Job application

[Former_Member]

I'm filling out a job application for the first time.. Do I add Etsy as work history? Would you?

[Former_Member]

I think it depends how many sales you've made and how long your shop has been open. In your case, I don't think I would.

I had a career counselor in college tell me not to put anything in my work history that was shorter than 1 year or if it was, it had better be meaningful.

[Former_Member]

I'm not sure about this. It has been suggested to me that a potential employer should be assured that this is only a side business and will not interfere with your job. It's a good question and I'm wondering what others think...

[Former_Member]

I wouldn't add it unless it had been a significant part of your life both time wise and income wise.

[Former_Member]

Okay. :)

[Former_Member]

I agree with Ashley. If it didn't generate some big numbers, your Etsy shop will be seen as a hobby. You should just add in the significant experiences and the ones that added up value to your job required skills. Don't forget to really read into the company/job profile and craft your CV accordingly :)

Good luck!

[WanderingJeweler]

Unless you are applying for a short term job that has no chance of becoming long term I would not include it. Actually scratch that, I wouldn't include it on any job application.
The last thing a future employer wants to hear in an interview or read on a CV is that you may be leaving after a short time working for them.

[LizzyLizano]

Perhaps list it under other skills. I mean it is pretty impressive what we all do here on etsy ;) good luck on the job!

[ThePlaidPineconeCo]

It helps to include it if your shop is relevant to the job you're applying for, such as for an art store.

[ThePlaidPineconeCo]

Any art supply store I mean, like Michael's or something. Managers love to hear that you're passionate and knowledgable about arts & crafts if it's relevant to your job.

But I would list it as a skill, not part of your work history.

[Former_Member]

Definitely list the skills you've developed from Etsy selling, especially writing, SEO and social media marketing (assuming you use Facebook, Twitter etc.)

[drudruchu]

I have mentioned it in job interviews before, because I'm applying to marketing related jobs and I don't have a whole lot of other job experience yet, so every bit helps. If I were to leave out everything under 1 year, my CV would have only 1 job on it, lol!
So far the people I brought it up to really seemed to liked it, it was all positive. I just use it to show them I'm truly interested in marketing because I spend my free time reading and learning about it too, using it for my shop.

Actually, the first time it was brought up was because the interviewer found my store by googling my name.. and I had never meant for her to find it. I didn't have any sales at that time, but still she was impressed just that I was doing this. In fact, she didn't notice that I hadn't made sales (they really don't look at our shop front the way we look at it ). Because of her liking it so much, I started bringing it up for other job applications.

[Former_Member]

Hey! So My resume has my business on it. Because I'm incorporated and have a tax exemption id number, I have my business as the top job on my new updated resume.

Depending on the job you're applying for, it can help or hurt you, although to be honest, I learned in my interviewing that telling them up front that I had a company was better than having them google me and seeing what comes up.

Also because I have my business as a business with growth and a detail of strategy I do for marketing, finance and product development it comes across as impressive.

So my answer is yes, if you can back it up and no, if it will come across as a hobby, but do let employers know that you are capable of taking on stress, development, creativity and all the other factors that go with having an Etsy small business.

Good luck!
Sara

[Former_Member]

A while back it was discussed and as mentioned above it was recommended that you not mention it on your application but if during the interview they ask about things you've done/doing that you are passionate about or make you stand out from other applicants then certainly mention it and ask if they are familiar with Etsy and what it is.

[thevicagirl]

I have mine listed, because owning a business and doing all the ins and outs of it is impressive. I have a friend who convinced me into it. He had some businesses of his own that is what helped him get the job he has. But I do agree, maybe yes for some and no for others. I have a couple of different resumes that I send to a couple different type of jobs.

[Former_Member]

Thank you everyone. I did decide to add it in my skills. If it comes in the interview I'll explain all it to them then. :) Thanks again everyone.