I hate taking up bandwidth with something like this, but they say when you're looking for a job, it's important to pick the brains of your "network".
My dilemma is this: Five years ago, before I went on a "hiatus" (which I've spent helping my husband with his company, and having and raising a baby), I had my first decent "career job", which can best be described as "middle management" at a very fast growing game company. Prior to that, I had worked contract and temporary for years after college, waiting for the right thing to come along. So, I basically have only one big entry on my resume.
If you have the time, please look at my experience, and give me any advice you have on what type of position I might qualify for, what companies might be a good fit, or which recruiters are any good!
Resume highlights:
Education:
UW Executive Programs, The Management Program 1997.
University of Iowa, B.A.
1997-2000 Director of Logistics Services
Represented both Sales and Logistics on ERP Selection and SAP Integration Planning Committees. Co-managed selection and implementation of Warehouse Management System. Managed personnel in charge of component and finished goods in-bound freight, inventory control, and product numbering systems (ISBNs, UPCs and in-house product and component coding).
1993-1997 Director of Distribution Sales
Created Sales, MIS, and Logistics departments. Managed world-wide, and then U.S./Canada sales from $1 million to over $100 million per year. Responsible for sales forecasting and departmental budgeting. Managed supply and allocation of collectible product to protect the health of the market. Negotiated contracts with all domestic distributors. Coordinated the participation of salespeople on product development teams, bringing the needs of the distribution channel into the development process.
Here's the extra wrinkle: Yes, I've worked in "logistics" and "sales", but I've never actually made any freight arrangements, and my main focus as a sales manager was limiting sales. So, I don't think I could claim "technical expertise" in either of these fields. My big contribution in both of these positions was managing rapid organizational change, improving interdepartmental communications, and working to improve and automate work processes. I'm a classic "generalist" - not something that shows up in a lot of job listings.
I've considered applying for consulting positions, which I think might suit my abilities, though many of them are looking for people with system-specific implementation experience. On the other hand, I long to once again work in a creative, tolerant atmosphere, and I know that though you get to see a lot of different companies when you consult, many of them are, well, quite corporate. Even when things weren't great at the game company, it was never dull, and there were always exciting and interesting people there. . .
And another job-hunting question: I am an elected Democratic Precinct Committee Officer, and I serve on the Community Outreach Committee for my Legislative District. Is it best to leave that sort of thing off of a resume, or is there a good way to include it?
Any feedback, including, "Lord, why did you include that in your job description?" or "Surely, you left off this?" is welcome.
I haven't had to apply for a job in twelve years, so I'm pretty rusty.