How to write availability on a resume

This article is recommended for individuals near the beginning of their careers

Introduction

After years of experience in the recruitment industry, I can't stress enough how vital it is to skilfully showcase your abilities and work history on your resume. There's one often underestimated element that holds a lot of weight: the details of your availability.

Getting across your availability in a resume holds the key to helping potential employers grasp your work timetable and gauge if it aligns with their needs.

In this blog post, I'll walk you through how to write your availability on your resume.

Analysing your availability

Before you begin, take a moment to assess your schedule and figure out the exact time frames you are available for work. Consider the following factors:

Full-time or part-time availability: Are you looking for full-time employment or part-time opportunities?

Weekly availability: Outline the specific days and times you are available to work.

Shift preferences: Do you have any preferences regarding morning, afternoon, or evening shifts?

Flexibility: Indicate whether you are open to occasional overtime or weekend work, if applicable.

Choose the appropriate section

Including your availability on a resume primarily depends on the format and structure you have adopted. Here are two common sections where you can include your availability:

Objective Statement: If you opt for an objective statement at the beginning of your resume, you can mention your availability briefly in a single sentence.

Cover Letter or Additional Information: Alternatively, if you prefer to expand upon your availability, you can incorporate this information in your cover letter or under an "Additional Information" section of your resume.

Be clear & concise

When getting across your availability, it is important to be precise and avoid ambiguity.

Use straightforward language and consider including the following details:

State whether you are available for full-time, part-time, or contract work.
Specify the days of the week you are available and the corresponding hours.
Mention any shift preferences or flexibility you have.
If applicable, provide a start date or any notice period required before you can commence employment.

Examples

To help you better understand how to express availability on a resume, here are a few examples:

Example 1: Objective Statement

"Objective: To obtain a full-time position as a Marketing Coordinator, available to start immediately and work Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m."

Example 2: Additional Information

"Additional Information: I am currently seeking part-time opportunities and am available to work on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. I am also open to occasional weekend shifts."

Adapt to the job posting

Tailor your availability to align with the specific requirements mentioned in the job posting. If the posting mentions specific days or shifts, make sure to address them in your resume.

This customisation shows your attention to detail and increases your chances of being considered for the position.

Conclusion

Communicating your availability on a resume is important for prospective employers to understand your work schedule and see whether it aligns with their needs.

By carefully analysing your availability, choosing the appropriate section, being clear and concise, and adapting to the job posting, you can present your availability in a professional and compelling manner.

Remember, including this information on your resume will help you stand out among other candidates and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

For another perspective on this topic, I encourage you to read SEEK's article on how to discuss availability on your resume.

Good luck!

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Are you looking for a job?

Now that you understand how to write availability on a resume, you should take a moment to check our current vacancies page.

At 11 Recruitment, we have a range of white-collar temp and perm jobs available. We're always on the lookout for top talent to place with our clients, so we encourage you to apply for any positions that are of interest.

If none of our current vacancies are right for you, you should register for job alerts. Then we’ll be able to notify you when we receive a position that matches your profile.

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