Excuse Me…You Were a What?
Just as corporate folks get bored of the usual, people holding odd jobs can also get tired of what they are doing and hope for a sense of normalcy. Sometimes severe monetary reasons push people to take jobs that are a bit out of the ordinary. But whatever reason you may have, whether it’s money, curiosity or real interest, there is always have some kind of lesson to learn from these unusual jobs.
Here are some jobs that might raise an interviewer’s eyebrow and leave them in awe and disbelief and just blurt out “Excuse me, you were a what?”
Snake Milker You can say: I helped scientists to create anti-venoms to save people who have been bitten by snakes. It’s a very delicate job. From this experience I’ve learned to face my fears and find a resourceful approach in dealing with difficult situations.
Professional Sleeper You can say: As a business-minded kid, I was able to make money out of the habit I enjoyed the most (or make the most out of my narcolepsy). I got paid for sleeping while participating in clinical tests. I’ve proven that I can make money out of something I loved to do (or had no control over).
Potato Chip Inspector You can say: I have proven excellence in quality control and pay strict attention to detail. I make sure that all the potato chips that pass through inspection are of utmost quality in terms of shape and size.
Porta-Potty Service Representative You can say: Well, somebody’s got to do it! It was an honest living, I helped in maintaining cleanliness and provided comfort to people nearby.
Golf Ball Diver You can say: This job earned me more than $100,000. I’m proud to say that I came out unharmed by the occasional alligators that find their way in these murky waters. I’m not afraid to take on difficult challenges.
Hair Simulation Supervisor You can say: I made sure that hair movements in cartoons are as real as possible. I pay utmost attention to visual details.
Safe Cracker You can say: I helped a lot of forgetful people get access to treasures in their vaults. I know the value of money and have helped a lot of people get their money back without destroying their safe. Safes are an expensive investment, you know.
Dog Caretaker You can say: Though left alone in an empty house with no one else but a dog, I have learned that I can be entrusted with people’s property and valued possessions and ensure that I can work without any supervision at all.
There’s a diverse list of jobs out there where you can make an honest living, even though a tie is not required. Don’t be afraid the only experience you’ve had is in unorthodox positions. I’m sure there are transferable skills that you can boast of from all of them. So go ahead, be loud and proud!
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June 18th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
Odd jobs should never stop you from advancing! NEW BLOG POST: Excuse Me…You Were a What? http://ow.ly/20hxA by @TheResumeChick
June 18th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
How do you make your odd jobs shine? BLOG POST: Excuse Me…You Were a What? http://ow.ly/20hE6 by @TheResumeChick
June 18th, 2010 at 3:45 pm
Even people with odd jobs need an edge BLOG POST: Excuse Me…You Were a What? http://ow.ly/20hHt by @TheResumeChick
June 18th, 2010 at 4:55 pm
Switching from odd job to corporate job? You CAN! BLOG POST: Excuse Me…You Were a What? http://ow.ly/20sLu by @TheResumeChick
June 18th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
There's a way for you to make your odd job shine. Here's how – BLOG POST: Excuse Me…You Were a What? http://ow.ly/20sUz by @TheResumeChick
June 18th, 2010 at 6:55 pm
Skills you learned on your odd job can pay, too! BLOG POST: Excuse Me…You Were a What? http://ow.ly/20sWJ by @TheResumeChick
June 18th, 2010 at 7:25 pm
Some creative ways of putting a spin on your odd job! BLOG POST: Excuse Me…You Were a What? http://ow.ly/20sZw by @TheResumeChick
June 18th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
RT @theresumechick: Some creative ways of putting a spin on your odd job! BLOG POST: Excuse Me…You Were a What? http://ow.ly/20sZw
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