Résumés for college students looking for part time work
Dear Deb:
My daughter is in college at UNLV and applying for a part-time job at a local coffee shop. I offered to help with her résumé, but she insists that she only needs to complete an application. Is this true?
Linda M., Las Vegas, NV
Dear Linda:
Giving advice to teens and young adults is challenging for a mother. They don’t always appreciate a mother’s wisdom. In this case, I agree with you for a couple reasons. First, the unemployment rates in your area are higher than the average U.S. city. In this scenario, the unemployment rate for teens and college students is even higher because established adults out of work are taking entry-level jobs often held by the less experienced. So, the competition for the coffee shops, retail stores, and quick-serve restaurants is higher than usual in this market. The second reason is that she won’t get turned away for having a résumé in addition to the application. Instead, she may have the edge over someone without a resume because she will appear more professional and eager.
Another benefit of the résumé is that it prepares her for the interview. Most of her interview answers and talking points are right there on the résumé. While writing her résumé, she is studying for the interview.
If she does not believe you, show her this blog.
If you have a question for Deb, please email debra@careersdonewrite.com. The Ask Deb column appears every Friday on our blog at the Careers Done Write website.