Getting a job when you’re just starting in your chosen field can be difficult because your resume is essentially empty. Creativity blog 99U suggests that adding in personal projects are a great way to pad out your resume and showcase your potential.
Most people don’t walk out of university with a lot of work experience, but chances are you have plenty of skills to offer in the field you’re looking to get into. The trick is to embrace that experience, even if you didn’t actually get paid for it:
Don’t limit yourself to the confines of a traditional resume. recognise that under “Skills” you can list everything from Photoshop to silk-screening, that studio time can be just as important as past employment, and that unpaid side projects show dedication, initiative, and responsibility. If the majority of your experience is personal, studio, or classroom work, add more of a description than you normally would, explaining the kind of timeline you were working with and why you chose the subject matter.
While it’s not the same as prior experience for an actual employer, your personal or side projects can showcase your skills just as well. This is especially handy for anyone getting their start straight out of school, and it’s an effective way to talk about how you’re qualified for a position if you’re changing career paths. Head over to 99U for a few more tips to focus your resume when you’re fresh out of school.
How to Get Hired When You Are Just Starting Out [99U]
Picture: Michael Nutt/Flickr
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