NWR-résumé writing when previous experience is long gone

afox007

So after months of not working and getting poorer by the day I finally decided to suck it up and find a waitressing job to hold me over. The problem is the last time I waitressed was 5-6 years ago so it fell of my résumé a long time ago; I added it back on but I feel like it just gets lost since its so far down.

Any suggestions on how to highlight that experience or what to say when they ask why I'm going back to waitressing after having more high paid professional positions? I feel like I'm broke isn't a good reason!

Angusaur

When applying, include a cover letter. Highlight on your waitressing experience there. When asked in the interview, include the highlights of what you enjoyed about waitressing before. Tell them you're looking for something fast paced that will allow you to interact with people daily. (even if it's not true). I went from medical to regular administrative back to medical administrative. When I was asked why I wanted to get back into a medical environment I told her I was fascinated with medical science and appreciate the opportunity to advance my knowledge of medical terminology (true). I also said I enjoy helping all people, but when dealing with patients specifically, it makes my job feel a little more rewarding. (mostly true, but i just knew it would sound good.)

wandajune6

I agree with @Angusar. I'd also recommend that try to find skills and responsibilities from more recent jobs that you would use as a waitress. If you've got great customer service experience, play it up. Things like that.

I've done a lot of resume work as side gigs over the years. I'd be happy to take a look at yours if you would like a second set of eyes- just PM me!

littlemushroom

Your CV should only include relevant experience to the job you are applying for.  When I applied for a job at law firms after law school, the first thing I was told was to drop Baskin Robbins from my CV, even though it was one of the more recent jobs I had held.  They didn't care that I had worked recently.  They only cared about why they should hire me, and that job had nothing to do with becoming a lawyer.

The people doing hiring only want relevant information.  HR or the manager may only spend 30 seconds glancing over your application and CV.  You want the most relevant/best info front and center so they don't have to dig for it.

Instead of doing a chronological order on your CV, switch to order of relevance.  Drop anything that doesn't have transferable skills.  

HisGirlFriday13

I agree with PPs about changing it from chronologically to relevancy sorted, and also to play up skills from other jobs that would transfer to being a waitress.

Also, in this economy, 'I need to earn extra money' is not a bad reason to be applying for jobs.

JCbride2015

Yep, I would order your experience from most relevant (waitressing first) instead of chronological.  And reword the other experience to highlight customer service and customer interaction.  Drop anything that is obviously unrelated.

afox007

Thanks ladies! I switched the order around and it seems to make more sense that way. Now fingers crossed someone wants me with my 5 year old experience. 

Couggal12

Do you have any other customer service related experience? That sometimes can be a huge plus to the hiring manager if you have a lot of experience working with people and also if you're used to multi-tasking and working in a fast paced environment. I also echo PP by saying to start with relevant experience and really highlight that in a cover letter so they know why you'd be a good fit.

afox007

wandajune6 is amazing! I sent in the resume you tweaked and start waitressing tomorrow Thank you!