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I am working on a complete overhaul of my resume in order to line it up with the MT method. I have a couple questions about how to handle freelance work or a side business on a resume.

I've been in the publishing industry for several years now, however, I've concurrently operated a freelance video production business. I'm not sure how best to list this work on the resume. Because it's concurrent with two other jobs I've had, I don't know how to list it in the reverse-chronological way since it would overlap.

Also, related to that, I self-published some stories a few years ago that were not a part of my job at the time, but do show experience I have relevant to my career.

Any tips on how to address these kinds of things on the MT-style resume?

Thanks in advance.

CT

jhack's picture

"Side business... Hmmmm... not committed to his employer..." Discard pile.

Most companies look askance at side businesses. Sure, it shows you're a go-getter and a self-starter. It also shows you aren't dedicated to your employer and have conflicts of interest.

Right or wrong, that's what many potential employers will conclude. In this economy, they'll look for someone without a question mark.

Don't mention it.

Or, turn pro, and become a consultant/freelancer full time.

John Hack

HMac's picture

Is there a bigger picture here?

That is, do the self-published stories say something about your professional expertise that's relevant and attractive to an employer? Same with the video production work: does it show something relevant?

Or are these hobbies/interests that you're fortunate enough to find an outlet for, and even get paid for? If that's the case, good for you! But I don't see how they'd fit into your resume.

Two possibly similar examples:

I published several articles a few years ago (unpaid, but picked up by magazines). They were both on topics relevant to my jobs at the time - one was about finding great salespeople, the other was about distinguishing yourself by making great presentations. I happily include them on my resume.

I've had a part-time job (paid) working for a limo company nights and weekends. Although it's a demonstration of my energy (and that I like to get paid!), it has nothing to do with my "professional career" so I don't put it on my resume.

-Hugh

PS - Need a ride to the airport?

stormspeed's picture

Thanks for both responses. Excellent points and thoughts in each.

My freelance work has relevance in my career and in spite of the risk that it ends up in a discard pile, I intend to include it on my resume. As for my self-published work, I'm on the fence about that. It certainly has a spot in my career management document, but whether or not it makes it onto a final resume...I don't know. That's a choice I'll make as I further refine it.

So, going back to my original question, any tips on how to address these kinds of things on the MT-style resume?

Thanks again.

CT

RobRedmond's picture

I don't think it goes on an MT style resume. I wouldn't put it on one. An MT resume has three sections:

Your name and contact info
Your previous jobs going back a ways with 2-3 lines of job description and 2-4 one line bullets of accomplishments
Your education

That's it. If it wasn't a job, contact info, or education, then it doesn't seem to fit.

I wrote a book. I don't put it on my resume. I ran a Karate club for 15 years. I don't list that either. Nor do I list my time in the Boy Scouts, my two year stay in Japan, nor do I list my blog or my work with Mike and Mark. It's all side interest stuff that is interesting to reveal later, but it wasn't my job.

If you were free-lancing without simultaneous employment, then sure, list it as a job. Otherwise, I would leave it off.

-Rob Redmond
http://www.strugglingmanager.com