluated it.

I guess my problem is I don't have a big enough ego to stretch this into something that sounds professional and plausible (yet non-padded) on my resume.

Here's what I have so far:

Freelance writer
- write and edit newsletter articles, essays, novels (I have the makings of at least two books),

Please help. I hate talking about myself.

[Don Claybrook]

1. What sort of work are you looking for?

Is it a writing position or something else?

[supernova]

4. Technical writing

Computer and web manuals mostly. I do have experience and the tool set for that.

But squeezing in this bit of downtime writing is proving to be hard for me to articulate. :silly:

[Pert_UK]

2. Have bookmarked and will help if I can find time over weekend...

Sorry if I don't manage it!

P.

[supernova]

9. Thanks, Pert

It would be too late for this go 'round, but I'm always looking for feedback. :thumbsup:

[GOPisEvil]

3. Has anything been published anywhere?

If so, toss that in there. Otherwise, just simply state what you've been doing. If they ask in an interview, show them what you've done. If they ask if it was published, be honest. They're probably more interested in the quality of the work rather than if it was published.

Liberalhistorian writes resumes on the side, you might ask her.

[supernova]

5. One newsletter article

that I did in the local Nature Conservancy paper. It was all about exotic invasives. Something I knew nada about before I started the article, but it was interesting to learn. And the object of my interview couldn't have been a nicer guy.

The other stuff is intensely personal and have not be able to let go of enough to share.

[bif]

11. This was something I played up to get this job

I told them that I can write anything and I loved nothing better than to work on something I knew nothing about, ramp up quickly and learn all about it. It's one of my bigget assets. and I landed this job last January and have been here over a year now. They absolutely love hearing all the right buzzwords. Don't worry about using cliches. It's easy to turn stuff around.
"But you've never written anything like this."
"I know, and that's to my advantage. I can bring a fresh approach to it."

You just have to learn to think on your feet. That's why I never turn down an interview, it helps you hone these skills and prectice relaxing.

[supernova]

13. Here's the article I did

For anyone who's interested, read it here:

Triangle Land Conservancy News

http://www.tlc-nc.org/vs_merriam.shtml

[Robb]

6. If it's been printed anywhere, for sure include it

If it hasn't, I'd be afraid to answer the inevitable question in the interview: "Oh, where has your writing been published?"

On the other hand, nothing wrong with "self-published", if it's true.

Tell me more!

(On edit): Ah, just missed your responses. Sounds like you could very easily make the case you've been freelancing, especially since you've got some paper.

If anyone even came close to assigning you any of that stuff you wrote, I like "Freelance / Contract Writing". :)

[bif]

7. Mention that you written several articles and submitted

them on spec to numerous publications. If you haven't actually done that, get about 4 or 5 in the mail this afternoon. That way you're not lying.

[supernova]

8. LOL!

I like your attitude, bif! :thumbsup:

[bif]

10. Hey, I'm in advertising working on a car account

I know how to bend the truth. Plus I was out of work for over a year--so I know how to highlight exactly what a potential employer wants to hear without exactly lying.

[Insider]

12. thinking the same way

i have suggested to people (and done it myself) to sign up for online or correspondence course(s) right now. not many, just one or two, and include that in your resume:

honing skills
improving skills
completing refresher courses
learning new skills
increasing your body of knowledge
increasing you body of work
developing new independent concepts/products

i think they just want to know that you use your time wisely, you value your time, you are productive. and if you actually DO the course(s), you WILL be learning/honing/improving. and as an extra bonus, those classes provide good (updated) reference material. barnes & noble has online free classes, and state & federal gov't agencies have some free correspondence courses.

good luck!

[supernova]

14. Great idea

I've also done a Linux workshop which is on my resume too.

I just feel so rusty.

[bif]

15. They want to know that you're not wasting all you time on DU