I’ve been out of work for six months, and in order to make some extra cash I’ve been dog walking part time. What started out as a little side thing has turned into a major commitment, with new clients being referred to me all the time. My question is, do I put such a thing on my resume, or will it look foolish and unprofessional?
Do you want to know what’s foolish? My crazy fellow New Yorkers who walk their dogs on the sidewalk and allow them to sway back and forth as if they were strolling a country road. Even more mind-boggling are the ones who use those extension leashes that allow the owner to meander on 84th Street while their dog is turning the corner on 79th. This isn’t the ’burbs, people! New York sidewalks are like the Indy 500 — stay in your lane, move with speed, change lanes sharply and with purpose and don’t let your teacup-size 6 oz. designer-breed pooch dart around and cause a pileup, OK?
Phew, I feel better now. Back to your question: Give your dog-walking business a name, put it on your resume proudly and use it to show that you’re entrepreneurial, resourceful and trustworthy. These are desirable traits in any employee, and you now have a fun, only-in-NY way to tell the story.
OK, now let’s talk about the clueless who allow their dogs to leave little “presents” all over the sidewalk . . .
I have a group job interview coming up with seven people! Do I send thank-you notes to all the members of the committee after the first round, or do I wait till I get called for Round 2 and then send them after that interview?
I like confidence and I believe in the power of positive thinking, but what if you don’t get called back for a second round? And what if the reason was because you didn’t send a thank-you note after the first one?
Thank each of them individually. Get their names and titles correct. Do not send a form letter. Make each note slightly different, and if you can refer to a specific question that each person asked you, all the better. Good luck!