- Guest Contributor
- April 1, 2021
A good resume can make a big difference when it comes to getting the gigs you want or landing a full-time job. Even if you’re making your life easier by using resume services, you still need to decide what to include. Some things just don’t necessarily belong on your resume, and whether to include your gig work can be a gray area.
There are several factors you’ll want to consider before adding your gig work. Here’s how to determine if the gig work you’ve done should have a place on your resume, or if you should leave it off when applying for work.
Are the gigs in the same industry as your job hunt?
If you want to put gigs on your resume as part of your work history, you’ll first want to consider whether those gigs are in the same industry as your job hunt. For example, working a gig that’s completely unrelated to your field might not have much relevance because it’s not industry-based work experience.
If it’s a long-term gig or you have ways to tie it into the field you’re applying in, though, you may want to add it. The gig could also be important if you’ve done gig work for a long period of time, because that will show that you didn’t just have a long gap in employment on your resume. But short-term gigs that aren’t related or in the same industry probably should be left off as a general rule.
Do the gigs showcase skills related to the role you’re applying for?
Even if the gig work you’ve done isn’t in the field you’re applying in, there may be reasons that it’s relevant. There can be an overlap of skills between different fields or industries, and when that’s the case it could be very valuable to add the gig work history onto your resume. It shows that you have experience with a certain type of skill, even if it’s in an industry that’s different.
There’s no reason to avoid work experience that’s valuable to your job search just because it’s gig work. There are so many people doing that type of work today that it’s not aa problem for most employers when they’re considering who to hire. Gig work is valuable work, and there’s a lot that can be learned from it. As long as there are related skills in the gig work you’ve done, go ahead and include it on your resume.
Can you show leadership or added responsibility during the gig?
If you have work history that shows a progression of responsibility or a leadership role, that’s worth including. Even if it’s not in the same field or for the same kinds of skills, any leadership experience is generally valuable when seeking a new job. By including it, you’ll be showing your potential new boss that you can be trusted and have much to offer.
A resume is an important tool for finding a great job, and the more good information you can include the higher your chances of landing the job you want. Using gig work as part of your work experience can definitely be effective, as long as you’re selective about what you include.
About the Author: Michelle Dakota Beck has worked as a professional freelance writer since the 1990s. During that time she has written everything from product descriptions to full-length books. Her areas of specialization include real estate, home services, legal topics, relationships, family life, and mental health issues. You can find her on WriterAccess.
