Part I :How to Find Resume Gap Filler Opportunities

 In one of my previous posts, I shared some of the sources that you could use to utilize the time at home especially when you do not have any transportation facility. But if you have  transportation, willing to work, have a work permit, and looking for ideas to fill gaps in your resume then some of these ideas are for you:

• Volunteer: Search for volunteering opportunities within a few miles radius like Redcross, church, temple, your kids' school, old age homes,  and university. This may not look great on the resume but something that you can show with proof. I personally think there is a lot that we get to learn from these volunteering opportunities. To volunteer at your daughter or son's school - you have to ask his\her teacher, usually, there is an application that needed to be filled out with details. Once you submit that, they have it on their record and when they need help they will inform you based on your availability. Click here to find out about Redcross volunteer opportunities

• Internship: Universities and local companies have internship opportunities. Mostly they are not advertised because they give preference to enrolled graduate or undergraduate students. If you have a network then it is easy to find this kind of unlisted opportunity. You may not get paid but you can definitely learn skills that will look attractive on your resume. It is mutually advantageous because companies or universities get the service from you and you get to learn the skills and gain experience.

http://www.coop.ucf.edu/

http://www.career.usf.edu/students/internships.htm

• Part-time job: This is the same as an internship but you will get a little more money than interns.
 Search in nearby related companies for the available opportunities. The best way is o personally visit the HR department and inquire about part-time or on-call positions.

• Substitute teacher: If not interested in working 8 days a week but like to be amongst kids with little earning then look into this.  How to become a substitute teacher

• Baby Sitting: If interested in babysitting then you could post a flyer (pamphlet) with your advertisement and contact information on the leasing office message board. Ask your apartment leasing office people for the procedure to put up the flyer. If living in a community, you could approach Home Owner's Association for advertising and also find out the regulations specific to the community.

A flyer can be designed using Microsoft Powerpoint very easily.  Use your creativity to make it attractive and don't forget to put easy-to-strip 'contact tabs' at the bottom.

Flyer Template

There is so much I can add about this topic, I don't think one post would be enough. If any reader has any specific questions please post with your comments or email me at IAmNew2America@gmail.com. Part II of this post is coming soon.

Published on

2/11/11 10:08 PM