Whether you're looking to work in an indoor swimming pool or at the beach, we're here to help you get your resume ready for any kind of wave.
Some people may think that lifeguard duties consist of just fun in the sun, but in reality, their jobs are much more serious than that.
Lifeguards are tasked with monitoring the water, whether a pool, the ocean, water parks, and other aquatic areas, and maintain safety at all times.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service are at a 1.1% growth rate, and there are over 113,150 current employment opportunities.
Even if you just work lifeguard positions in the summer, it is important to have a lifeguard resume, and we're here to help you with just that.
In this article, we're going to go over the 7 steps that will transform your resume from a regular resume to a gnarly one. Here's what we're going to cover:
Did you know there are multiple ways to format your resume? From including headshots to having a progress bar next to your key skills, there are many ways that you can format your resume.
As a lifeguard, you want hiring managers to focus on your experience, certifications, and what you can do for swimmers on a daily basis.
Tip: Even if you're only a lifeguard as a summer job, create a resume for the sole purpose of being a lifeguard.
Here are three ways to format your tour guide resume:
While the choice is yours, formatting your resume in a hybrid-style format is often the best way to show hiring managers who you are and what you've done without making your resume too lengthy.
Tip: Since hiring managers are receiving a plethora of resumes and applications for their job listings, it's crucial to make your resume stand out. Make sure to look over the posted job description and implement some of the details and keywords listed into your resume.
Take a look at our guide on how to format your resume if you want to learn more.
A resume summary is a 1-2 sentence blurb that summarizes everything your resume consists of. It's a quick and easy way to show hiring managers that you appreciate their time, which can help your resume stand out from the pile since not everyone writes one. You can also think of it as your elevator pitch.
Sometimes, it's difficult to summarize yourself in 1-2 sentences, but here are some elements you should always include in your resume summary:
Tip: Sometimes, it's easier to write your resume summary after you have already written your resume. That way, it's easier to pick and choose what characteristics to include.
If you're still stuck on how to write your resume summary, here's a good and simple example:
Current college student enrolled in Marine Biology seeking to help keep lives safe this summer in the water. Experienced lifeguard with 3 years experience and CPR certified.
Here's what your resume summary should not look like:
Lifeguard with 3 years experience working in beaches and swimming pools.
While this example may seem straight to the point, it doesn't give hiring managers an opportunity to be interested in going through your resume in depth.
Want to write the perfect resume summary? Our guide on writing resume summaries has tons of examples.
A lifeguard position is no easy feat. Therefore, having prior experience may be what helps you to get that lifeguard job on a nice beach or cool water park.
Tip: If you don't have experience, don't worry. As long as you are CPR/First Aid certified, you may be able to get an entry-level lifeguard position.
When listing your work experience, it's important to highlight the specifics you did on the job, and do so using good verbs.
Here are some examples of job descriptions you may be able to include in your lifeguard resume:
Tip: Show the work experience that is relevant to the job. Do not include your work experience from working at an ice parlor or a retail store as it does not apply to this position.
Want more tips and tricks on how to write your work experience description? Check out our guide on describing your work experience.
Working with people, it may happen that someone faints or is in need of saving. Being CPR/First Aid certified could bring your chances of getting the job higher, especially if you put that certification on your resume.
Certifications as a lifeguard show hiring managers that, if an urgent situation were to happen, you have the certifications and knowledge of how to address the situation and help the person in need.
Here are certifications that you should consider getting and adding to your resume:
Tip: AED Instructor Certified means you are certified to work with an automated external defibrillator. These are used to help individuals who are undergoing cardiac arrest, which can happen on the job.
If you're looking for more certifications to include in your resume or want to know how to correctly list them, check out our guide.
As a lifeguard, there are many key skills that will benefit your resume and help you land the job. Listing impressive and relevant skills gives hiring managers more reasons to hire you.
Here are some examples of key skills you can include in your resume:
Tip: You can even include skills such as multilingual to impress hiring managers.
Having trouble identifying your skills? We have a guide with 100+ key skills you can include in your resume.
As a lifeguard, you could be rewarded for your service. Including awards on your resume is a good way to show hiring managers that you are passionate about the job and a hard worker.
Here's what your awards section can look like on your resume:
Student Lifeguard of the Year
Jacob's Aquatic Center • 2020
Instructor of the Month
Florida Keys Swim Club • 2019
Tip: Be sure to include where you were awarded from and what year.
To become a lifeguard, you, at least, need a high school diploma or an equivalent certificate.
With that being said, it's important to list your education on your resume. Whether you've graduated or are still in school, this shows hiring managers that you at least meet the educational criteria.
Here's what adding your education to your resume can look like:
Florida International University
Miami, FL
2018 — Present
B.S in Marine Biology
GPA: 3.6/4.0
Coral Shores High School
Key Largo, FL
2013 — 2017
Don't know if to put your GPA on your resume? Take a look at our guide on adding your GPA to your resume, which includes tips and examples.
From the looks of it, there may have been more to your lifeguard resume than you originally thought, but these tips and tricks are sure to land you the job anywhere.
Here's a summary of everything we've discussed:
Following our guide, your resume will be ready for any body of water you decide to work in. Good luck!
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