Should She Mention Part-time, Moonlighting Job on Resume?

Stephanie writes:

I am currently employed, full-time, with a sales agency. I have been employed with this company for five years. Recently, I obtained a part-time position with a reputable salon and day spa in the area, while my husband finishes his degree. I am putting my resume together to pursue other avenues and am wondering if I should include my part-time position on my resume. AND in what order I should place my experience. I do not want to seem overworked; however, I know that the salon and day spa will give me an excellent referral. If you could offer any advice, I would certainly appreciate it. Thank you.

The Career Doctor responds:

You might be surprised to learn that there are a large number of folks doing the same thing you are doing — working one job and moonlighting at another.

People have all sorts of reasons for taking a second job. Some do it as the beginning of a career-change move, gaining experience in a new career field before making the full switch. Others work multiple jobs to simply meet living expenses. Still others do it (usually on a temporary basis) to earn extra money. Finally, others do it because they simply enjoy the second job.

What’s your reason for moonlighting? Your answer will affect whether you should bother putting the salon on your resume.

For example, if you are attempting to move out of sales into customer service, then the salon job could showcase your customer-service skills.

But if you worked at the salon simply because you needed extra money or something to fill your day/week, then I would probably leave it off your resume.

Even though more and more job-seekers are moonlighting, there are also more employers who are implementing or considering implementing guidelines for when (and where) employees can work second jobs - and as a job-seeker, you don’t want to hurt your chances of getting an interview based on a unimportant job listed on your resume.