Now that you’ve finished service, it’s time to look at what’s next. Your path can take you toward further education or to jump straight into the job market. Either way, you need to translate the experiences and skills from service into bullet points that hiring managers will be attracted to.
As you look at your resume, keep a few things in mind:
1. Time is of the essence – If you already know your resume needs another set of eyes, or want to find out how to add in a specific skill that wasn’t in the Peace Corps manual, set up a free consultation to go over together and connect the dots.
2. Consider what type of a job you’re going for – While this may seem elementary, each industry has a specific resume style and format. In short, federal resumes tend to keep to 4-6 pages while private resumes and CVs are 1-2, each with again different styles of information and bullets required. Either way, avoid the pit of uncertainty by checking out our pages on federal resumes and private resumes.
3. Professionalize KSAs from service to meet specific qualifications – Hiring managers dismiss applications that have a copied and pasted description. Demonstrate your relevant experiences while melding in requirements through relevant. Consider concepts of project management, facilitating meetings, gaining consensus across local and regional groups or governments, adaptability, leadership, language proficiency, sustainability, and the ability to work in diverse environments.
4. Fill gaps with opportunities – A full degree isn’t always needed when the appropriate experience is present. There are numerous volunteering opportunities and certificates that can cover holes as you build up not only the experience but network as well. One group in particular is Team Rubicon which does disaster relief work which can be used in parallel to for disaster relief, international emergency response, planning, and project management while also getting you trained up in FEMA classes. This alone enhances your credentials and makes you more competitive in the job market.
5. Demonstrate Adaptability and Flexibility – Peace Corps service involves living and working in challenging environments with limited resources, but still we find a way. Relay this through your resume by discussing overarching skills set which highlight your ability to adapt to new situations, work under pressure, and find creative solutions to problems.
6. Craft an Impactful Personal Brand – Develop a personal brand that reflects your values, skills, and unique Peace Corps experience. Build an online presence through platforms like LinkedIn, a local newspaper, or a personal website to showcase your accomplishments, share stories, and engage with relevant communities. From there, become connected with local RPCV Groups.
Remember, the key is to effectively communicate the value of your Peace Corps service and how it aligns with the needs and goals of potential employers. Adaptability, cultural competency, resilience, and a global perspective are highly sought-after qualities that can set you apart in the job market.
Recent Comments