Need some ideas for resume

[Unosmom]

I'm applying for a job at a local animal hospital so I'm revising my resume a little and I have a question. I havent had a full time job in a while, usually work part time or do work study at school, so for this particular profession, its not very relevant. But I also have an un-official pet business, I would like to expand it at some point, and since moving I only have like 3 regular clients, but I'd like to put it on my resume so they'll see that I have animal related experience.

Would it be ok to put self-employed on the employment history?

Also, should I mention volunteer work on there as well?

[biancaDB]

Yes ! You can most definitely add yourself on there and have volunteer work at the bottom. That's what my animal-specific resume looks like and it's worked well for me :)

edit* I'll elaborate a bit more. Under Self I had dog/ cat sitting, dog walking, pet baby sitting, administering medication (to my own dog when he had cancer), etc!! Everything counts :)

[xellil]

Definitely. Not only does it show more experience, but it shows you to be motivated and a self starter.

most people (me included) have trouble praising themselves. Just tell them how wonderful you are and about every great thing you do.

[MollyWoppy]

For sure, it gives them a picture of the whole person you are, not just the academic side.
If I were interviewing for a position such as this, details like what you describe are exactly what I would be looking for. Where animal welfare and dedication are more than 'just a job'.

[Janet At Nutro]

I would list everything that could be related to the job.
The more experience the better, it will help make your resume stand out from the others.

[DaneMama]

Yes to both! But be short and concise, make sure that you'll provide many references as needed.

[frogdog]

Since this is a local animal hospital, absolutely...all animal related activities are important.

If this was for the corporate world...whole different story...could not list self-employed unless it was a legitimate business that could be verified by a standard background check by an outsourced agency like HireRight. All these activities would have to be listed in hobbies, interest...if you felt it was necessary.

Sorry to ramble...come from the corporate world and get in work mode.

[Unosmom]

Thank you everyone for the replies, its a very small holistic clinic, when I stopped by to drop of my resume, they actually had bags or Orijen and acana stacked in the lobby instead of SD, which is a welcome change.