How to Do What You Love - Paul Graham

Looking for a new perspective on your search for a rewarding career? Then read Paul Graham's excellent essay: How to Do What You Love.

To do something well you have to like it. That idea is not exactly novel. We've got it down to four words: "Do what you love." But it's not enough just to tell people that. Doing what you love is complicated.

Alternate Job Experience Entry

Instead of just writing your job experience in paragraph or bulleted style, mix it up a little bit. Use a combination of the two that spells out your responsibilities in a paragraph and highlights your achievements in a bullet list. This will allow the reader to quickly scan your resume and identify the salient information quickly. Here is an example:

Communications Director at Health International, a multi-state regional hospital and medical facility. Developed marketing plans and maintained good community relations. Previously managed staff of 12 sales representatives in insurance sales, health products and services. As Director of Sales, monitored 10 sites and supervised team of 45.

• Strategic Communication – Created Direct Mail Campaign to continuously attract new accounts. Directed content upgrade for Website.
• Business Development – Grew subscription revenue from $1 million to $1.8 million and spearheaded development of Insurance Program Sales to direct focus toward expansion and customer retention.
• Event Planning – Served on community relations team. Represented company at health fairs and other regional events.

CollegeBoard's Four Must-Haves

The College Board recommends Four Key Elements that belong in the resume of every strong, but young, candidate. It's possible to get a good job just on the virtue of these items alone. That, while true, will get you a cup of coffee if you also have $2.90 already in your pocket. So don't forget the networking and relevant experience parts.

Four main themes you should always include in your resume, no matter where you're applying, are volunteerism, association memberships, computer proficiency, and knowledge of other languages.

1. Volunteerism

No matter where you're applying or what you plan to study in college, potential employers want to know you're a well-rounded member of society. Listing your participation in a program such as Habitat for Humanity or your weekly work at a local soup kitchen can definitely add some pizzazz to a resume short of work experience.

2. Association Memberships

It's also an added bonus for younger high school students to list any associations they've belonged to, such as:

* National Honor Society (NHS)
* National Art Honor Society (NAHS)
* DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America; association of marketing students)

Juniors and seniors probably have more experience in this area, but never underestimate participation in group roles. This includes any other club participation at school or in your community.

3. Computer Proficiency

Let's face it, technology is everywhere. Knowledge of computers will most likely be a requirement for just about any job. List any and all experience you have with computers, naming the actual program names you're familiar with (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Photoshop, etc.)

4. Other Languages

The world is getting smaller and smaller, especially in the job market. Knowing a second or third language can put you at an advantage in qualifying for a job and will certainly separate you from other candidates

Of course, number 2 is important if you want to rely on networking for finding your next job.