Help a Reader: Menial Job

Here's a question someone left on my post suggesting how to write a great resume:

What if you have a menial job without benchmarks or performance reviews? How would you then demonstrate a benefit to employer?

Here are my initial thoughts:

1. There are ALWAYS some sorts of steps you can take to differentiate yourself from others.

For instance, let's say your job is as a trash collector at an office complex. In this position, you could do several things to stand out such as: 1. Be friendly to the people working in the office while you're collecting trash. I've had people in my past with similar jobs who have distinguished themselves by being very friendly. Believe me, word got back to their boss that they were a hit with the staff. 2. Go above and beyond in the position. Instead of just collecting the trash, how about doing some extras too -- like wiping off the trash can briefly, offering to take trash from the desks as well (old coffee cups, etc.), and spraying a bit of freshener in the bottom of the trash can after emptying it.

These are just some examples (and probably not great ones), but with a little thought and creativity, there could be some wonderful ways for such a person to standout among the crowd.

2. Work to establish benchmarks. If none exist, ask you boss what he considers to be a "good" job. Then ask him what he considers to be an "excellent" job. Tell him you want to do excellent work. Even if he says there's no difference between good and excellent, he'll be impressed that you asked and are striving to be better than average.

3. If you're tired of doing a menial job, look for ways to improve yourself. Get additional education/training so you can move from a job that you don't like (which could be the case for you) to one you enjoy (and one that has more opportunities for you to distinguish yourself.)

What advice would you add to this?

Comments

[dcs]

GO TO WORK. Then put your attendance record right on that resumé (assuming it's good of course). I've hired people for nonskilled or coming in from nonskilled positions, often because the last person in the job had a terrible attendance record and was dismissed. I'd have been all over any resumé that said something like "used two unscheduled sick days in the last year" especially if the previous employer would confirm it (which they never do but a guy can dream).

[Jon]

A positive attitude and a willingness to do whatever it takes to make the customer happy can turn a dead-end job into an opportunity for success.

Menial job? Ask for more money!

[karla (threadbndr)]

Just being polite and professional to the customers can get you noticed! I've actually written down that "call us" number and raved over a great drive thru employee who was friendly and did the 'extra' bit. I sure hope I got him at least an 'attaboy' from his boss and a bit of a raise new review!