Resumes for Part-Time Jobs
If you need to get a part-time job, you'll need a resume just like with any other job application. |
Before you do anything else, draft a "master resume" that includes absolutely everything you've done in your work history and every skill you possess. Include even those elements that are irrelevant to the position you're currently interested in. Out of this comprehensive list, you can pick and choose the skills and qualifications that are applicable to the specific company you are applying to, custom-tailoring each resume in this way.
Keep your resume simple and short. It shouldn't exceed one page and should only include relevant experience to the part-time job you're applying for. If you have 10 years or more of experience, your resume may extend to two pages, but keep in mind that each resume only gets a few minutes of the resume reviewer's time so you don't want to clutter it with too many items.
You're not going to get the job if you treat it as something that's not important. |
It isn't necessary to include references directly on your resume. Just be ready with some upon request. Choose people who would give positive confirmations of the qualifications listed on your resume and let them know ahead of time that they may be contacted.
One thing that an employer will always want to know is what hours you're going to be available for and whether or not you could move directly into a full-time position if one becomes available. This is something that will be addressed in the interview so don't worry about including this information in your resume. The important thing is to show your potential employer that you can handle the job.
It's a good idea to write your resume as if it's NOT a part-time job that you're applying for, but a full-time job. This is because you want to show your potential employer that you would take the position seriously, even if your main focus is school or another endeavor.
Another point to remember is that your potential employer will be reading a lot of resumes and yours will need to stand out from the crowd. Therefore, keep it short, sweet, and succinct. List skills in bullet format so they're easy to read and see.
Finally, if you get a call, make sure you go to your interview with the right attitude. You're not going to get the job if you treat it as something that's not important. You'll want to show a good attitude through to the end, and it all starts with your resume.