How to Write Availability on Your Resume

By Becky - March 29, 2023

Availability in Resume

Your availability to work depends on a variety of factors. You might be a single parent, a current student, or don't like working those traditional 9-5 hours.

And while several things affect whether or not an employer will hire you, your availability to work is sure to be at the top of that list. Here’s how to write down your availability without compromising your resume’s functionality.

Should You Write Your Availability on Your Resume?

Yes, if you require a unique set of work hours, it’s always beneficial to write your availability on your resume. So, if you can’t work on Sundays for religious reasons, are working another internship, are currently going to school, etc., include your availability within your resume.

If you can abide by the typical work hours set by the employer, there’s no need to waste space on a resume with your availability.

How to Write Availability on Resume When It’s Appropriate

1. Start By Understanding Your Needs

Before you write anything down, review your schedule. If you have days or shifts you can’t work, giving your employer free rein to schedule you how they want is bound to create problems when you land the job.

Instead, know when you’re not available. Things like “not being a morning person” or “that’s the night I hang out with my buddies each week” won’t cut it.

2. Figure Out the Company’s Schedule

Research to find out what shifts and days the company operates on before you start providing your availability.

This will allow you to see if you're a good match for the company in the first place. Since you know when they work, you can pick the time that suits you best and have answers prepared for counterarguments.

3. Write a Professional Resume

There is only one place you should write your availability on your resume. That’s at the end of your professional summary.

The professional summary is the short opening paragraph of your resume that aims to market yourself and hook the reader. Once you've given an overview of your educational history, job experiences, and relevant skills, tell them when you're available to work.

For example, let’s say you’re not available on Sundays. You would write that in the last sentence of the paragraph you’re using to hype yourself up but write it positively.

Instead of "I can't work Sundays," write "Available all shifts besides Sundays." This puts the positive, most flexible part of your requirement front and center while still getting your point across.

"54 percent of employers have rejected candidates based on their social media profiles."

— Topresume

Related Content

Professional Summary Examples

Example Summary #1

“Certified forklift driver with more than ten years of experience in warehouse distribution. Skilled in inventory techniques, management, and safety operations. Available to work weekend afternoons and night shifts.”

Example Summary #2

“Master's student in Business Administration with three years of sales experience at (company). Experienced in hitting sales goals and implementing new sales techniques within an organization. Available for full-time work after graduating on (date).”

Wrapping Up

Being honest about your availability is key to seeing long-term success. If you pretend to be more flexible than you are, you will become a problem for your employer in the future.

When it’s applicable, write your availability in the appropriate space at the end of your resume summary - making sure to highlight the positive aspects of your availability first, then let them know when you won’t be able to work.

We hope this helps, and best of luck in the job search!

Title: How to Write Availability on Your Resume

Category: Resume

Tags: how to write availability on resume, availability in summary, availability for work, what is your weekly availability to work, job application availability

Co-Author: Becky is a contributor for theJub. She’s a writing and talent acquisition specialist who loves to apply her skills through creative writing and editing.