Publication credits can highlight any resume. The secret lies in writing what you know best --If you have been working in customer service, write an article about dealing with difficult customers. If you are an expert in computer systems, write about it. Be clear and concise and don’t editorialize.
Locate trade journals or contact your local newspaper and offer to write a column for it. Even your alumni newsletter can prove a good venue to get started.
If you have a hard time finding a home for your articles, consider issuing your own newsletter. A single 8 ½ by 11 sheet of paper can be formatted and printed with a home computer and later distributed to local business and organizations.
Impress Them: Honors and Awards
If you can do something particularly well, participate in contests. Even a minor award speaks volumes about your qualifications. Create a special section in your resume to mention any awards or recognitions. If you don’t place in the top ten, avoid mentioning your exact position. Example: Winner of a Great Seattle Community Award for Public Speaking.
Be Nice: Volunteer opportunities may look better in a resume than a paying job
Searching for a job in education or community development but don’t have any previous experience? Volunteer at the local library. Many branches offer ESL or literacy tutoring, take library aides or organize community events run completely by volunteers. Example: As an ESL Tutor, my responsibilities encompassed curriculum development, creating lesson plans, preparing monthly reports, and coordinating the workflow in two different programs.
Not what you need? Look for other opportunities. Offer to write a newsletter for the local animal shelter or lend a hand with accounting duties at a community center. Anything is possible if you use the right approach.