Do you list REI in professional resume?

Question

Hello, I am getting ready to start looking for a new job. I have a long list of professional and military skills. This got me thinking, should I somehow list real estate investing in there as well. Let me know your thoughts. Hopefully I posted this in the correct spot. Thanks

Ryan

Michael Noto · Answer

@Ryan Proffit If the rest of your resume will show that you are qualified for the jobs you are applying to I would leave the REI out of it. Employers want to know or at least think that you are all in on their corporate mission and may take a side business as taking your attention away when you are working for them.

Could you get a company who is open minded about it? Sure, but I wouldn't risk it. Tell them what they want to hear to get the job.

Could you get a company who is open minded about it? Sure, but I wouldn't risk it. Tell them what they want to hear to get the job.

Ryan Proffit · Answer

@Michael Noto thank you. This makes a lot of sense. Obviously, I want them to know I am focused on helping them and their company. I don’t want them to think I am there to build a side business. If they ask me about my hobbies or personal life, I will bring it up then. Depending on which job I am shooting for of course.

Evan Polaski · Answer

@Ryan Proffit what is your actual real estate investing experience?  Do you own a portfolio of properties?  Do you self manage, do the bookkeeping, negotiate deals, financings, etc?  If so, those are marketable skills.  If you simply have an interest in it, and "house hack" a spare bedroom to a buddy, I would not list it.

It also depends on the position you are applying for.  I have included because I essentially run a small business, and work in real estate as well.

Chris Levarek · Answer

@Ryan Proffit Definitely include. If you can't fit on the Resume because it's not directly pertinent, I would make sure your LinkedIn profile includes at the very least. HR will be checking Linkedin and Facebook these days so just as valid (surprising but...trust me on that, married to a ex-HR Director of a major Hotel brand) .

Additionally, bring it up during the interview always as it shows initiative, drive and "outside of the box" thinking which any interviewer or company should be interested in.

I would especially draw attention to the entrepreneur side of things, such as building a llc/brand/company, negotiating contracts, networking at local meetups, contract scope of work development, etc if applicable. Align the skills you mention with the skills on the job requirements or posting similar to what @David Pere said.

David Pere · Answer

I don't see why it would hurt haha

Ryan Proffit · Answer

@David Pere I agree, I knew I would need to to quantify it somehow. One of the companies I am looking at has some positions related to real estate. Thought it would be good to throw it in.

Laura George · Answer

@Ryan Proffit

Unfortunately I still have a day job as an electrician. I tell everyone that I know that I’m all about real estate.  It will surprise you at how many people do what you do or want to do what you do and it will build a common bond with them. When you are trying to make friends or get hired or join the club so to speak you need common ground. When you go into a job interview and one of the people interviewing you asks you about real estate you will be comfortable talking with them and you may have some common ground. Four years ago I interviewed for my current position as a maintenance electrician for a huge automobile manufacturer.  I talked about real estate during the whole interview. I even told the interviewers that I would introduce them into real estate and help them along. They didn’t take my offer but they offered me the job.

Ryan Proffit · Answer

@Evan Polaski I have an 8 plex and do all of the things you mentioned. I just closed on it in November, but spent about a year trying to get the deal done.

David M. · Answer

@Ryan Proffit

Well, you are supposed to customize your resume for each job app.  So if it applies, sure.  Its just another business to add to your resume.

David Pere · Answer

@Ryan Proffit take this with a grain of salt buddy, because I've not crossed this bridge yet. My $0.2 is that you could weave it in as "X number of years experience in negotiation real estate transactions. X number of years sales experience as a real estate investor. blah-ze-blah marketing experience in order to yadda yadda" (you get the idea).

I think that could work. I think if you just say "REI guy" nobody will care, but if you spin the benefit, and don't emphasize REI it could definitely help.

Do you list REI in professional resume?

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