5 Ways to Improve your Workamping Resume

Having trouble landing your dream workamping job or any workamping job for that matter? The issue may lie with your resume. A resume is your initial introduction to your potential employer; it speaks volumes. The old adage rings true, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

Take some time to look over your resume by including these additions and modifications. You’ll be sure to stand out from the others on your next workamping application process.

Related Read: Workamping- How to Go Where You Want

Reorganize your Resume

Employers read through a number of resumes during the application process so it’s key to create a resume that stands out from the stack. This is vital when selling your skills and attributes to any company.

Your resume should reflect past work experience that mirrors tasks required for this new workamping job. Group these prior jobs together under your first major employment category, in chronological order, most current position held at the top. Be sure to include beginning and ending dates of employment for each. With our resumes, we typically title this initial section “Workamping Related Employment.”

We have included other employment, outside tasks required for that specific workamping job, in a separate section of our resumes simply labeled, “Other Work Experience.” Although not necessary, we feel that these jobs give the employer a broad view of our many skills, talents, and educational background. In some situations, this may open up more opportunities within the company.

My husband, for example, has an extensive work history with comedy/magic performances in Las Vegas. This work experience was included in his resume for a camp host position at a popular summer campground in northern Michigan. He was offered the job and later asked to create a family-friendly magic show to perform in front of hundreds of campers. His production was a success and he was also compensated for his performance.

Elaborate on Job Responsibilities

Emphasize job experiences related to the workamping gig. This is easy if you have worked similar jobs in the past, but If you are new to the workamping job (i.e., you have never worked in a campground as an office staff member) then listing prior jobs that involved similar duties and responsibilities is acceptable. In this example, you could elaborate on earlier work with customer service, computer knowledge, and utilization of office equipment.

Related Read: Workamping as a Park Host- The Pros and Cons

Whatever your job situation entails, when listing related workamping employment, be specific with job duties and responsibilities. If you worked with special software or recognized procedures, include them with each job description. Describe daily routines and equipment used to execute tasks. Special situations or circumstances that required specific training and education are equally notable, especially if they are relevant to the desired position in any form or fashion.

If you are going to use generalized terminology like “troubleshoot” or “implement”, be sure to use natural language to describe examples of these actions. For instance, if one of your listed past work experiences reads “...many situations included troubleshooting problems in and around RV park,” detail ways that you helped solve customer problems. One way to explain this generalization could be, “During the winter months, I helped park guests set up and insulate their hoses to prevent frozen water lines.”

Add Pictures

Many workamping employers will ask for a picture of anyone in your party applying for the position(s) and a photo of the RV. We always send two photos, one of us together, not necessarily a full body shot but a close up from our head to chest. A separate photo shows an outside shot of our RV and tow vehicle. Make sure that the photos are quality images and updated.

Considering that many workamping gigs cater to customer service and hospitality, employers want to hire workampers they feel represent their business as they deem fit.
There are many businesses nowadays that have certain restrictions on RVs like age and condition of unit.

Include a Cover Letter

A great way to interject a bit of your personality in your resume is with a cover letter. My husband and I each include a resume with any workamping gig, but we have one cover letter since most workamping jobs we apply for ask for couples.

We introduce ourselves in the letter and briefly include any prior experience with similar jobs. We explain our reasons for wanting to apply to that particular job. The company’s glowing reputation, a bucket list job, and location are typical incentives. In addition, we emphasize our willingness to learn new tasks, commitment to completing the season, and flexibility with scheduling.


Include References and Letters of Recommendation

References are last. A list of at least three references including name, relation and/or job status, and contact information is sufficient. These individuals should be reliable resources, are available and open to speak to employers about your work performance and commitment. If possible, obtain a letter or two of recommendation from past supervisors and/or coworkers. Not only are you claiming your capabilities, but you have others that can vouch for you, as well.

Final Thoughts and Considerations

Aside from these five revisions, one extra important practice when reviewing your resume is editing. Leave no room for error in the way of spelling mistakes and grammar. Workamper News, the leading resource in jobs for full time and seasonal RVers since the late 1980s, offers a simple checklist of dos and don’ts for both resume and cover letter. The list includes effective use of verbiage, organization and length of material, and focal points.

If you are wanting to improve upon your current resume format, there are a number of websites that offer resume templates like Hloom and My Perfect Resume. Some offer free downloadable forms.

Every workamping application process is different. Very few employers hire without a resume, photos, and/or references. It is always better to be overprepared. This not only shows your desire to shine during the application process, but a well polished resume lets the employer know that you take pride in your abilities and workload.