Next Job Resume: How do I best document my year cruising to a future employer?

[CaptNemoO2]

I won't comment on the interview and getting the job part, but if you need to have a clearance, and need to fill out all those forms, you might have fun explaining the gap in employment and extended time in a foreign country. If were you and got the job, I would get help from the FSO while filling out the paperwork. If you're still cleared from your time in service, you might be good for now. I don't know if they pull your clearance as soon as your discharged.

Good luck!

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[takeabow40]

I just put down 12 months long service leave and left bit at that

[jkindredpdx]

Originally Posted by Cadence

I doubt you would get hired?

Actually that was 2011, since then I've been hired once or twice per year as an IT Consultant. A typical contract lasts 6-8 months and it's fairly common that I get a full time perm job offer. Most clients find my lifestyle interesting and appreciate what I learned and the problem solving involved in being a sailor. I turn jobs down more often than they pass on me.

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by Scaramanga F25

Self employed as a yacht manager and Captain.

That would fly like a lead brick. Looking for a job it would just say self employed failed.

[jkindredpdx]

Originally Posted by Cadence

Me also. I guess something said resume? I'm 72 but figured I'd what a year or two to write one.

Pardon my impertinence, but perhaps your negative comments are based on out dated information... I don't think employers necessarily consider taking time to explore one's dreams a dis-qualifier. IMHO what is really important in a resume is accounting honestly and with confidence for your time and communicating your qualifications and work ethic... and correct spelling and grammar.

[n8kraft]

Thanks for the advise, especially from HR pros. I'm going to cut out the extra crap and just stick to saying traveled for a year with family by boat and RV.

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by jkindredpdx

Pardon my impertinence, but perhaps your negative comments are based on out dated information... I don't think employers necessarily consider taking time to explore one's dreams a dis-qualifier. IMHO what is really important in a resume is accounting honestly and with confidence for your time and communicating your qualifications and work ethic... and correct spelling and grammar.

I didn't think my comments had been negative. And yes things have changed. Getting a job is no longer a life time thing. But the hiring person does not want someone who is going to disappear on a whim. The OPs military qualifications sound more relevant than that year of maintaining a boat. It sounds as though he has gotten it. As far as exploring ones dreams being a job qualifier maybe having tried a legit business yes. I've rehired two people that tried, under financing is a bitch . Sailing off not a chance as much as I would have liked to do it at times. JMHO

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by amytom

I would play it up to a reasonable level. If nothing else it makes your resume stand out. The hiring manager may just bring you for the interview out of curiosity; once in front of the manager you can shine on personality instead of paper.


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I agree. Did a LOT of hiring way back then when I had a real job. Diversity of experiences is good. Undocumented gaps in resumes are bad.

Gives you and the hiring manager something not directly work related to discuss. A good hiring manager will look for this opportunity...you can learn a lot about someome in casual unguarded conversation (both good and bad).