For the past 8 years I have been a full-time student and volunteer.  I had my resume professionally written twice and no luck.  I have been on a many interviews where they comment on the same thing:
"You haven't worked in 8 years"...."Volunteer work is not work"...."In the future do not list volunteer positions on your resume".... and the big question "Why haven't you done anything in 8 years"

Well, personally I think I have been doing things but oh well....

In 8 years I have earned an Associates (General Studies), BS in Economics, MBA in Management and Strategy, and a BS in Accounting.

I volunteered for those 8 years as well.

Elementary School (4-15 hours a week) 2009- present
--Mainly did language arts and math but also organized recess games during the spring recesses and accompanied all the field trips for grades K-3

College (about 10 hours a week) 2005- present
--Subjects included calculus series, econometrics, statistics, data analysis, supply chain management, strategic management, rick management, financial analysis, early and medieval history, philosophy, and decision analysis.

Non-profit organization (about 10-20 hours a week) 2004-2011
--Redesigned website, cleaned facility, prepared for meetings, landscaping, snow removal, assisted with application process, and prepared grant proposals.

This is not how I have it presented on my resume.  The "professional" writers fluffed it so much it doesn't sound like something I did at all. 

I am just really tired of people telling me that I didn't do anything during this time frame.  Before this I worked 2 years at seasonal jobs (4 companies total) so now I look like a job hopper that is unemployable.  From 1990-2002 I worked in retail management and food service management.  I really do not want to go back to a sales position if I can help it.  I love the business side of things rather than the sales side.

Any advice on how to present this so it looks like I actually did something?

Hi beenlookingforever,

I'm sorry to hear that employers are suggesting that you haven't done anything for the last 8 years, as that's clearly not even remotely true. Have you discussed the activities and education that you described here, and are still getting the same response?

One of the issues could be that your resume isn't accurately representing these activities. I suggest revising your resume so that it reflects what you actually did. If possible, contact your resume writer and explain that you feel the information is too "fluffed" up and that you need modifications. Most writers offer a satisfaction guarantee and want the resume to be accurate.

As you are targeting a business-related position, focus on the business-related accomplishments from your volunteer work. For example, I wouldn't mention cleaning the nonprofit's facility, but would emphasize grant writing, meeting prep, web design, and other business-related tasks and accomplishments.

I hope you decide to make some revisions to your resume, and that employers realize how much you've accomplished over the last 8 years!

It's interesting that my reply was deleted along with another one. I suppose either Kim or monster doesn't like it when we recommend other websites that are free and useful.

Since both responses were respectful and had useful information, I can only conclude that Monster does not want meaningful conversation.

Hi crystaldc099,

Thanks for your feedback. We welcome and encourage meaningful conversation, but all posts need to comply with the site's Terms of Use. Feel free to post your ideas here, keeping in mind the board's terms of use.