DEAR ABBY: I have a question about resumes. Over the last six years -- from the ages of 18 to 24 -- I have worked three jobs. One was full-time, two were part-time and each lasted two years. (They were baking at a local bakery, serving at a restaurant and being a file clerk.)
Now that I have my nursing degree, should I mention my previous employment on my resume when applying for a nursing position? I don't want it to look like I can't make up my mind when it comes to employment, but I also don't want it to appear like I have never worked a day in my life. Thoughts? -- WANTS TO BE A NURSE
DEAR WANTS TO BE A NURSE: If you list your dates of prior employment -- as well as the date you received your nursing degree -- it should be apparent that you were working toward your nursing degree all along. Before you are hired, you will be personally interviewed, which will give you the opportunity to not only explain what you have to offer, but also point out that your resume reflects that you're a hard worker. That's important information, and you should use all of your "ammunition" to land the job you're looking for.