I have recently been putting together a genealogy resume for two reasons. Number one, I have decided to take my genealogy hobby professionally-much thanks to this blogging job for showing me how great it can be to get paid for what you really love. And number two, in order to allow me to reflect on my own personal strengths and weaknesses in regards to my genealogical experience and know-how.
My completed genealogy resume will include all aspects of my genealogy “addiction” (for lack of a more appropriate word). I will include my reasons for doing genealogy, any education I have received, memberships to genealogical and historical organizations, places I have written for, and my experience (including personal, volunteer, and paid work).
Once my resume is completed, I will analyze it to see where I can stand to further my experience and education. I admit, I already know the education portion of my genealogy resume will be sparse, while the experience portion will be quite abundant. Taking genealogical workshops and courses are already in my future plans. Since I am taking the steps toward becoming a professional genealogist, I would like to become accredited and certified. I would even love to receive a degree in family history, but I am not sure if I will ever pull that one off.
Not only will my genealogy resume be used for personal reflection, it will also be used to promote myself as a professional genealogist. Therefore, my resume will be a bit on the formal side. If you decide to create a genealogy resume strictly for personal reflection, it does not have to be formal. Create your resume however you feel it will work best for your needs.
Hopefully I will become a better genealogist because of this exercise.
What do you think of creating a genealogy resume? Have you ever done so? Do you think you ever will? Why or why not?