You may think a resume is a resume—the same standard document submitted no matter the job for which you’re applying. But a resume submitted as part of an application for a part-time job can be tailored in such a way that it gives you a better chance of landing that part-time job, says career coach Hallie Crawford. And while the nuts-and-bolts remain the same—you’ll still pack this piece of paper with relevant experience, specific skills, and customized keywords—subtle changes will help you stand out. Here’s how to write a resume specifically for a part-time job.
State the employment you’re seeking in your summary. At the very top of your resume, in your summary, Crawford suggests clearly stating that you’re searching for a part-time job. “Stating that you specifically want a part-time job inside of your summary statement—and why you want that—avoids confusion later on in the hiring process,” she explains, and also opens you up to other part-time opportunities within the same company.
Tailor your resume to the specific job. Crawford says one of the most important things you can do for any resume—including one for a part-time job—is to make sure it’s relevant to the specific job you want. “Tailor your resume to the job you are applying for, using the specific keywords mentioned in the job listing along with an example showcasing that keyword,” she says. In your experience section, she also encourages you to make sure your bullet points highlight tasks and skills that would be relevant to part-time work: the ability to prioritize tasks, time management, and managing multiple projects, for example.
Highlight your versatility. In addition to choosing relevant keywords from the job description that show you’re a perfect fit for the role, you’ll also want to more generally show your versatility, Crawford advises. “A part-time job may require a little more flexibility and versatility than a full-time job,” she points out, “so you will want to highlight this on your resume—with measurable results where possible.” A measurable result is something you can quantify, such as the number of sales you increased in a set time period, or how much customer satisfaction improved when you worked in a department.
Pay attention to formatting.“Just because the job is part-time doesn’t mean it’s less important,” Crawford warns, “so make sure to pay attention to detail, following proper formatting, and proofread your resume for any errors.” Even better? Ask a trusted friend or family member to read your resume over before you send it in. They can spot errors in grammar and spelling, or make suggestions for improvements.
Highlight your soft skills. If you’re seeking a part-time job because you’re still in school or a recent graduate, you may not have a lot of experience or hard skills to include on your resume. That’s OK! Instead, Crawford suggests that you focus on your soft skills, “things such as volunteer work, speaking other languages, and extracurricular activities that highlight needed skills for the position can help [your] resume stand out,” Crawford says. (It’s a smart idea to include a few soft skills even if you do have lots of experience, and you can read how to identify them in this handy guide.)
I love to research and I’m very organized. I’ve worked in retail which is enjoyed. I wish I could find a job that allowed me to have more time with my son.
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