[Alexandria Radio Club Reflector] Amateur Radio License on Resume?

[Stefano Fonda]

Todd, this is excellent food for thought, and I thank you for bringing it
up. Despite having a dormant resume because I haven't looked for a new job
in over 20 years, I've always kept it updated because even inter-agency
mobility requires some sort of business card to be presented to leadership
or Key Figures for being kept in consideration. I've always wondered what
image I'd project, considering that when I wandered around amateur radio
fairs in Italy with my wife, she always summed up our hobby with the image
of a mad, introverted scientist with glasses taped to the arms. I love her
just the same, because ultimately, she somewhat epitomizes the true image
of the average amateur radio operator at Ham Fairs in Italy. Having
overcome this misunderstanding, I've always let my desire to share how I
spend my free time prevail, exactly as Ian pointed out. And for this
reason, five years ago, I was chosen to take a job closely related to my
experience and my passion for radio. This is because I believe that Offer
and Demand sometimes intersect, and while you can't call it a "ham radio
mafia" (empathetically, between two equally matched candidates, I'd choose
the one with a common passion), I believe that HR is actually accustomed
(and resigned) to interviewing candidates so eccentric or apathetic that,
ultimately, someone with a tech-focused and socializing hobby might seem
like a better fit than others. So, yes, you're right, I think it's a good
asset.
73 de Stex
K4IEW // IV3EWO

Il giorno ven 22 ago 2025 alle ore 06:34 Todd Jenkins <
jjenkins13 at windowslive.com> ha scritto:

> So, I'm probably behind the curve on this but, I wanted to share a recent
> experience.
>
> Anyone with a resume posted on a website somewhere often fields phone
> calls from recruiters.  I'm not in the market for a job but, I took a phone
> call a few weeks ago and the job sounded interesting so I entertained some
> conversation.  I've spent 27 years in Satellite Communications and that's
> what the customer was looking for; however, the job description also
> mentioned general RF knowledge.  I mentioned to the recruiter that I've
> only really done SATCOM but, I AM a licensed Amateur Radio Operator so, I
> know a thing or two about RF.  He immediately asked, "Why is that not in
> your resume?"  I'd never thought about including my hobbies in my resume.
> So, I added it to my resume under "Skills and Certifications" as "Licensed
> Amateur Radio Operator: Extra Class" and submitted my application.
>
> Fast forward to yesterday evening, I took a video conference interview and
> the guy interviewing me was also a Ham.  We talked radio for 15 minutes of
> the 1hr interview and we had an immediate connection, exactly the kind of
> connection you want to make in an interview.
>
> No telling if they'll make an offer or if I'll accept but, I just wanted
> to mention this because I'd never thought of putting Amateur Radio in my
> resume.
>
> I'd love to see examples of how others incorporate their license into
> their resume.  Do you simply list it as a certification?  Do you expand on
> the different modes you operate in or mention contest and awards?  Club
> positions?
>
> /Todd, KQ5T
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