Winter break is a great time to catch up on rest and recharge, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to level up your resume and start preparing for your future career. Whether you’re just starting out in your program or you’re preparing to graduate, using your winter break wisely can help you stand out to future employers. From internships to side gigs, volunteer work, and online courses, there are countless ways to gain experience and expand your skillset—without compromising on relaxation.
Building a strong resume isn’t just about cramming it with accomplishments; it’s about proving that you can apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to the real world. In this blog, we’ll walk you through several ways to build your resume during winter break, from hands-on work experience to valuable online courses.
Why Winter Break is the Perfect Time to Build Your Resume
While it’s tempting to lounge around and binge-watch your favourite shows, using your time effectively during winter break can set you up for success in the coming year. Here’s why winter break is an ideal time for resume-building:
1. More Free Time to Explore Opportunities
Unlike during the school year when your schedule is packed with classes, assignments, and exams, winter break gives you the perfect chance to explore career opportunities without the pressure of school. Whether you’re looking for an internship, side gig, or just want to expand your knowledge through online courses, you have the time to dedicate yourself to gaining new skills or gaining practical work experience.
2. Competitive Advantage in the Job Market
Many students graduate with a degree but lack practical experience, which can make it harder to land their first job. The more you can do during your winter break to enhance your skillset, the more competitive you’ll be when you start job hunting. Employers love seeing students who are proactive and use their breaks to gain experience and develop new skills.
3. Focused Learning Without Distractions
Winter break is often less stressful than the academic term, so you can dive into projects, tasks, or learning opportunities without the usual distractions of classwork and exams. Whether you’re completing a course, gaining work experience, or doing freelance work, this focused time can allow you to fully dedicate yourself to building your resume.
5 Ways to Build Your Resume During Winter Break
Let’s look at some of the best ways to make the most of your winter break and improve your resume at the same time.
1. Apply for Internships
Internships are one of the best ways to gain real-world experience in your field, and winter break is a great time to start an internship—whether part-time, virtual, or short-term. Many companies offer winter internships that can last anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. These opportunities allow you to apply what you’ve learned in your classes to real-world problems while getting a glimpse into the day-to-day operations of a business or organization.
Where to Find Winter Internships:
- Job Boards: Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn are great places to start your search. Many companies post internship opportunities for the winter months ahead of time, so be sure to apply early!
- School Career Centre: Many universities and colleges have career services that post internship opportunities, both paid and unpaid, specifically for students.
- Networking: Reach out to alumni from your school or professionals in your field. Networking can often lead to internship opportunities that aren’t advertised.
Benefits of Internships:
- Gain industry-specific experience
- Build connections and expand your network
- Develop key skills that will make you more competitive in the job market
- Increase your chances of securing a full-time job post-graduation
2. Take on a Side Gig
Side gigs are an excellent way to gain transferable skills and boost your resume during winter break. Whether it’s freelancing, working in retail, or doing remote customer service, side gigs offer you the chance to gain valuable experience while earning some extra cash. A side gig shows that you’re proactive, adaptable, and willing to work hard, qualities that are highly valued by employers.
Types of Side Gigs to Consider:
- Freelancing: Platforms like Upwork or Fiverr allow you to offer services like writing, graphic design, social media management, or website development. Freelancing is a great way to build a portfolio and gain experience in your chosen field.
- Retail or Hospitality: Working in a retail or customer service job during winter break can give you valuable people skills, time management, and problem-solving experience.
- Remote Jobs: Many companies offer remote positions that allow you to work from the comfort of your home. These could include virtual assistant roles, customer support, data entry, or digital marketing.
Why Side Gigs Matter:
- Learn how to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- Gain real-world work experience, even if it’s outside your field
- Develop customer service and communication skills
- Build a portfolio if you’re freelancing
3. Volunteer Your Time
Volunteering is a fantastic way to build your resume without a paycheck. Whether it’s working at a local charity, organizing events for a non-profit, or helping out at a community center, volunteering allows you to demonstrate a commitment to giving back while gaining skills that employers will value.
Volunteering Opportunities:
- Local Non-Profits: Many organizations need help with tasks ranging from event planning to marketing and outreach. Find a cause that you’re passionate about and offer your time.
- Professional Associations: Some industries, such as communications, marketing, or finance, have professional associations that offer volunteer positions to students. This can help you make connections within your field while giving you experience.
- Virtual Volunteering: If you’re unable to volunteer in person, there are virtual opportunities where you can help non-profits with social media, website maintenance, or writing grants.
Benefits of Volunteering:
- Strengthen your professional network
- Gain transferable skills like project management and teamwork
- Make a meaningful impact in your community
- Enhance your resume with diverse experiences that show you’re dedicated and socially responsible
4. Take Online Courses and Certifications
Another way to improve your resume during winter break is by completing online courses or earning certifications. Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and edX offer courses in virtually every field imaginable—from tech and business to marketing and communications. You can take courses in everything from data analysis and project management to digital marketing and financial planning. Adding these certifications to your resume will show employers that you are committed to continuous learning and self-improvement.
Where to Start:
- Coursera: Offers university-backed courses in various subjects. Some certifications are free, while others require a fee.
