Template and Examples for Discussing Resume Availability

It's important to highlight your availability to employers when writing a job application. Resume availability identifies the times and dates you're available to work. You can increase your chances of receiving job offers by learning how to write a resume that highlights your availability. In this article, we explain resume availability, when to include it on a resume, how to list it, tips to help you present it, and share a resume template and example.

What does resume availability mean?

When you write your resume availability statement, you include the dates that you're available to work. Your availability statement may include the date when you expect to start work. Employers use employee availability to plan and adjust schedules accordingly. As an example, if you're a student, you may only be available to work certain days and hours. Informing recruiters about your availability may be necessary for several reasons. For example, if the job description specifically requests it or if you know that there are certain days on which you cannot work.

Related: How to Answer "What Is Your Date of Availability?" in 5 Steps

When to include availability on your resume

You may find the following examples useful in understanding when resume availability is appropriate:

• You're currently employed: When you're searching for a new job and have a job currently, it's imperative to express your availability on your resume. This helps you give your current employer proper notice, and it also helps prospective employers envision when you can start working.

• If there are days or times, you can't work: It's important to specify your availability on your resume if you have another part-time job or personal commitments you cannot change. This allows you to save time and ensure you're only seeking opportunities that align with your schedule.

• You prefer certain days or times: To ensure a positive experience at work, it's crucial to outline your preferences when applying for jobs. For instance, if you prefer to work Mondays through Thursdays or prefer morning shifts.

• You're applying for seasonal work: Including an availability section on a resume is especially important for people who work seasonally or who are pursuing postsecondary education.

Related: How to Ask for an Internship (With Tips and Examples)

How to include your availability on your resume

The following are steps you may consider to determine how to list your availability on your resume:

1. Examine your schedule for potential conflicts

Examine your calendar to establish when you're available. Using your calendar, you can list those times or dates on your resume. This ensures you give employers accurate information. As an example, you may notice a family wedding during the last week of February that you plan on attending.

2. Determine the extent of your availability

It's not necessary to give specific dates and times for availability on your resume if you maintain a flexible schedule. You can provide a broad range of information about your availability during weekdays, weekends, and months. This is helpful if you want to keep your flexibility when scheduling a job with a prospective employer.

3. Put your availability at the top of your resume

By clearly stating your availability, employers can determine if you're a suitable candidate. You can list your availability directly underneath your name and contact information at the top of your resume. This makes your availability easily recognizable by employers.

Resume availability tips

Here are some key tips on how to make sure you use best practices when including your availability on your resume:

• State your availability briefly. Short availability statements help employers understand your schedule without getting distracted from the qualifications and experience that matter most.

• Set dates and times using bold text. When you bold your availability, it becomes more visible to employers.

• Keep details about your availability short. You save space and maintain a professional format on your resume by omitting the reasons for your availability on your resume. During interviews with employers, you can typically explain your availability in more detail.

• Concentrate on availability vs. unavailability. You can maintain a positive tone by focusing on the days, times, or general time-frames when you're available. This is particularly helpful if your availability is limited.

• Emphasize your availability again in your cover letter. A cover letter allows you to describe your resume in greater detail, including your employment availability. You may also include a reason for your availability in your cover letter.

Related: What Is the Standard Canadian Resume Format (With 7 Tips)

Resume template

Here is a resume template that can help you prepare your resume and list your availability:

[Full name]
[City, province, or territory], [phone number], [e-mail address]
[List your available dates and times.]

Professional summary

[In one to four sentences, summarize your experiences, motivations, and capabilities that make you an excellent candidate.]

Work experience

[Job title]
[Company name], [location], [dates of employment]

[Include a list of three to five bullet points describing your primary job responsibilities. Use three bullet points for previous roles and five bullet points for more recent positions.]

• [Job duties]

• [Job duties]

• [Job duties]

Education

[Academic qualifications]
[Name of educational institute], [location], [graduation date]

Skills

[List your relevant hard and soft skills relevant to the job you're applying for in three to five bullet points.]

• [Skill]

• [Skill]

• [Skill]

Certifications

[Name of certification]
[Name of issuing organization], [dates of acquisition]

Related: How to Use Resume Adjectives (With Examples and Tips)

Seasonal employee resume example

Here is an example of a resume for a seasonal employee:

Lisa Collins Toronto, Ontario,
123-444-6789
Lisa.Collins@e-mail.com
Currently available for seasonal work between April and September. Willing to work weekends and nights.

Professional summary

Hard-working and experienced in different fields. Effective leader with excellent organizational and prioritization skills. Capable of handling tasks with efficiency and accuracy. Rapidly learns various tasks and excels at maintaining positive customer relationships.

Work experience

Seasonal machine operator
Seasonal Operations Co., Toronto Ontario, 2018-Current

• Consulting with managers to determine what product to use in relation to shipping costs and deadlines

• Compile paperwork based on weights, sizes, machine hours and labour costs

• Handle forklifts that transport up to 2500 pounds per day

• Dismantling and assembling equipment to ensure cleanliness and prevent cross-contamination

• Work 60 hours or more per week to meet deadlines

Seasonal outdoor employee
The Outdoors Company, Toronto Ontario, 2012-2018

• Worked outdoors in a variety of weather conditions

• Maintained properties by operating different equipment

• Established effective working relationships with superiors, colleagues, and customers

Education

Bachelor of Science in aviation
The University of Learning, Ottawa Ontario, May 2015

Skills

• Judgment and decision making

• Active listening

• Negotiation

• Critical thinking

• Safety management

• Equipment maintenance and repair

• Environmental regulation

• Customer service

• Installation maintenance

• Machinery operation

Intern resume example

Here is an example of a resume for an intern:

Jacob Donaldson Ottawa, Ontario
112-223-4567,
jacob.donaldson@e-mail.com
Available to start after the 21st of February. My hours of availability are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Professional Summary

Sales and marketing intern with a history of building relationships with clients. Dedicated to reaching monthly sales targets. Capable of preparing and presenting marketing strategies. Knowledge of how to conduct polls and surveys to identify prospective customers.

Work Experience

Sales and Marketing Intern
The Marketing Company, Ottawa Ontario, 2021-Current

• Oversee and coordinate the activities of businesses and departments involved in the production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products

• Analyze financial statements, sales and activity reports, and performance data to determine productivity and goal achievement and determine areas for cost reduction

• Sell products to local businesses and raise brand awareness

• Take part in sales meetings by taking notes, providing feedback, and reporting to senior management.

• Compile contact lists using marketing databases, online sign-ups, and internal leads.

Sales Representative
Number One Sales, Ottawa Ontario, 2018-2019

• Assisted customers with inquiries related to quotes, orders, sales, shipping, warranty coverage, funding options, incentives, and tax rebates.

• Achieved corporate sales goals based on individual skill and experience.

• Analyzed e-mail campaign analytics to identify areas of improvement.

Sales Associate
The Sales Store, Ottawa Ontario, 2015-2018

• Provided recommendations, selected, and obtained merchandise based on customer requirements.

• Ensured understanding of current sales and promotions, payment and exchange policies, and security practices.

• Provided accurate information to enable customers to navigate store aisles and purchase goods.

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing
The College of Studies, Ottawa Ontario, May 2018

Skills

• Sales and marketing

• Persuasion

• Negotiation

• E-mail marketing

• Direct marketing

• Sales data analysis

• Social media marketing

• Social perceptiveness

• Media communications

• Management of personnel resources