Writing a Temp Job Resume – What You Need to Know
Seasonal jobs are for more than just teenagers! For many different reasons, most of us have had to pick up a seasonal job or temp work at one point or another. Although most people immediately see “seasonal work” and think of the retail sector during the holidays, seasonal employment is so much more than that.
If you’re looking for a seasonal job, you may think that resume writing is unnecessary. However, resume writing for temp jobs can be just as important as any other job. Whether it’s a high schooler looking for her first summer job or an experienced professional looking for some extra hours around the holidays, having a well-written resume makes you stand out from the pack.
In the digital age we live in, resume writing has become more important than ever. In the past, candidates often handed in paper resumes, and at the same time could make a good impression with the person they dropped it off with. Now, thanks to email, a business can get dozens of resumes through email or job posting sites within minutes, all while never putting a face to any of the names. In this type of environment, your resume needs to stand out from the pack.
So, how are you going to craft the perfect resume for a seasonal job? Consider these tips:
1. Emphasize the right experiences
All jobs have certain skills that are more important than others. However, with temp jobs, this can be even more pronounced. Usually, a company seeking a temporary hire needs an employee to fill a certain skill for a short period of time. If you aren’t the perfect fit for the job, they’ll hire someone else.
When writing your resume for temp jobs or even a resume for a temp to hire opportunity, make sure that you give priority to the experiences and skills that will matter the most to the sector you are applying for. This means that you’ll need to tweak your resume each time you send it to a new potential employer, unless all of the jobs you’re applying for are for the exact same position.
Consider taking certain jobs, skills, certifications, or volunteer efforts and finding ways to make them pop. How can you do this?
- Give a summary of the most important items. Give a brief summary of the most pertinent skills for the temp job near the top of the resume or on the cover letter.
- Utilize columns in your layout. A column on the right hand of the front page can be a useful tool to feature information.
- Use bold or italic fonts. Be careful, because these can be overdone. However, they can be a useful tool in drawing the eye where you’d like it to go.
2. Keep it organized
Resume writing for a temp job requires more than crafting something that is pleasing to the eye. It requires making sure that the potential employer can read and easily make sense of your resume. Using a clear format that includes bullet points and divided sections is a great way to accomplish this.
You can break your document into major focus areas that include your contact information, education, professional skills, and previous work experience. You may even want to devote a section to introducing the position for which you are applying and your reasons for doing so. No matter what you decide to include, these clear divisions, along with legible font and short bullet points, will showcase your experiences in the most positive light.
3. Edit, edit, edit
The key to any resume is making sure that you accurately communicate who you are to the company that is hiring. One key component of this that is often overlooked is the editing and proofreading process.
Even if you’re writing a resume for a temp job or a resume for a temp to hire job, the proofreading process can’t be taken lightly. Several careless misspellings or grammatical errors can make your resume look unprofessional. A lack of editing or a poor layout can also play a factor in making your resume a bad reflection on you. Utilize these tips to make the best corrections possible.
- Don’t rely exclusively on spellcheck. Even though it can be a helpful tool, spellcheck cannot catch certain misused words.
- Print your resume after writing the first draft. Many people find it easier to find mistakes on the printed page than on a computer screen.
- Give a draft to someone else to proof. You often will not catch all of your own errors. Consider using a trusted associate or resume service to assist you.
- Check names, addresses, and phone numbers. Make sure that information for references is correct so that there won’t be any issues with follow-up.
4. Utilize professionals that can help
Sometimes, you just need a professional to step in and help. When it comes to resume writing for temp jobs or temp to hire resumes, it can benefit you to find someone with the experience that will give you exactly what you need.
Resume Pundits specializes in premium, professionally-written resumes that are sure to get the attention you want. We give personalized service with the help of our team of dedicated industry insiders, so you can be confident that you’ll get exactly the resume you need. We deal with a wide variety of business specialties, including temp and seasonal jobs. Let us help you! Contact us to learn more information.
