Resume Help Forum

[jb00020]

Hi all,

I'm brushing up my resume now to apply for law schools this cycle, and I was wondering if it was appropriate to lump up my volunteer gigs with my only paid job in one section. The paid job is office work and I've been doing it for the past few months. On the other hand, I've had a couple volunteer gigs helping kids with their homework throughout college.

Should I separate the work under two headings (Experience/ Community Service), or would it be better to list them together by date?

Thanks

[rinkrat19]

Yes, you can combine paid jobs and volunteer jobs in one section called Experience. Make sure the job titles clearly indicate which are volunteer gigs. (e.g. "Volunteer Reading Tutor" vs. "Assistant Nighttime Manager")

[ihenry]

I actually would separate, one for professional experience and one for community service/engagement. You may feel your job is more noteworthy and is different from community service in nature, and you said there are a couple of the latter. Either way is fine and unlikely to hurt you, though.

[k5220]

I actually would separate, one for professional experience and one for community service/engagement. You may feel your job is more noteworthy and is different from community service in nature, and you said there are a couple of the latter. Either way is fine and unlikely to hurt you, though.

This is how I had my resume when I applied and throughout my first year. After I got more experience, I only kept the really significant community service and lumped it all into an "Experience" section. Both are acceptable formats; do what looks better to you.

[starry eyed]

Has anyone hired a resume consultant? it seems like it would be worth the investment given how crucial resumes are in the hiring process. I literally have nothing to put on it other than a year in the army (enlisted) prior to UG. I held leadership positions in the training phases, but i'm not sure if I should put it bc then employers might ask "how did you get out after only a year?" it's a harmless reason and it was an honorable discharge.