Should Personal Projects Be Included on a Resume?
Question:
I have studied and trained in the IT/ I.C.T Field. Although I do not presently use the level of I.T that I am accustomed to, I still keep myself occupied by setting up and creating content for websites built using content management systems (WordPress, Joomla etc) and I also code from scratch. I use Web builders also and I create all content for any site that I build. My question is: Should I include these activities on my resume? And if so, how/where should I place this information? These websites are currently active on the Internet.
Signed,
How & Where
Answer:
Dear How & Where:
Yes, IT/IC Skills and Projects Accomplished should be up front on your resume. List them and date when they were posted in the Internet. Also document if you have evidence of their use. Be succinct and specific. Rather than talk generally, here’s an example of a resume that does that prepared by an individual who allowed me to share it with college seniors in a class I teach. It is more detailed and lengthy than a young person might have, but it illustrates the kind of information that profiles this person; its condensed form below is not what it was in print:
Michael Shoffstall
2513 Victoria Parkway • Hudson, Ohio 44236
(330) 655-2465 (home) • (330) 780-5513 (mobile)
shoffmi@gmail.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelshoffstall
Writer, editor and communications consultant experienced in developing strategic communication channels and messages for stakeholders at all levels. Passionate about the role of strategic internal communications in workforce engagement, change management, organizational development, recruiting, retention, productivity and corporate identity.
Trusted internal communications manager for 9+ years with the global professional services firm Ernst & Young. Conceived and implemented creative two-way communication tools to support the firm’s strategic goals of recruiting, retention and consistent messaging. Versatile writer and editor adept at supporting a variety of functional groups and product lines in a multifaceted global organization.
Detail-oriented project manager accomplished in managing multiple priorities and cross-functional teams, as well as interacting with senior firm leaders. Thoroughly experienced in publishing technologies including print production, electronic publishing and online content management. Proficient in working independently, collaboratively or virtually as circumstances require.
Core Competencies
• Writing and Editing
• Communication Strategy
• Workforce Engagement
• Internal Communications • Project Management • Online Content Development
• Team Building • Communication Design • Publishing Technology
Employment
LEAP Publishing Services April – September 2010
Branding, Marketing and Communications Consultant (part-time)
Consulting and project-based role focused primarily on brand strategy, new logo development, website strategy, web content development and other marketing initiatives to support LEAP's growth. Secondary responsibilities in human resources, corporate social responsibility and business strategy for this lean, growing company serving the educational publishing industry.
Ernst & Young 1986 – 2009
Associate Director, Communications Consultant (2000 – 2009)
As part of the Americas Communications & Marketing organization, interacted with senior firm leaders, gained a deep knowledge of the firm’s infrastructure and processes, and implemented key organizational communications and HR initiatives in a collaborative environment.
• Drove creation of, and acted as moderator, writer and editor for Ask EY, an intranet Q&A tool for Ernst & Young people throughout the Americas. Ask EY is a unique, two-way communications channel which connects employees to firm leader¬ship, and helps to identify gaps in information and communications. Ask EY is regularly highlighted as a best practice in Ernst & Young’s successful application for FORTUNE magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For.”
• Created and managed Americas Gateway, Ernst & Young’s primary intranet news site in the Americas, to ensure consistent messaging about the firm’s priorities and industry topics. Acted as writer and editor-in-chief for new content on the site.
Named to firm’s US Benefits Enhancement Task Force. Consulted with HR and other leaders to identify new, unique employee benefits, e.g. a Commuter Benefits Program that cost-effectively bolstered employee satisfaction and retention. The Task Force laid the foundation for numerous HR recruiting and retention initiatives such as personal financial planning for employees, concierge services, recognition award programs and community engagement activities.
• Led a cross-functional team to direct communications aspects of the firm’s US Pandemic Task Force. The Task Force was created to support business continuity planning in response to potential pandemics such as avian influenza.
• Conceived, developed and managed employee discounts program for the US and Canada to consolidate highly valued area and national programs into one centralized intranet site. Established due diligence procedures to comply with auditor independence rules; managed relationships with discount vendors; wrote and edited site content.
• Helped drive success of key HR rewards program to support recruiting and employee retention. Implemented and managed variable pay program, including creation of a database to support submission, review and approval, communication and management reporting for variable pay awards. Developed, wrote and published Recognition Awards newsletter to promote the program.
Marketing Communications Project Manager (1986 – 2000)
Project management for hundreds of high-quality client communications and marketing programs which spanned the merger of Ernst & Whinney with Arthur Young, as well as the sale of Ernst & Young’s consulting practice to Gapgemini. Executed multiple print and electronic publishing projects in a fast-paced environment, including planning, budget, scheduling, vendor selection and quality control.
The Psychological Corporation 1984 – 1986
Production Manager for nation’s largest test publisher, division of Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc., with annual production budget in excess of $7 million.
• Managed budget, scheduling, composition and print production for one of nation’s largest educational test series—the Metropolitan Achievement Test (MAT6)—which consisted of more than 500 printed components, totaling over 18,000 pages. Among other responsibilities, developed style guidelines which contributed to composition costs falling 57% below budget for savings of over $110,000.
• Developed standardized system of producing sales proposal kits, which generated $2.5 million in new sales from state testing programs. Utilizing a combination of inventory materials and custom components, sales kits were consistently produced on time within the rigid structure of proposal deadlines.
Education
E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, Ohio University, BS / Journalism, summa cum laude; minor in art. Participated in study abroad program in Tours, France.
Wapakoneta (Ohio) High School, co-valedictorian
Technical Knowledge
Proficient in numerous publishing applications such as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, QuarkXPress, Adobe Acrobat and WordPress, as well as Microsoft Office and Lotus Notes. Expert-level typography skills. Able to learn and adapt quickly to a rapidly changing media landscape, including social media applications.
Professional Associations
Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)
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Working together with hands, head, and heart takes and makes big WEGOS, and we each are responsible to profile how we can contribute to organizations to which we apply. Of course study an organization before you apply and adapt your cover letter to it.
William Gorden