The resume's purpose is to Get You The Interview.
Not get you the job. It can't do that. So anything that helps you Stand Out and get that callback for the interview is fair game.
I don't even recommend using a resume anymore. Develop online content and get it in front of employers who have the power to hire you (CEOs, not HR).
I absolutely would put your backpacking experience as a line item high up on your resume. I did about 60 information interviews with hiring professionals and found that they scan--not read, note--the top third of Page 1 of resumes. If you don't sell to them in that small space why they need to talk to you, your resume goes in the trash.
So get your punchy stuff in up front.
I'm an expert in unorthodox jobhunting and getting companies to create jobs with zero competition, custom-made for you...frequent radio interview guest on the topic, and have had four companies do this for me during my career. Resumes and cover letters are totally outdated, but you're free to keep using them if you like.
We both know that the skills required in wilderness adventures are desirable in most settings. What I have learned in the wilderness could inhabit countless motivational seminars.
Because of the fact that employers are only scanning the resume, try putting something a little more catchy.
In Colorado, where I live, everybody and their cousin has backpacked in the wilderness so instead we might put something like: climbed 10 14'ers, wilderness survival specialist, or wilderness guide (on my resume).
Pick two or three things you learned in the wilderness that you think are marketable and then add them as bullet points under the title.
Great question. I'm the founder of several recruiting services including a recent startup focused in delivering video resumes so I hope my answer comes with value!
Hiring managers are busy, and for the most part find it tedious to review resumes and cover letters. Is a fact that your resume shouldn't be more than 2 pages and that they only get 6sec average scan. Those seconds are spent quickly to catch your name, most relevant experience, most bottom experience overview and education...
When employers ask "tell me about yourself" they are not (for the most part- generally speaking) asking about your hobbies (that might come later). You need to assume that the manager wants high turnover time in those interviews so that question should lead to you summarizing your career for them...
You starter working at age:
First job was__ & learned ___.
Other experiences related to the position were acquired doing:____ and have a degree or years experience of ______. And now looking to further expand your career and put into practice all that you have learned to date.
A company that values their culture will most likely have cultural related questions.. There feel free to express your hobbies but only as their relevance to the job allows.
If you get a second interview with possible coworkers that means culture is huge.. So embrace and imitate their style and make friends not professional intro at that point except for when they ask job related questions.
Hope it helps & best of luck!! That the fact that you ask makes you probably a great candidate already!
First of all: When is your next adventure? I'd like to go! Most of my backpacking through the wild these days is trying to keep up with my two-year old when he takes off running through Target.
You specifically asked about "adaptation." Your question also implies that you're submitting your resume to a person rather than a machine. "Backpacking through the wild" will not impress a machine; it will impress a person.
In the teens of the 21st century, your entire online persona is your resume. What is the story someone constructs about you by searching you online? What makes you stand out as a character they want to write into their company's story? The basic qualifications are still important, but in this age and day people have access to so much more when searching candidates.
So back to "adaptation." I don't know that backpacking fits on a resume. However, it should be part of your self-presentation. Here are a couple of ideas:
1. Blog or podcast about your backpacking adventures and apply them to whatever work you want to do in "civilization."
2. Make a video resume and write it to use your backpacking adventures as part of your story. You might even shoot it in the woods.
3. Find a meet-up group for backpackers (we've got several around here) and figure out which one has the most members who tend to be the kind of people who hire. Or start a meet-up group for business leaders who like to backpack. Build your own tribe (and benefit from it).
Great question. Interesting to think about it. Please schedule a call if you'd like to brainstorm some more!
I don't vouch for bio or resume to be honest. Experience and results do go hand in hand but not distinct of one another. That's why networks like LinkedIn are so valued as they serve to portray not only who you say you are but allow people to endorse and recommend the results you have provided. If you are not using your LinkedIn profile as your form of introduction, consider it....now.
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