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Resumes for Jobs with Flexible Hours

As we wind down from the Independence Day weekend, let’s celebrate freedom of choice! Recent surveys have found that 80% of U.S. workers would turn down a job that does not offer flexibility with hours and location of work.

Choosing a Job and Career with Flexibility

If you want a job with flexible hours and/or location, the best way to start is by choosing a career and industry where flexibility is the norm. Jobs in that category include freelance and consulting jobs, jobs in the trades (plumber, electrician), many medical jobs (psychologist, private speech pathologist), and personal services (personal trainer, massage therapist, interior decorator, and photographer).

The second best way of obtaining flexibility is by staying in your current position long enough to gain credibility. If your company has a flexible hours/location policy—or would be open to creating one—you can ask your manager for permission to try that arrangement.

In any case, avoid applying for jobs where the job posting clearly state that you are expected to work the hours listed at the location listed. Trust the job posting; it means what it says.

Writing a Resume That Emphasizes Flexibility

If you are already working in flexible jobs, either through a temporary staffing agency, independent contracts, or simply a penchant for moving on, here are ways to strengthen your resume for the next job:

  • On your resume, use a heading like “On-Call Secretary” or “Software Consultant,” then list your premier projects and clients under that title, to avoid confusion over multiple engagements that might overlap.
  • Provide details about your accomplishments so that hiring managers and recruiters can trust that you will bring value (not just a breathing body) to their business.
  • Make sure your accomplishments show your reliability and commitment to deadlines, quotas, and other metrics that the company expects you to meet regardless of your schedule or location.
  • Are you prone to working for a while, then taking time off? That can be a benefit if you use your time off to acquire skills, knowledge of the world, or connections. But never lie.
  • State in your resume or cover letter—wherever it makes the most sense—that you are willing to travel if flexibility of location is a big plus for you.
  • Make sure you define what “flexible” means to you and to the company during your job interview. For example, some companies define it as “no overtime” and others as “set your own hours as long as you meet deadlines/quotas.”

If you are struggling to put together a resume that lands you a position with flexible hours and location, please contact Robin’s Resumes®. We can help.

5 Important Soft Skills

“Soft skills” are people skills—they are always in high demand at every level of an organization. You may demonstrate your soft skills at every stage of your job search, from the first time you revise or write your resume to the final interview. What soft skills are companies looking for?

  1. Communication. One way to show that you are a good communicator is to make sure that your resume looks and sounds professional, without spelling and grammatical mistakes. Another way to demonstrate communication skills is through examples of achievements that involved talking across departments, helping customers, or leading a team. Finally, a good communicator will be able to talk comfortably with hiring managers and recruiters. If you feel week in any of these areas, it may be time to hire a professional resume writer, join Toastmasters, or take volunteer positions that will help you hone your communication skills.
  2. Flexibility. The achievements on your resume should show that you accept new ideas, new managers, and new approaches to work. Your ability to survive a merger, take on a new role, or implement a change in process or technology are all examples of your flexibility.
  3. Problem-solving. Almost every company or nonprofit runs into a road block at some time, whether it is lack of resources, high turnover, lack of training, or some other problem. Your achievements should include examples when you were aware of problems and helped solve or surmount them.
  4. Organization. This soft skill is apparent in the way your resume is organized. It is also apparent in the way you organize your job search: Did you research the companies where you are applying? Have you kept accurate records of where you sent your resume? When recruiters and hiring managers interview you, are you ready with relevant questions and information?
  5. Delegation. Your achievements should demonstrate your ability to delegate to increase efficiency and productivity.

Your decision to use a professional resume writer like Robin’s Resumes® shows your ability to recognize great communication, take a flexible approach to your job search, solve problems in your resume, organize your job search, and delegate. We will make sure the achievements on your resume reflect your strong soft skills. Contact us today.

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