How to Include Temp, Contract, Consulting,...

Advice from career coach Pattie Hunt Sinacole

Q:

Much of my professional experience is temp, contract, consulting, and volunteer. Do I include them on my résumé? If not, I’d essentially have nothing listed for the past 20 years.

A:

Yes, list them. These are the kind of jobs that prove you were engaged and picked up valuable skills between jobs. They also show that you are willing to travel and succeed elsewhere—which employers highly value.

How to List Temp and Contract Jobs

A helpful approach is to write down the company and client where you worked the job first, followed by the staffing agency through which you worked. For example:

This style ensures that organizations you have had contact with are emphasized, while also acknowledging the organization that can verify your work history.

How to List Volunteer Work

How you list volunteer work depends on the level of involvement:

Full-time or extended work:

List them like a job, along with position, organization, and dates.

Short-term or occasional employment:

Put them in an “Other Experience” section towards the end of your résumé.

Tip: Don’t Use the Term “Volunteer” Where Possible

Don’t refer to your experience as “volunteer” unless absolutely necessary. Some managers may (incorrectly) assume that volunteering is less professional or effective. But volunteer roles may demand as much commitment and skill as paid work—and sometimes more passion and dedication.

Final Thoughts

Don’t downplay the significance of temp, contract, consulting, or volunteer work. They write your career story and usually hold transferable skills that impress hiring managers. They’re part of your career story—own them.