Whether to include experienced gained outside of the professional arena

Dear Sam: I have over 10 years experience working in IT as a programmer, and also recently graduated from college. My career goal is to obtain an IS Management position and was wondering how I could, or if I should, put my experience as Trustee Chairman at my local church on my resume to highlight experience with budgeting and management? If so where on the resume? – Anonymous in Columbus

Dear Anonymous: Great question. There is often confusion over whether engagements more on a personal level should be included on a resume. The rule I use to evaluate whether these types of positions make it on a resume is to review whether they add “value” to your candidacy. For example, if you are a sales person and have extensive involvement in your local community, the same community to which you will be selling, then your personal engagements will reinforce your likeliness to succeed based on your extensive network. In your situation, as you are trying to break into management, then yes, this position will likely add validity to your general and financial management capabilities. To incorporate this into your resume I would be sure to make a note of the skills you possess due to this engagement within the qualifications summary on page one. Then, add a section at the end of your resume titled, “Professional Involvement” or something similar, and detail this position as you have those appearing within the professional experience section. Remember that if you give this section some weight, then the hiring manager is also more likely to do so; hence it is key that you showcase the value of this opportunity and the skills if has allowed you to develop. All the best!