When it comes to resumes, one common mistake is only focusing on full-time, 9 to 5 work experience and disregarding other valuable experiences. It's time to break away from this narrow view of what counts as valuable and recognize that experience is experience—no matter the format. In today's world, where gig work and freelancing are becoming more common, it's essential to embrace the diversity of non-traditional work experiences. Here are three types of non-traditional experiences that can make you stand out as a top candidate:
1. Side Hustles: A side hustle is any money-making activity you pursue outside of regular work hours. Whether it's a creative pursuit or an additional source of income, having a side hustle demonstrates your skills and ability to attract paying clients. If your side hustle aligns with the role you're applying for, it showcases real-world experience in the field. For example, if you're applying for an e-commerce position, mentioning your successful dropshipping side hustle highlights your expertise in product selection, online marketing, order fulfillment, and customer service.
2. Volunteer Work: Valuable experience isn't limited to paid positions. Volunteering, even if unpaid, can provide you with relevant skills and experiences. Don't overlook the value of gaining new skills and exposure, which can open doors to future opportunities. For example, if you're applying for a social media manager role, including the time you spent volunteering to run social media for a nonprofit or local church demonstrates your ability to engage with audiences, create graphics, write compelling content, and handle strategic scheduling—all essential skills in the marketing and communications fields.
3. Extracurricular Activities: Don't forget to mention the work you did for academic and special-interest clubs while pursuing your college degree. Taking on roles like editor of the college paper or active participation in Model UN showcases your leadership skills. These experiences are particularly relevant for recent graduates and those pursuing careers in academia, government, or related fields. Whether you organized workshops, managed finances, or led publicity campaigns, these activities demonstrate teamwork and organizational skills that translate into professional settings.
The key takeaway is that good experience is a valuable experience, regardless of the conventional 9 to 5 structure. Side hustles, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities demonstrate your discipline, versatility, and ability to bring value to an organization. Recruiters and potential employers consider these experiences as valuable assets. Embrace the diversity of your experiences and showcase them confidently on your resume. Remember, companies would be fortunate to have someone like you on their team.