PTO Today

after 6 years of being the PTO president my last child is finally graduating from the school. It's now time for me to go out into the "real" world and get a job(you know the kind that PAYS you for doing all you do).

My problem is updating my resume. Does anyone have any ideas of how I can word all of my experience to make it sound good. I haven't have a real job in 20 years and don't know where to begin! HELP!!

As an officer or chairperson you may have:

Established policies governing the operations of the group

Oversaw the financial activities of the group-created budgets, distributed funds, didn't go into the "red"

Experience in public speaking

Experience in fundraising

Experience writing grants

Experience planning and coordinating events and programs for large. diverse groups(get specific here-how many attended?)

Experience managing people-you lined up, scheduled, and supervised all those volunteers!

Those are just a few I can think of at the moment. Run through all of the things you did in your years with your PTO and try to translate each activity into "business" terminology. Those 6 years have provided you with a wealth of knowledge and talents that will be desired by employers. Point out the hours you put in too-it will show your dedication to doing the job right.

A friend of mine was a long time stay-at-home mom who had dropped out of college (got married) and her only work history was the typical part time jobs one has while in school.

She wrote her resume emphasizing the skills gained through her many hours of volunteering, much like LuvMyKids has described. It was very effective and did land her a job when she was competing against college grads and others with work experience.

Presdient of a federally recognized 501c(3) organization formed to support elementary level education.

Managed a budget of over _____________ undergoing ________ audits with no findings.

Created an all volunteer support workforce that organized ________ events per year in support of _______ attendees.

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Thanks to you all for your help. You've given me great information to work with. Wish me luck!

Good luck, Bertha! Let us know what kinds of responses you get and the questions you get asked in interviews.