Matthew T. Grant, PhD
Minister of Enlightenment
AQUENT
Question
On top of my full-time job, I usually have three to five consulting gigs on the side. Is it helpful or hurtful to have them on my resume when I am applying for a new position?
Answer
My general philosophy is that you should tailor your resume to the particular job for which you are applying. I’m not saying make things up or misrepresent your experience, but make sure that your resume highlights your strengths and abilities in a way that matches the requirements of the job and the wishes and expectations of the employer.
If your consulting gigs help make you a better candidate for a specific role, by all means include them. I could see that being the case in at least two ways. First of all, your consulting clients might actual demonstrate your expertise in a particular industry or working with a certain kind of company. Secondly, if the job will require that you work independently or if your role will involve some amount of business development and account management, then including your consulting gigs, regardless of the industry or project, will demonstrate that you know how to engage clients, go after business and manager yourself.
If, on the other hand, you are applying for a job with an organization that is particularly demanding and expects a high degree of loyalty and focus from their employees, you might not want to emphasize that you regularly pursue work on the side.