Should he mention that he was formerly a priest?

093

Dear Joan:
I am a former Catholic priest, originally from Europe, now living in Milwaukee. In job interviews, I never mention that I was a priest, or the ministry work I did. Instead, I emphasize the social development work that I did. My question is this; is it better to say that I was a priest so that I could better explain my work with people? (I am in a human service profession). My fear is that it would be harder for me to get a new job if the interviewer knew my background, especially if he/she were a Catholic. How about the resume? I include my philosophical and theological background but nothing from my ministry work.

I always enjoy reading your articles in The Journal. I find them very helpful.

Answer:
For every thousand interviewers, there are a thousand prejudices. As an employer goes through a stack of resumes, he or she is looking for any reason to screen out applicants.

It may not seem fair, but it is reality. Although good interviewers struggle to remain objective at all times, they are still human. Like you and I, their own backgrounds, experiences and values influence them.

Because you are in a human service profession, you will have no trouble drawing from your experience as a priest. It's the work you did not the title you held that matters.

For your interviews, prepare in advance short descriptions of the results you achieved. Use "sanitized" language that is translated for the interviewer's understanding. For example, parishioners could be "clients;" sermons could be "presentations." You must also possess a wealth of experience in things like coaching, counseling, promoting, conflict resolution, financial management, hiring, facility management and so on. Your goal is to be evaluated by your skills, not who you were. However, don't get caught with egg on your interface. If an employer asks you pointed questions, you may want to be prepared with an honest, yet positive, reply about your past.

Prepare and rehearse a brief explanation that will put to rest any fears the employer may have. For example, "Yes, I did work as a priest. In fact, my leadership role in that job honed my counseling (or whatever) skills to a high degree. Since leaving that profession, I have used these skills very successfully in other areas of my life and no one ever guesses that I was a priest."

For your resume, use whatever language is appropriate for the field to which you're applying. Because you can't be there to sell your skills in person, you run the risk of being screened out before you get a chance to open your mouth. Because of this, you may not want to mention things in theological terminology.

You may also want to put your European background in a positive light. Depending on the position and company or agency to which you're applying, you might want to say, "exposure to many cultures has broadened my ability to understand and communicate with a variety of people." Your people skills will be of great value to any organization. Good luck in your job search. 

Savvy Negotiation Strategies to Get Paid What You’re Worth on a New Job (Detailed, 8-page PDF by email – no shipping charge)
Easy, Step-by-step Guide to Using the Internet to Land a Great Job (Detailed, 10-page PDF by email  – no shipping charge)
The Resume That Opens the Door and the Interview That Gets the Job (Detailed, 37-page PDF by email – no shipping charge)