Short writing jobs on your resume?

Asked for advice regarding a checkered resume, I drew on my own employment history and time spent in the 1990s doing a lot of resume writing and consulting.

Oh yeah -- and writers? This can be a very cool sideline. The advantage of being able to express yourself (or some other candidate) in addition to being able to design a nice LOOKING resume is a good one to have.

Anyway -- if your problem as a writer is a bunch of shorter-term jobs (this industry being what it is) here are some things to consider.

First, consider framing up your resume in terms of contract work: state in your cover letter you'd welcome either contract or permanent work, as you do an excellent job of making a difference for a company on a short term difference. (Cite examples).

I think the chronological format is okay. However, make your summary at the top (a paragraph about your strengths, I favor this approach) lists what you can do; focus on bullet points or swift summary of what you accomplished at each post.

Then at the bottom, where references are usually available on request, I might put a reference from each of several of the companies, to reinforce right there and quell fears: you didn't burn bridges, people would recommend you. (

For what it's worth, those are some ideas that might help. Also, be prepared to deal with questions about the short tenures. The best book on this that I've ever seen (and I've read a pile) is Martin Yate's Knock Em Dead - The Art of Getting the Job (he has a bunch, so be sure to get the general job finding one) as it has the 100 toughest questions prospective employers ask and how to ace them.

Also, if you can consolidate jobs, do so. For example, I have 2 media companies on my resume that I have worked for three times (!!!!) and one that have worked for twice. I'm not sure who that makes the glutton for punishment, them or me!

Instead of listing that as 8 jobs, I list it by company, with most recent responsibility first, and state the years I've worked there.

Also when you cull through old jobs, get rid of ones that took less than a year, if you can. So: Nov. 2006-present : McDonalds June 2006-Oct. 2006 : Burger King Feb. 2003 - December 2005 : Jack in the Box might end up looking like: 2006 - present: McDonalds 2003 - 2005: Jack in the Box

I know there are employers who feel disgruntled if you don't report EVERY job you've had, but if you had to support yourself with a second job waiting tables at Rudy's Lounge, you might not list it. It's your resume. Some employers ask for month and year on application form, which you fill out as needed of course.

Where The Writing/Editing Jobs Are: Thinking Outside the Lines

For fledgling and experienced writers alike, getting a job in a tight market can be challenging, to understate it.

Layoffs at newpapers, magazines and websites dump more candidates into the job market. Some of these are absorbed as writers and editors resolve to control their own destiny and be their own masters (freelance) or finally get into a line of work that pays (PR). Retiring wordsmiths are replaced by whole new classfuls of bright-eyed graduates looking for that foot in the editorial door--willing to work harder, unencumbered by family, able to survive on a smaller paycheck, while experienced candidates may offer a more settled lifestyle, extensive background and family to support as a reason to stick around.

Whether you're starting or seasoned, here's a reminder that getting into the queues for available jobs can mean creativity in the job search process. Here are some suggestions for improving the odds:

• Job search is like sales -- it's a numbers game. The more applications you make, the better your odds of getting an interview.
• Be prepared -- a good resume, a knock-out cover letter http://www.savvymiss.com/career-woman/career-advice/9-to-5-grind-archive/article/how-to-write-a-great-cover-letter-292/news-browse/5/sspn//c7613c060b.html, prepared references, interview clothes, a prepared approach for your interview.
• Be your own best PR person. Without boring others or droning on and on about yourself, find ways to demonstrate and talk about the things you shine at, from your cover letter to conversations at family reunions.
• Brush up on job search skills -- here's a book that I've recommended often. (It includes ways to answer the 100 toughest interview questions) http://www.amazon.com/Knock-Dead-2008-Ultimate-Search/dp/1598691651/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1202272121&sr=1-1
• Look the usual places -- In addition to employer job boards, company sites (check the HR department for posted jobs) popular journalism jobs sites include journalismjobs http://journalismjobs.com/, mediabistro http://mediabistro.com/joblistings/ , editor & publisher http://edpub.careercast.com/js.php?qInd=vnuuscategoryjournalism.
• Thinking outside the lines can mean looking further afield. True, New York City has huge concentrations of jobs in publishing. There are also a lot of candidates subsisting as baristas at Starbucks while they hope for even editorial crumbs. Check out state press assocation links (you can start here http://www.texaspress.com/StatePressLinks.html) to find jobs outside your region.
• Network like crazy: Ask around. Join writers groups, online forums like mediabistro.com's http://mediabistro.com/bbs/ and associations. Mingle! Get to know other writers. Get informational interviews at places you'd like to work. And be helpful -- bring something to put on the table; networking is a two-way street. http://www.rileyguide.com/network.html
• Don't be too proud to do what you need to do to survive while you look. Use some other marketable skill. http://www.monster.com/ Waiting tables and all other kinds of stop-gap work have their own dignity as you support yourself.
• In the meantime, demonstrate your ability to master technology, as well as an area of expertise, by blogging about an interest at http://www.blogger.com/. See my list of articles on searchwarp.com here. http://searchwarp.com/Author129511.htm Don't forget a succinct, upbeat bio about your skills and background.
• Add experience to your portfolio with volunteer work within your field.
• And get your freelance going by looking for publications needing articles in your area of expertise, or in need of your ability to write about anything. Study up on freelancing here. http://www.absolutewrite.com/

Good luck!

J. Louise Larson http://writingporch.blogspot.com/