Campaign Experience on My Résumé

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Dear Deb:

My dad told me that I should not list my Obama campaign volunteer on my résumé.  I just graduated a year ago and my only real work is retail and waitressing that I have been doing to pay the bills until I can get a job in my field, sound engineering.  I was the team captain for the canvassing of a 2x2 mile area.  I organized 14 volunteers for 6 consecutive Saturdays.  What should I do?

Thanks,

Brandi

Dear Brandi,

It sounds like you gained valuable leadership, logistical planning, and presentation experience during this 6-week volunteer position.  I would definitely add it to your résumé.  You can include it in a separate section labeled, “Volunteer Experience” or “Community Leadership.”   Rather than writing, “Obama campaign,” write “U.S. presidential campaign.”  The reason is that about 50% of our country voted for Obama.  Secondly, many companies have rules about campaigning in the office. By being discrete in your description, you will show that you will be discrete in the workplace about political opinions as well.

You may hear some peers say, “Well, if someone does not want to hire me because of my beliefs, I don’t want to work there anyway.”  It’s not an issue about differing beliefs.  It is an issue of knowing what is appropriate in the workplace.  It’s smart to demonstrate that you have a sense of aptness.

Wishing you all the best as a sound engineer!

Deb

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If you have a question for Deb, please email debra@careersdonewrite.com. The Ask Deb column appears every Friday on our blog at the Careers Done Write website.