QUESTION: After being laid off, I took a part-time job just to get by. This position has absolutely no relationship to my career. Should I include it on my resume?

ANSWER: Barring disreputable activities, almost any temporary job looks better than an employment gap. The fact that you are working not only conveys motivation and initiative, but also shows that someone wanted to hire you. Additionally, this employer can serve as a reference for your character and work ethic.

To clearly convey your professional identity, start your resume with a specific objective statement and a list of skills. When describing the stop-gap job, don’t waste valuable space explaining all your duties. Instead, just provide a brief overview, then give a detailed description of your more relevant positions.

If you have an established background in your field, interviewers should easily recognize that this part-time position was just the quickest path to a paycheck. Including a brief explanation in your cover letter or e-mail would still be a good idea.

Marie G. McIntyre is a workplace coach and the author of “Secrets to Winning at Office Politics.” Send in questions and get free coaching tips at www.yourofficecoach.com, or follow her on Twitter officecoach.