Boost Your Resume by Lifeguarding
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If you’re like many high school and college students, you want a job that not only pays but also looks good on your resume. Internships and summer classes are great for learning and experience, but there’s nothing like taking home a regular check for your hard work. Luckily, lifeguarding offers the best of both worlds. As a lifeguard, you can have the flexibility of a part-time job, while gaining valuable experience that looks great on your resume to future employers or college applications. Need proof? Here’s what employers will know when they see “Lifeguard” on your resume.
You take initiative and follow through.
Lifeguard training only takes a few days or weekends to do, but that’s more than some jobs require before you start. When employers see “Lifeguard” on your resume, they know that you’ve taken the time to schedule and receive important training, and that you’re willing to put in effort and time to learn how to do the best job possible.
You’re responsible and can manage your time.
This may sound like a no-brainer, but when employers see that you’ve successfully held a job, they know they can count on you to show up, be on time, and manage your schedule. On top of that, as a lifeguard you’ll have a number of daily tasks in addition to being at your station, such as bringing out equipment or testing the water. You can use these daily routines as examples on your resume to highlight that you’re a responsible employee who can multi-task and handle every part of your job, from the small stuff to the big stuff — because all of it’s important.
You’re a good communicator.
As a lifeguard, you get to talk and interact with all types of people, from children and adults in the pool to your coworkers and managers. Every interaction requires a slightly different approach. While you may not realize it at the time, after a summer spent as a lifeguard, your communication and “people skills” will improve. And your future employers will appreciate your polished customer service and experience working with a variety of people.
You’re a team player.
Each day as a lifeguard, you work with other lifeguards on duty to make sure the pool is running efficiently and that all swimmers are safe. Employers like to see that you’ve worked in group settings where you have to collaborate to get the job done. After all, few jobs today are a one-person show — most require teamwork.
You’re a leader.
In addition to building teamwork skills, being a lifeguard gives you an opportunity to develop leadership skills. Knowing when to step in and take charge versus when to sit back and observe is a skill that not everyone develops in a first job. As a lifeguard, you don’t just wait to receive orders — you take action, prioritize, and make many decisions yourself. Kids look up to you, and as a role model, you can set good examples and impart important lessons to young swimmers.
All of this may sound like pretty serious stuff, but with all the fun you’ll have working outside, meeting new friends, and getting a tan, you might not even realize you’re acquiring these skills — on top of a steady paycheck. Interested? Check out American Pool’s Guard for Life website to learn how to train, apply, and get started.