Over lunch with a former colleague recently I heard a term I’d never heard before, “The ‘And’ Workforce”.  What is the “And Workforce”? It’s the term used to describe the full time employee and the part time entrepreneur.  For example, “I’m a resume writer and I work for a technology company” or “I’m a nurse and a tailor” More and more of us are becoming part of the “and workforce” thanks to the dip in the economy, a desire to for flexibility, or even multiple interests.

Fellow Hoosier, Erin Albert, writes about it in her book, “Plan C: The Full Time Employee and Part Time Entrepreneur“.  Albert does a great job at showcasing how people are doing it, why they’re doing it, and what they’re employers think.  This new way in the workplace has many of us asking, how do I include this on my resume?

The key to including more than one current employer is to focus on what is most relevant to the company you’re sending your resume to.  Yes, this means having more than one resume available to send potential employers.  Keep in mind the purpose of your resume is to demonstrate your abilities by showcasing your accomplishments and how you got there. Lead with the position that best showcases the talents you’ll need in the position you’re applying to.  If I’m currently in HR and also headline a popular local band while applying for a VP HR position I’m going submit a resume that showcases my HR experience first.  It’s important to include the information about the band as well.  The key to this is what you include and how you describe it.

Employers want to know about your skills.  In the scenario of the lead singer/HR person, it’s important to showcase the HR skills but it’s equally important to showcase the leadership skills you’ve gained in the band.  It’s likely that you’re booking your own gigs, advertising your own shows, managing your own social media and public relations, negotiating your own contracts, and recruiting fellow band members.  Everyone of the roles you play in the band will translate into leadership skills for your next employer, especially if you can show that the band has benefited from the work you’ve done.

Entrepreneurs often make the best employees because they understand the bottom line and treat the employer’s company like it’s their own.  “Manage the budget like it’s your own money,” is a frequent comment made by CFO’s to department managers. Showcasing your skills as an entrepreneur will show employers you have the ability to do just that.

Be on the lookout for future posts on how to answer interview questions about being part of the “and workforce”