Please HELP career change and starting resume after treatment
Save as FavoriteHello,
I have recently finished treatment for breast cancer in May 2012, while simultaneously completing training in esthetics, and starting a health and wellness coach training program all in the same month. Being that I don't have any experience with my new training and have over a year of work off to fill in on my resume, I am totally blocked about where to start. Do you have any advice? Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
3 Comments
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Amanda D. on Aug 16, 2012
ooop I didn't realize I'd be posting, thought I was sending a private message. Can you please remove my post, so my name and phone number is not shown?
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Sarah Goodell on Aug 16, 2012
Cancer and Careers Staff Comment:
Hi Amanda,
Thanks for reaching out! I removed your personal information from the post and sent your question over to one of our career coaches who will get back to you soon.
Best,
Sarah, Cancer and Career Program Coordinator
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Margot Larson on Aug 20, 2012
Career Coach Comment:
Amanda-
It’s great to hear that you have utilized some downtime and taken the initiative to explore new career paths. Here’s how I suggest you approach your resume.
First, know that you do not have to list the months of employment, only the year. That allows more flexibility. So your previous positions would probably list as ending in 2011.
To fill the gap, indicate on your resume where you would put your most recent position:
Returned to school for further training -2012
Under Education add:
Health and Wellness Coaching Program – 2012
Esthetics Training Program – 2012
Depending on where the courses were held, you might add the name of the School but only if it brings value and credibility to the training. If you have a certification or a license, add that information also.
I also suggest that while you are looking for a new position, volunteer to use these new skills you have learned. You could volunteer at a Parks and Recreation program, a Rehab center, a Cancer Center. You could also seek an internship with an organization or in the case of Esthetics at a SPA center or with an experienced Esthetician. Also check whether you could work as a Trainer’s assistant teaching these skills at the school where you got your training. All of these experiences can then be listed on your resume and it adds to your candidacy and marketability.
Also, be sure to indicate in your cover letter that while you were unemployed, you took the opportunity to expand your skills and knowledge with further training to improve your career options.
I hope this information is helpful to you.
Margot
