My husband & I recently retired & live full time in our 40' MH. We are interested in volunteering or working part time as hosts, light maintenance, etc.
Is there a specific way to put together a resume for this type of work?
Is there a site that I can see a sample of the resume?
The few times we've needed a resume, we used a standard resume format. However, while these were jobs we did while full-time RVing, they were not campground jobs. Bob submitted a resume when he applied to work on a tourist steam train, though I don't think it played a big part in the hiring process. After I was offered a job as editor of the magazine for an RV club, they asked for a resume to put on file. Again, after Bob and I were hired to work in a transportation museum, we were then asked to fill out job applications and, I think, to submit resumes, as well. So, in our case, although some employers wanted resumes to put with our employment files, the formatting really didn't matter.
When we have worked at campgrounds or RV parks, we've never used a resume. They've never asked for one before or after we started working.
A resume is a helpful tool for you to take to a job interview or to use when filling out job applications. Even if you don't actually give it to the prospective employer, it is a handy way to have all your information organized and gathered together. How else can you remember the dates and contact information of your past work history and experience?
As for samples, I'll see what I can find. In the meantime, other workcampers, will you post the resumes that worked for you? Chime in here and let Mike know if you used a special workcamper resume or how you did yours.
Retired by: JPdelPozo
I'm a retired Federal Agent who has extensive training in anti-terrorism! I don't think any resume that I'd likely come up with would be applicable. Yes, being a home owner caused me to learn framing, sheet rocking, painting and lots of other DIY things. Having building street rods as a stress relief caused me to learn many other things as well. I taught weapons to lots of women, sort of a powder puff type thing, but really, wor a "Work Camper" resume, just how would I go about it? I'm at a loss!
Thanks for any idea anyone may have!
Jon
Resume When Changing From Career to Workcamping by: Coleen, the working while RVing editor
Hi Jon,
My first thought is that you'll probably never need a resume. If you are looking for campground jobs or seasonal tourist positions, they likely will just want to visit with you. Some may ask you to fill out an application.
If you are thinking of high tech jobs, or something that requires a professional degree or experience, then your traditional resume still works.
However, I'm guessing you are now looking for something more casual. Here's what I suggest:
Start with a paragraph that gives a bit of your background and what you are generally looking to find -- and why. Something such as this:
"I am a retired Federal Agent with years of anti-terrorist training who is ready for a change of pace. I'm now looking for a position where I can use the skills I've learned from owning a home for the past 28 years. I'd also like to put to use the mechanical skills I've gained from my street-rod building hobby. I'm seeking a part-time position working at a campground, preferably in maintenance, but open to doing other things. After years in a tense environment, I'm looking forward to a position at campground where the campers relax and have fun -- and where I can help to make sure they do."
After that, have a "Skills and Abilities" section and an "Experience" section. An easy way to do it is with bulleted lists. List those things you said you learned from being a home-owner. I know diddly about building street rods, but, I'm sure you can parley that experience into work skills.
Campgrounds always have things that need fixing or remodeling. They also have equipment that needs preventive maintenance. Do you mow your lawn or trim your hedges? Can you do basic restroom cleaning? Are you an ace at backing up trailers into parking spaces? If you are willing to do those things, list them.
The things you list on your resume depend not only on what you can do, but on what you want to do, and what you are willing to do.
For example, instead of doing park maintenance, maybe you'd prefer to work at a state park splitting your time between working in the visitor's center and leading groups of school kids on interpretive tours. In this instance, play up your teaching skills and experience with leading groups. Note your security clearance. Do you have kids or grand kids that give you experience with children? If so, that's relevant.
At the end of your resume, be sure to put your contact information.
Keep it to one page. Neatness and spelling do count!
