How to Write a Gallery Attendant Resume (With Example)

By Indeed Editorial Team

Published November 7, 2022

The Indeed Editorial Team comprises a diverse and talented team of writers, researchers and subject matter experts equipped with Indeed's data and insights to deliver useful tips to help guide your career journey.

Gallery attendants assist in running art galleries and museums. Using their knowledge and passion for art, they help visitors to the gallery appreciate the pieces on display. If you're considering applying for a gallery attendant position, it's essential to write a resume highlighting all the attributes you possess to succeed in the role. In this article, we define what a gallery attendant is, detail how to write a gallery attendant resume in six steps, provide a template for your future reference, and outline an example to illustrate the resume for this position.

What is a gallery attendant?

A gallery attendant works at an art gallery and assists the director in operating the gallery. Gallery attendants are usually responsible for the day-to-day operation of the gallery. The tasks that they're responsible for might include:

opening and closing the gallery
performing clerical and administrative tasks
promoting the gallery's current and future exhibits
monitoring the artwork and keeping it safe
planning gallery events
ensuring the gallery is clean and tidy
running the visitors' kiosk
greeting visitors and answering their questions
maintaining the gallery mailing list

The position is often entry level, with the responsibilities sometimes expanding to incorporate specific tasks requiring knowledge of the art world. These tasks might include conducting guided tours of the gallery pieces or leading a discussion group on a particular artwork or exhibit. Generally, those in this position have a formal education that includes a degree in an art-related field. The skills that employers seek in a gallery attendant include photo editing software competency, creativity, research ability, communication, and professionalism.

How to write a gallery attendant resume

Follow these steps to learn how to write a gallery attendant resume:

1. Study the job posting

Before doing anything, study the job posting, as it provides information regarding what the employer is looking for and the necessary skills and experience to succeed in the role. There are usually keywords that the employer uses when describing their desired candidate. It's good practice to incorporate these keywords into your resume. They're likely to be words that the employer is scanning the resumes for or, if they are using an applicant tracking system, result in your resume scoring higher.

2. State contact details

The first section of your resume states your contact details, specifically your name, e-mail, and telephone number. A number of candidates also include the city in which they live. Use a font and size that's easy to read when adding your information. Your name and details are how the employer identifies and distinguishes you from other candidates. Additionally, the employer can only contact you to advance your application if they can contact you, which is why this section is essential.

3. Add a professional summary

A professional summary contains 2 to 3 sentences that highlight the key aspects of your background and the skills relevant to the position. It illustrates you can handle the responsibilities and duties of the role. As this is often an entry-level position, knowing what to include in this section can be challenging when you have limited experience in the field.

If this is the case, consider the courses you've taken and the experience you gained while completing your qualification. Also, include relevant aspects of any voluntary work you've completed. It's often easiest to leave this section until last and write it once the other sections in your resume are complete. This helps give you an overview of your strengths and skills that are the most relevant for the position.

4. Detail your work experience

The key to the work experience section of your resume is relevance. It's important to include your relevant work experience and not just list every job you've had. Try to focus on the jobs that illustrate the experience the employer has requested in the job posting. For each job, list your job title, the employer, and the dates you worked with the organization. Include 3 to 4 key responsibilities for each position. It's important to focus on the duties that show you've got the experience to succeed in the job in the posting.

If you have any specific achievements or an employer recognized your contribution while in the role, include this as the final point. If you're entering the industry, having just graduated, you're unlikely to have much relevant experience. When you have limited experience, you can include volunteer positions and internships in this section.

5. List relevant skills

In this section, detail the skills you possess that are relevant to the role. The job posting is your guide for this section. Try to use the same language when describing your skills as the employer has in the job posting, as these are the words they're looking for as they scan the candidates' resumes. When incorporating the keywords and skills, ensure that you possess the skills you include. For example, in the position of gallery attendant, these skills might include communication, time management, customer service and creativity.

6. Detail educational qualifications

The final section of your resume sets out your educational qualifications that are relevant to the position. List your qualification, the date of graduation, the qualification, and the institution responsible for granting the qualification. Include your key achievements when completing your training. If you've completed certifications, this section is where you incorporate them into your resume.

7. Review your resume

To ensure that your resume is well-written and professional, review the contents before using it. This helps to make sure that there are no typos or errors in the resume and that it reads as you might expect. Poor grammar and spelling may create a poor impression on the employer, so avoid them in your final product. This helps to emphasize to the employer your professionalism and attention to detail.

Gallery attendant resume template

Here's a template for a resume for a gallery attendant position that you can use as a reference in the future:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[phone number] | [e-mail address] | [City], [Province or territory]

Professional Summary

[2 to 3 sentences that highlight years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications and achievements as a professional.]

Experience

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]

[Company Name] | [City], [Province or territory]

(strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome, or quantified results
[job duty]
[job duty]
[job duty]
[job duty]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]

[Company Name] | [City], [Province or territory]

(strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome, or quantified results
[job duty]
[job duty]

Skills

Education

[Degree and major], [Name of school or university]

[Certification name], [Host organization] – [year completed or expiration date]

Gallery attendant resume example

Here's an example of a gallery attendant resume to illustrate how to incorporate all your key information into your resume:

Stuart Malcolm
Prince George, BC | smalcolm@email.com | +1 362 937 2937

Professional Summary
Passionate art lover looking to turn my love of art into a career. Strong customer service background with excellent oral and written communication skills. Proficient in commonly used photo editing packages and other industry software.

Experience
Gallery Attendant, July 2019–Current
Calgary and Ontario Art History Museum, Calgary, Alberta

providing independent research relating to artists, and participating in curatorial discussion groups
assisting in frame selection to match pieces and placement of the art within the museum
opening the museum, maintaining a presence in the museum, and responding to any visitor queries
researching and curating upcoming exhibitions
providing administrative assistance to gallery director

Volunteer, June 2018–July 2019
Prince Rupert Art and Media Centre, Prince Rupert, British Columbia

maintaining the mailing list for the centre
guiding visitors throughout the centre and explaining the pieces
researching the different pieces on display

Education
Bachelor in Art History, University of Prince Edward, Ontario