Today was the first day of work in the new year. And Ill be the first to say that absolutely nothing was different today then it was last week when I clocked out. Now I know you are not completely surprised but wasn’t a small part of you hoping that something awesome would happen? You are probably thinking “where is she going with this?” Don’t worry, Ill tell you.
Currently, I work for Sherwin Williams, the paint company. I am the lead supervisor for the architectural sample department. I know, sounds super exciting but trust me it isn’t all that glamorous. I originally took a part time position to help create and manage the samples. In the last two years, I have grown the program and now handle samples for all of Las Vegas stores. I have also become a how to resource for other districts and get calls about my system, maintenance and order forms. There are still some bugs to work out but over all I have made it run fairly smoothly and have been recognized by the Division manager.
When I say it isn’t all that glamorous, I mean the ins and outs. Day in and day out, I spend entering orders, mixing paint, creating samples and filing samples. By the end of 8 hours on my feet, some days I might only get two orders done. What I do for samples doesn’t sell the paint but it allows our customers to have something concrete for their records. It is a very tedious job most days.
Unfortunately, the position I am in does not have a direct step by step plan for promotion. Realistically for me to go any higher on the corporate ladder of SW, I must take a step down to go into an assistant manager position. I do not believe management is my calling. I need something with more variety, more creative challenges than customer complaints or HR issues. Which brings me to todays distraction.
As I am working on samples I have a lot of time to think, specifically about what skills I have acquired in the last year that might look good on a resume. Yes, the dreaded resume writing. I may not be looking for a new job just yet but I can be ready if the time would come. You never know when you might be talking to someone and hear of a cant pass up opportunity.
So here is a little of what I have added to mine with the position I am in now.
- Prioritization-with so many orders received at once, I had to learn to do emergencies, pressing orders and filler orders.
- Communication- the only way to prioritize is to be clear about the deadlines and needs of your customers.
- Setting expectations and boundaries- You must be upfront with clients on the capabilities at your ready. Don’t promise to have an order done same day if there is not time.
- Supervisor skills-I have two employees that work with me, who I oversee. I am in charge of giving them orders, seeing to it that they complete the orders correctly, help them manage time and breaks.
The best thing to do for resume writing is think out everything that you do in your daily job. Anything and everything. Then you can group it into tasks or determine if it is a management skill, practical skill etc. Not everything will be a key skill to point out on your resume. You might be applying for a specific job and only want to focus on computer skills or accounting skills. Always customize your resume with what skills you believe the interviewer/company will be looking for. Don’t forget to add a blurb to build you up, to describe exactly what only you can bring to the table. No company just wants the boxes checked for a robot. Add that flare and sell your best self!!
The Distracted Damsel 