I figure, since my site URL is plastered all over my resume, maybe I ought to greet prospective employers with highlights of my worthiness rather than my usual meanderings about my shortcomings.
~
Welcome, prospective employer! Thank you for visiting my site. Since I began blogging consistently five years ago, it's certainly crossed my mind more than a few times that baring my heart and soul (and politics and religious beliefs and bad moods ...) might not be the best way to impress future prospective employers. However, I've always reasoned that I wouldn't want to work for someone who didn't like the real me. I still feel that way.I'm not perfect -- I'm bad at math, men and managing my waistline, among other things -- but I am honest, reliable and talented in many areas. To wit:
I have worked as a writer and editor for more than 14 years, and as a Web content manager for more than five years. While working at The University of Montana during the past 10 years, I've earned a bachelor's degree in journalism and a master's degree in creative writing with a nonfiction emphasis.
My skills include:
- Writing and reporting
- Copy editing and online editing
- Web content management
- Web design (HTML, CSS)
- Blogging and social networking
- Print and e-mail newsletter production
- Photography
- Graphic design
- Media and public relations
- Supervising, training
- Organization and time management
- Customer service
I consistently earn "exceptional" marks in my performance reviews. With my boss's permission, here are some excerpts from my latest review in August:
As mentioned every year in your performance review, you possess an exceptionally well-rounded set of skills that makes you very unique. It's rare to find someone with your technical knowledge who can also write and edit with your expertise. In addition, you also are very adept at decision-making and problem-solving.
You make valuable contributions to the department and the University on a daily basis with your outstanding writing and editing abilities, unequaled good sense about and understanding of Web content and marketing, and superlative public relations savvy.
You always strive to do a better job in everything that you do, year after year. You continue to grow in your job rather than stagnate .... You continually strive to improve yourself, building new challenges and setting higher expectations.
And finally, what may be the highest accolade of all:
You're extremely thorough and efficient. It may be the "Martha" in you, but you don't like to let things sit and get moldy -- you want them finished and off your desk as quickly as possible.
Sigh. It just doesn't get much better than being compared to Martha Stewart, now does it?
8 Comments:
Patia,
while you are looking for a job, why not highlight the work you have published in a more prominent place on your blog?
as it stands now, your articles are in a corner that an employer has to really look to find. put them up front so they are the first thing that people see when they decide to look at your blog.
just a thought. also, you mentioned your skills, but do you have your resume somewhere on your blog? what kind of job are you looking for?
no need to post this comment, it is just for you.
good luck with the job search. i am sure that you will find something wonderful that pays well!
bon courage,
janet
But I WANT to post your comment! Like most bloggers, I'm a comment whore. :-)
You're right, I need to highlight my work and add my resume. I've been slowly working on a site redesign that will do this .... In the meantime, maybe I'll incorporate them in a blog post.
I also thought about describing the kind of job I'm looking for, but I really feel open to various permutations on the writing/editing/web content theme.
My dream would be a full-time telecommuting job with benefits and occasional travel.
Most realistic, probably, is a traditional, full-time job in Missoula or western Montana.
I'm willing to consider moving to just about anywhere on the West Coast for the right position.
I could also envision piecing together a freelance career with steady, part-time work.
And then, of course, there is my biggest dream -- that of supporting myself working at home as a writer. I'd like to publish books and freelance articles and essays.
You see why I can't focus? Too many options ....
Thanks for writing, J.
Hey! I just clicked on your profile -- you started a blog! Good for you! I subscribed.
Hey chickie! I MISS YOU!! Sorry I haven't been around. I had hellacious computer troubles, and added to the new teaching job it's been nuts. Times a million. I'm finally settling into a groove with things.
How are you? I am gonna catch up on your blog. I am sneakin' a peek from school right now while my students are working on a writing assignment.
Your resume is extremely impressive. I would hire you in less than a second. I wish you much luck in finding the perfect position or a flurry of work, whatever would be best for you.
Much love,
Birdie
I would hire you in a heartbeat, because I've been watching your work for years now.
Somebody is bound to get lucky enough to land you soon.
Hey, you two! Thanks for your kind words and comments!
Birdie: I figured you were swamped with the day job, and now look! You've gone and published a book, too. Good for you!!
Granny: I was thinking about you earlier today. I've been neglecting you, I'm sorry. When you comin' to Missoula?
As for work, I'm plotting -- stay tuned!
Hi there Patia! just throwing some good vibes your way. The perfect job is out there for you and i know you'll find it, or it will find you. Such talent will not be overlooked!
best of luck -
jenn
Hi Jenn, thanks!
Today I made this post unsticky. I am in the process of creating my own perfect job. Stay tuned for details!
:-)
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