- LinkedIn Learning: Provides a large library of short courses aimed at improving business, creative, and technology skills.
- Udemy: Features a wide range of affordable courses that allow you to learn at your own pace.
- Google Certifications: Google offers free certifications, such as the Google Analytics and Google Ads certifications, which are highly recognized in the industry.
Why Online Courses Matter:
- Demonstrate initiative and a willingness to learn
- Gain specific skills relevant to your career goals
- Enhance your resume with recognized certifications
- Learn at your own pace, making it flexible during winter break
5. Network and Build Professional Connections
Winter break is the perfect time to connect with professionals in your field. Whether it’s reaching out to people you met at networking events, joining professional organizations, or connecting with alumni, building a network can help you find future job opportunities and internships.
Networking Tips:
- LinkedIn: Connect with professionals in your industry. Send thoughtful messages to people you admire, or ask for advice on how to break into the field.
- Informational Interviews: Reach out to individuals whose careers you admire and ask if they’d be willing to chat with you about their experience. This can give you valuable insight into your career path while building a professional connection.
- University Alumni Networks: Many universities have alumni networks where you can connect with former students who are willing to offer advice or even job opportunities.
Why Networking Matters:
- Opens doors to job and internship opportunities
- Helps you get advice and insights from professionals
- Builds your reputation and visibility in your chosen field
Tips and Tricks for Nailing Your Resume and Cover Letter Writing 📄
Now that you’ve put in the work to build your experience over winter break, it’s crucial to effectively showcase it on your resume and cover letter. A well-crafted resume and cover letter can make all the difference in getting noticed by recruiters. Here are some tips to help you stand out from the crowd:
1. Tailor Your Resume to Each Job Application
One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is using the same generic resume for every job application. To increase your chances of landing an interview, customize your resume for each job you apply to. Highlight the experiences and skills that are most relevant to the position.
Pro Tip: Use keywords from the job description in your resume. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter applications, so using the right keywords can help your resume get through the initial screening process.
2. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Duties
It’s not enough to list your job responsibilities; employers want to see how you made an impact. Instead of simply stating what you did, focus on what you accomplished. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate the value you brought to previous roles.
Examples:
- Instead of saying “Managed social media accounts,” say “Increased social media engagement by 30% over three months through targeted campaigns.”
- Instead of “Assisted customers,” try “Resolved customer inquiries and complaints, achieving a 95% satisfaction rate.”
3. Keep Your Resume Clean and Concise
Recruiters often spend only a few seconds reviewing each resume. A cluttered or overly detailed resume can be overwhelming and difficult to read. Keep your resume to one page (or two pages if you have extensive experience) and use bullet points, concise language, and clear headings to make it easy to scan.
Formatting Tips:
- Use a clean, professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica.
- Stick to a font size of 10-12 for the body text.
- Include clear section headings (e.g., “Education,” “Experience,” “Skills”) to guide the reader.
4. Showcase Transferable Skills
Even if you’re applying for jobs outside your major, focus on showcasing transferable skills that are valuable across industries. Skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management are highly sought after by employers and can set you apart, even if your experience is not directly related to the job you’re applying for.
5. Perfect Your Cover Letter
Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and demonstrate why you’re the perfect fit for the job. It should complement your resume, not repeat it. Here’s how to craft a compelling cover letter:
Cover Letter Tips:
- Personalize: Address the letter to the hiring manager by name if possible. Avoid generic salutations like “To Whom It May Concern.”
- Grab Attention Early: Your opening sentence should be engaging and relevant. Mention what excites you about the role and the company.
- Tell a Story: Use your cover letter to tell a story about a project or experience that demonstrates your qualifications. This adds personality to your application.
- Close Strong: End your letter by reaffirming your interest in the position and expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity to interview.
6. Use Action Verbs and Power Words
To make your resume and cover letter more engaging, use strong action verbs like “achieved,” “developed,” “implemented,” “managed,” and “optimized.” These words demonstrate confidence and show that you’ve actively contributed in your previous roles.
Examples of Power Words:
- Spearheaded
- Collaborated
- Streamlined
- Boosted
- Innovated
- Mentored
7. Proofread and Edit Thoroughly
Spelling and grammar mistakes can quickly get your resume tossed into the “no” pile. Before sending out your application, double-check for typos, formatting errors, and inconsistencies. Have a friend or family member review it for you, or use tools like Grammarly or Hemingway to catch any mistakes you might have missed.
Pro Tip: Read your resume and cover letter out loud to catch awkward phrasing or areas where you can improve clarity.
8. Include Relevant Online Profiles
If you have a LinkedIn profile, portfolio website, or GitHub account (for tech roles), include these links at the top of your resume. This allows employers to see your work and accomplishments beyond what’s listed on your resume.
Final Thoughts on Building a Standout Resume During Winter Break
By using your winter break to gain experience through internships, side gigs, volunteer work, or online courses, you’ll not only have more to include on your resume but also develop skills that will serve you well in your future career. Remember, your resume and cover letter are your first impression with employers, so take the time to craft them carefully. Highlight your accomplishments, showcase your skills, and demonstrate how you can bring value to their organization.
Spend your winter break wisely—you’ll thank yourself when you start landing interviews and job offers in the new year!
Dante