Last week we discussed skills that you’ve developed as a pastor that are transferable to the secular marketplace. It was a very popular topic, so today I’m going to take it a step further and look at how to present those skills in a resume that will get you noticed. If you haven’t yet, it would be helpful to go back and read last week’s post before continuing on.

 

Trash The Traditional Resume

If you think of a traditional resume, what do you think? A piece of paper with your contact information on top, followed by an objective, your work experience, education, and maybe some other skills.

 

I’m sorry, but if you’ve spent most of your working life in the church, that kind of resume just isn’t going to cut it in the real world. A hiring manager will see church work, church degree, and think, “But I’m not hiring for a church job!” There goes your resume, straight into the recycling bin.

 

A Better Kind Of Resume

There is a better way to do it. Recently, I came across the resume of a woman who had been out of the workforce for around 20 years raising children. Yet, she had an amazing resume that highlighted her skills, downplayed the time off, and in the end got her the job she was applying for. If you focus on your skills, and not necessarily where you acquired them, then you can create an eye-catching resume that will impress anyone.

 

The key is to take the skills you’ve developed as a pastor and call them by names recognizable in the marketplace. Include examples of how you’ve employed those skills and make that the main body of your resume. Let me show you what I mean.

 

Example Resumes

Here are two example resumes for a Recruiter job posting I found randomly online. The requirements for the job are:

• 1+ years industry and/or recruiting experience required
• Ability to solve complex problems and think critically
• Proficiency in computer skills (Word, Excel) and able to learn new software
• Experience with applicant tracking systems (ATS) helpful
• Must be flexible and ready to adapt to assist in multiple avenues
• Must be able to multi-task and balance multiple projects

 

Pretend you’re the hiring manager as you look at each resume. Which stands out more to you? Why?

 

The Traditional Resume

The Skill-Focused Resume

Now, which do you think will get the interview?

 

LinkedIn: Your Online Resume

If you haven’t looked for a job in over a decade, you may think a great resume is all you need. You’re wrong. Nowadays, your online presence is just as important as your real life flesh and blood. And when it comes to getting a job, LinkedIn is where you need an online presence. According to the Society of Human Resource Management, over 90% of recruiters rely on LinkedIn to find and vet job candidates. I’ve gotten job offers through LinkedIn even though I’m not even looking for one!

 

It’s Okay To Work A Secular Job

Finally, there is no shame in leaving the church payroll. I feel like someone out there needs to hear this. Being a pastor is a calling, not an employment position. Sometimes God may call you to pastor people outside of the church, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

 

Perhaps, whatever is taking you out of a staff position is because God wants your light to shine in a darker place. Jesus prayed regarding his disciples in John 17:18, “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” The world needs you. And, maybe God just wants you out there working side by side with them.