The Google Resume Read Online Free PDF Page B

school, my mother used to refer to certain classmates as being “Checkbox People.” You know the type. They take all the “right” classes, play all the “right” sports, and join all the “right” clubs. With over 30 percent going to an Ivy League university, my high school was brimming with them. And in a very controlled environment, these students would do exceedingly well.
    As much as I loathed the Checkbox People, they were doing something right. They (or my high school) knew how to position themselves for success, even if their alleged passion for theatre was faked.
    Things aren’t so different now. Not all extracurriculars are created equal. Some show more intelligence, some show more creativity, and some show more leadership. What’s right for you depends on your background and, of course, what you enjoy. This section will focus solely on the résumé-building aspects of extracurriculars; it’s up to you to mesh that with your happiness and other preferences.
    Volunteering
    Much like I won’t delve into selecting activities based on enjoyment (which should absolutely be a factor), I won’t discuss selecting volunteer activities based on the value-add to the world. If you choose to volunteer, the way in which the nonprofit or volunteer activity contributes to the world is no doubt important. You can make your own determination on this matter.
    With that giant disclaimer in mind, allow me to offer this résumé-specific advice: don’t serve soup in a soup kitchen. Don’t sort clothes for homeless people. And don’t pick up roadside trash. While these may be great activities to do for other reasons, no employer will look at your résumé and say, “So, just how many ladles of soup did you say you could do per hour? We’ve needed a Senior Soup Ladler around here for a while, and I think you’re just the right fit!”
    These activities will certainly help in some ways. They’ll show that you are eager to help and that you can juggle multiple responsibilities. They can help fill employment gaps, and they can expand your network. They won’t, however, go the extra mile.
    To get the most mileage out of your community service hours, focus on activities that will build your skills, let you explore career tracks, or get initial experience in a field:
Sales positions. Consider helping raise money for a homeless shelter through cold calls and other connections.
Marketing positions. Help a local minority entrepreneurship group figure out how to target their advertising and promotion materials.
Software engineering/design. Ever seen a nonprofit’s web site? They could probably use your help. Or what about getting involved with an open source project?
    Almost any role that you wish to break into at a tech company probably takes place at a nonprofit as well, so you are sure to find something that adds a little extra “oomph!” to your résumé.
    Start Something
    If volunteering gives recruiters a reason to call, starting something makes them get down on one knee and propose (an interview, that is). Of course, it depends on the scale of the project, your commitment to it, and your role, but it’s nevertheless one of the best things you can do to boost your odds.
    David, a Microsoft program manager, launched a consulting firm whose clients included Fortune 500 companies. He worked nights and weekends for them, which boosted his résumé and refreshed his coding skills. Although program managers often have trouble getting considered for software engineering roles, David landed interviews with both Amazon and Google. Amazon loved his passion and commitment, and offered him a job as a software engineer.
    Provided you have the dedication and time to follow through, starting something can be a great way to make your résumé leap. It shows initiative, creativity, and a commitment to go above and beyond. And, if your background lacks in particular areas, whether that’s leadership, coding, or marketing, launching a