When to put your availability in a resumé
When you’re on the hunt for a new job, most hiring managers like to know when you’ll be ready to start and what type of schedule you’re after. Including your availability in your resumé provides them with a clear picture of your situation, so they can determine whether you’re a good fit for their immediate needs.
In this article, we cover what you need to know about including your availability on your resumé, as well as exactly what to add, and where to put availability on a resumé.
What does availability mean on a resumé?
Availability on a resumé can refer to a number of different aspects that all relate to when you can work. In some cases, noting your availability on your resumé involves including the dates and times you can work during the week, but it can also refer to the date you’re available to start a new job.
Alternatively, it can also refer to your openness to accepting different work arrangements, whether that be full time, part time, remote or casual. As long as you’re clear about your availability on your resumé, there shouldn’t be any confusion.
When to discuss availability on your resumé
There are several different ways to list your availability depending on the job or industry. Here are some tips on when and how to write availability on your resumé.
If you’re currently employed
Most jobs require you to give a notice period if you’re planning on resigning from your role. With this in mind, it can be worth including your availability on your resumé to provide an idea your notice period.
For example, you could consider including something along the lines of:
Available after [date] with a four-week notice period.
If you can, it may also be worth including that you’re open to discussing an earlier start date if your current job allows it. Often a line like, “Open to discussing earlier start dates” is all you need to write.
If you have a specific preference for your work schedule
If your current schedule only allows you to work specific times or days, then you could include a note in your resumé that highlights your preferred work schedule, e.g “Full time, Monday–Friday.” or “Part time, available Tuesday–Friday.”
If you’re open to negotiation, you can consider adding a phrase like, “Open to discussing flexible work arrangements.”
If there are days or times when you cannot work
You can include resumé availability to mention any limitations or recurring unavailability, e.g. “Unavailable on Wednesdays”. If possible, it may be worth offering alternative work arrangements, but only if you’re able to commit to them, like “Available to work remotely on certain days”.
If you have a specific end date in mind for contract work
When it comes to contract work, you should specify your desired contract length. For example, “Available for a 3-month contract”. That way, the employer will be able to quickly determine whether you’re the right fit for their company’s needs. You can also add your openness to contract extensions by adding a line like, “Open to discussing long-term opportunities”.
How to include dates of availability on a resumé
Your availability on your resumé should be clear and concise, making it easy for the hiring manager to understand with no confusion. Here are a few tips on how to write availability in your resumé.
Review your schedule to determine when you’re available
Before listing your availability on your resumé, take into account your current commitments and ideal start date. Consider the full range of factors, including your notice period, personal obligations and desired work schedule flexibility before finalising your availability.
Place your availability at the top of your resumé
It’s often a good idea to have your availability at the top of your resumé, near your contact information. This allows hiring managers to pick up this important piece of information straight away.
Keep it short
There’s no need to go into great detail when listing your availability on your resumé. Instead, you’re much better off keeping your availability statement concise. Focus on the details, like your start date or preferred work schedule.
Bold the date and time to highlight availability
To make sure your availability statement stands out, it can be a good idea to use a bold font. Once again, this helps recruiters and hiring managers easily identify your start date or schedule preferences.
Don’t provide reasons for availability
There’s no need to justify your availability or provide explanations for your preferred schedule. It's enough to state when you’re available to start a new role and your ongoing work schedule preferences.
Focus on available dates instead of unavailable ones
Rather than listing unavailable days or times, frame your availability in terms of when you can work. This will have a more positive impression and it’s easier to understand.
Consider including availability in your cover letter
If you submit a cover letter, include your availability and then reiterate this information again on your resumé. You can use your cover letter availability to elaborate more on your flexibility or willingness to negotiate start dates, if applicable.
Example of availability dates for your resumé
Here are a few different examples of how you can detail your availability on your resumé based on the employment type.
Full-time work
As a full-time employee, you will likely need to provide your current employer with notice before you can terminate your contract. Here’s an example of how to detail this in your availability:
Available after [date], with a two-week notice period.
Part-time work
Similarly, if you currently work part time, you might not be available for an immediate start. Here’s an alternative way you can include your availability:
Available to start from 13 June 2024.
Contract work
As a contractor, you may have availability for a specific period of time. By highlighting this in your resumé, the hiring manager will be able to quickly determine whether you would be a good fit for the contract on offer. Here’s an example of how to include this in your resumé:
Looking for work between June and September.
Including your availability on your resumé lets hiring managers know when you’re free to start work and what your preferred schedule is. This can help make you a more attractive applicant to potential employers, especially if your availability lines up with the requirements of the role. Follow the above tips on how to put availability on a resumé to help you communicate your availability without creating confusion.
FAQs
Should I include my availability if I’m unemployed and ready to start immediately?
Yes, if you don’t have anything stopping you from starting a new job straight away, be sure to make that clear to the hiring managers looking over your resumé. “Available for an immediate start” is the perfect way to make it clear that you can start straight away.
What format should I use to express my preferred work schedule (e.g., full time, part time)?
If you’re looking for a particular type of work schedule, then it’s often worth noting this in your availability on your resumé. You can include a note that says “Part-time work preferred, but open to a full-time position”. That way, the hiring manager is aware of your preferences but knows you’re flexible enough to consider other options.
Is it okay to mention a specific desired start date on my resumé, even if it’s a few months away?
If you’re not available to start a new role until a certain date, you should mention this on your resumé. Even if your future start date isn’t for another few months, highlighting this in your availability helps hiring managers understand your circumstances and whether or not you’d make a good fit for their needs.
How can I address limited availability due to ongoing commitments in a positive way?
When addressing limited availability, you should focus on the times or days that you are available rather than focusing on the times you can’t work. This presents your availability in a positive light and is often more concise than listing times you can't work.
I’m freelance and open to various project lengths. How can I best show my availability on my resumé?
As a freelancer, your schedule differs from those of salaried workers. If you’re looking for a way to highlight your flexibility when it comes to projects of various lengths, you could include a note like this: “Interested in ongoing freelance opportunities and open to both short- and long-term projects.”
Should I include my availability on my resumé if the job posting doesn’t mention it?
Yes, it can still be worth including your availability on your resumé, even if it’s not specifically requested in the job posting. It lets the hiring manager know whether you’d be available when they need you.
What if my ideal start date is flexible? How can I best represent my availability on my resumé?
If you don’t have a specific start date or it's flexible, you can highlight your flexibility. For example, “Willing to adjust start date to suit client needs” highlights your flexible availability when it comes to beginning a new role.
Is there a difference between including availability on a resumé and in a cover letter?
Regarding including your availability on your resumé, it’s important to keep the statement as short as possible. There’s no need to provide an explanation or go into detail. However, if you’re including your availability in your cover letter, you have more space to go into more detail, if you feel it’s relevant.
I’m applying to jobs in different time zones. How can I adjust my availability on my resumé?
If you’re applying for a role in a different time zone, it’s important to communicate your ability to work across various time zones and your flexibility in scheduling. In the availability section of your resumé, include a sentence that reads, “Open to working across different time zones”.
How do I indicate availability in a cover letter?
You can briefly mention your excitement for the role and touch on your flexibility early in the letter so hiring managers can quickly pick up on your availability. Then reiterate your availability and express your eagerness to discuss the role further in the interview in the closing paragraph of your cover letter.
