Should Wikipedia Editor Be Listed as a Career Entry?
As a skilled Wikipedia editor, deciding to include my experience in the profession on my resumé comes with unique considerations. For many roles, listing Wikipedia editing as a career entry might be risky. However, for those who value unique and valuable skills, Wikipedia editing can significantly strengthen a candidate's resume and career prospects.
Reasons Not to List Wikipedia Editor on the Resume
There are several reasons why some might argue against listing Wikipedia editor as a career entry:
Incidental Negative Perception
For the majority of job applications, having Wikipedia editing experience may not matter. However, over 50% of jobs might view this as a minor negative, primarily due to the potential for misuse and the rarity of experienced editors.
Experienced Wikipedia editors are rare, and companies’ Wikipedia pages often suffer. My current company's page is rated C-class at best. If a company requires editing their Wikipedia page, it could lead to a conflict between my professional responsibilities and my desire to uphold the editor community's standards.
Turf Wars and Misunderstandings
My involvement in making the company's Wikipedia page better might lead to internal conflicts. If the company wants to make certain changes and I have to explain why they won't be accepted, it could create a tense situation. Such a conflict could harm my relationships with editors and my job.
Reasons to List Wikipedia Editor on the Resume
Despite the risks, there are compelling reasons to list Wikipedia editing as a career entry:
Engaging Job Interviews
Interviewers often find Wikipedia editing experiences fascinating. It's a unique skill that sets candidates apart. Recruiters are usually intrigued and willing to learn about it, making for engaging and memorable job interviews.
Demonstrating Digital Competence
Employers across industries are looking for candidates who are digitally adept. Wikipedia editing demonstrates technical and digital competency, which is highly valued in today's job market. Students from the Wikipedia Education Program who used their assignments in their resumes have landed digital jobs they weren't initially qualified for.
Valuing Transparency and Open Knowledge
Having a background in open knowledge reinforces respect for the principles of transparency and public access to information. This is especially important in intellectual work environments where knowledge hoarding is frowned upon. This mindset aligns well with many modern organizations that prioritize open workflows and collaboration.
Understanding Broad Audiences
Editing for a global audience helps develop the ability to write for broad audiences, a skill highly valued in today's social media-driven work environments. This understanding is essential for any professional looking to communicate effectively in a digital ecosystem.
Proactive Leadership
Wikipedia editing also demonstrates proactive leadership in sharing knowledge. It shows that you are committed to and knowledgeable of the conventions of collaborative writing. This proactive attitude can be attractive in employers who are looking for rounded candidates with diverse experiences.
Conclusion
Whether to list Wikipedia editor as a career entry depends on the job and personal circumstances. For roles that value unique skills and transparent knowledge practices, it can be highly beneficial. However, for many others, it might be safer to leave it off. The key is to be strategic and selective about which experiences you highlight in your resume to align with the values of the organization to which you are applying.
Remember, each line on your resumé should contribute to the broader narrative that paints a picture of a well-rounded, proactive, and competent candidate. As with all career choices, it's important to weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks and to be prepared to articulate the value of your Wikipedia experience.