We work all year round. The hustle starts from January and continues till the end of the year. It’s something we all look forward to. The thought of getting long holidays seems exciting.
But when these days arrive, we realize that they’re not just about rest. They bring their own kind of hustle. Even the time off is often a project you need to work on. We might think we’re away from work and not actively doing anything, but that’s not the case.
In managing multiple gatherings, meeting people, and more, we end up polishing many of our skills. The days off become training sessions for maximizing productivity. So, you might ask.
“How do I mention all this in my resume?”
If you’ve been trying to improve your job application game, these skills are the best way to do so. Here is how you can highlight your vacation skills on your CV
Holiday Skills That Combine Both Rest and Productivity
If you’ve been waiting for an opportunity to revamp your resume, this is your chance. The holidays are the perfect time to gain more abilities and experience. If you’re thinking these aren’t that valuable because you gained them over a break, you’re mistaken.
Here’s how you can highlight your vacation skills on your CV to make it stand out.
Time management
Vacation season is a time full of festivities. There’s always something going on, some party to arrange or even to attend. This is where your time management abilities come in. Make full use of them.
Here’s how you can phrase it on the CV
| “Coordinated many holiday events with tight deadlines” |
If you want to go into detail about the roles you took on, use the cover letter for that.
Customer support
The end of the year brings a lot of work, especially for people in retail and customer support. If you’re working in these roles, highlight them in your resume. Talk about how you managed to communicate with multiple clients at once and delivered satisfactory results.
This will show that you can work under pressure, which is something most employers seek in candidates.
Collaboration
Seasonal jobs always involve working with other people to achieve shared goals. Teamwork and collaboration are transferable skills that show your flexibility. Focus on how you coordinated with your peers and the results it achieved.
Here’s how you can phrase it on your CV.
| Holiday Project Organizer |
| Collaborated with a team of different professionals to organize an event.Effectively communicated with the members to ensure smooth operations. |
Problem solving
One of the most important soft skills you can have on your resume is decision-making or problem-solving. Seasonal jobs are the perfect chance to polish it. There is increased pressure and workload. If an issue arises, solving it immediately is a valuable skill.
Not sure how to write about it? Here’s an example to help you
| Problem Solving |
| Identified and resolved inventory-related discrepancies in the peak seasons Prevented stockouts and improved efficiency |
Management
This is a great soft skill to add to your CV. It is needed in a variety of roles. Much like project management, it increases the chances of getting employed. If you’ve managed any events over the break, mention it in your CV.
Here’s an example to help you phrase it professionally
| Event and project management: Gained through planning and coordinating holiday gatherings. |
If you worked any part-time jobs during the break that required this ability, highlight your vacation skills on your CV.
Now comes the real question:
“How do I gain these skills over the vacations?”
- Around 26% of people in the workforce say that they consider taking on temporary roles in their time off. They cite wanting income stability as one of the reasons behind it.
Here are some ways to make the most of your time.
- Seasonal Jobs
Many roles require more staff around this time of the year. Some of them include
- Retail services
- Restaurant staff
- Delivery jobs
- Event management
- Volunteer work
Doing volunteer work in the holiday season shows leadership, initiative, and time management. It also demonstrates community engagement, fostering empathy.
Here are some examples of voluntary work you can do
- Charity gift drives
- Animal shelters
- Food banks
- Personal Projects
There are many freelance projects you can take up over the break. You can also work on something different to gain new abilities, like tutoring or starting a small business. ProfessionalCV writers can help you phrase your experience in the best way possible.
- Learn More
Take short courses designed for short-term training. Participating in an online volunteer program is also a great idea. The skills you get from these experiences will be a valuable addition to your CV.
Commonly Asked Questions
– Aren’t short-term jobs bad for my resume?
Not seasonal ones if they add valuable skills to your CV. These roles are designed to be short, so don’t worry when talking about them.
– How do I describe my vacation skills without sounding unprofessional?
Try to use formal language in the bullet points. Quantify your achievements. Don’t mention that the events you managed were actually social gatherings. Make them sound like they were professional ones. Do the same with other roles.
- Can these abilities help with entry-level jobs?
Of course! They can be a great addition to your resume if you haven’t had much work experience. These will help in kick-starting your career as a professional.
– Will interviewers ask me about this?
Absolutely, especially since they’re short-term roles, but don’t worry, prepare before you show up for the interview. Make it clear that these were seasonal jobs intended for a short period.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, vacations aren’t just a pause button you hit at the end of the year. They’re the perfect opportunity to get new skills. The time you spend “off” from work can also be productive. All you have to do is make the most of it.
From handling multiple tasks to arranging events, there’s a lot you can learn from the festivities. So don’t take this for granted. With more skills in your resume, you’ll come back even stronger after the break.
Follow the mentioned tips to highlight your vacation skills on your CV. Remember, every experience counts. All you have to do is present it as it deserves. As you relax at home with loved ones, think about what you can learn in the meantime. Turning your holiday hustles into career strengths might just be the upgrade your CV needs.