RESUME HELP! Applying for scientific job- should I NOT bother mentioning past "non science" work?
Asked by A A
I have had several jobs that are in no-way science related (general laborer, stock house employee, library worker). I'm applying for a la position, and have many other research accomplishments/jobs I've done, that are science related. Should i not include these non science jobs? ALSO, a CV is more appropriate to send to a research science job, correct? I am including a "skill set" section after my "relevant experience" section....do I need to add 3 contacts, or is that only for a traditional resume? thanks

Best Answer:
man! Stacy B & those other spammers are all OVER this board! Anyway, as a 'mature' person who's reviewed thousands of resume/job applications in my time, I say YES, put all your experience -- at least for the last 10-15 years. The reason is that it shows your: willingness to work, you're exposure to different environments, different rules, different policies, different whatevers, that you are adaptible, know HOW to work & know what different work envirnments are like (you never know, may come in handy in your research--you may be asked to go collect samples from a warehouse, or library or something!?) & that you know what the 'real work world' is like. CV is more appropriate. "Skill set" is i many resumes & should stand out in it's own section titled "Skills & Abilities" or something to that effect. No references initially--only if you're interviewed & they ask for them.

Hi AA- Absolutely list each job you have had with substantial time in...and yes, a resume is the right thing to do. I love that you are including the skill set piece to highlight your scientific work. Trust me, your interviewers will focus on what is essential for the job. Just bring a separate sheet of paper for references/contacts. No need to add to resume. Good luck to you!!
Answered by loika61

You need to build your career path and doing different jobs will prevent you from getting where you want to go in your career. In a case like this the reality is; you got to show on your resume a sequence of employments attained and if you omit some of them because no job relation a problem will come up. It will be hard to get an interview and if you do get it, you must have a good respond to that otherwise you will create speculations as to why they should even hire you. Good Luck!
Answered by AC

I would list your non-science jobs and underneath them when you write a line or two about the job responsibilities, just make sure you somehow relate it to what job you want. For example under library worker you could say "Needed to keep meticulous notes" etc. Also, about the references. Some of my friends put them right on there. But I put at the bottom of my resume "References available upon request" and never had a problem with that.
Answered by LoriLorrr