The question
I am looking for new work in a new province where my husband is employed. I have a solid work history in administrative functions, mostly within the private, but also in the public sector. Four years ago on the eve of the economic meltdown I was laid off just before Christmas, but was working again by the end of January.
My new job was temporary part time in a public university. I spent two years in various positions in the same department, and eventually gained a “regular” position. I will be applying to private sector employers again, and want to point out to them that although I have been working in the public sector, I work in a fully cost-recovered area and am responsible for maintaining approximately $80,000 to $100,000 of sales per month.
At the point of becoming a regular employee, I felt that I should start paying attention to the fact that I was now in a union and started attending meetings. I wasn’t active in any way, but many people whom I respected requested that I let my name stand for nomination for a position on the executive. I became president and four months later the university’s faculty association went on strike. We took 300 members out for a total of 32 days with 100-per-cent compliance, and I was speaking to more than 200 people at meetings on a weekly basis. The new executive gained a lot of support during that period.
As well, since becoming a regular employee, I have sat on the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee, and was voted onto the Senate, where I am on the Award and Honours Committee, Senate Evaluation Working Group, and Governance Policy and Procedure Committee.
The question is – I have been advised in both directions – should I leave the union involvement off the résumé, or keep it? I lean towards keeping it but I don’t want to scare employers away. I have learned an amazing amount about labour relations, negotiations, contract and collective agreements, and can gain the respect of diverse stake holders.
I would like to tailor all of this new experience and my past work history into something palatable and not too scary for a new employer. I don’t want to shoot myself in the foot trying to get a new job in a city.
The answer
You obviously are a highly motivated individual who has some excellent job, union and committee experience. You also have leadership, team work, and committee experience. You are wondering how to package this in your written and verbal presentations or interviews with prospective employers. I understand that you want to find a job in the same city as your husband. I read that you do not want to appear too scary to a new employer when going for a new position. I am curious why you think you might be too scary for a prospective employer and why you think you might shoot yourself in the foot. Have you received feedback about your presentation style and are you aware of any self-sabotaging behaviours that may support these fears of securing a position with a new employer?
