Should I list seasonal jobs on my resume?

I've worked several seasonal jobs during my high school years, and I'm wondering if they should be included on my resume. Do colleges care about these kinds of experiences, or would it be better to focus on something else?

Including seasonal jobs on your resume can certainly be beneficial to your college application. Admissions committees value work experience, even if it's seasonal, as it demonstrates responsibility, maturity, and time management skills. Furthermore, depending on your role, you might have gained skills in customer service, teamwork, or problem-solving, all of which are transferable skills appreciated by colleges.

While including these job experiences, remember to describe the tasks you performed and the skills you gained in a concise and clear manner. You should highlight any significant accomplishments or responsibilities that align with the qualities that colleges value, like leadership, initiative, and creativity.

However, since space is often limited in the Activities section of your application, make sure to prioritize what you list. Your most significant experiences should be prioritized, ones in which you made a tangible impact or demonstrated growth and initiative.

For example, if you worked as a lifeguard during summers, don't just list it as "Lifeguard." You could write: "Seasonal Lifeguard, County Pool: Effectively ensured the safety of up to 50 swimmers daily. Trained 10+ new hires in emergency protocols."

In conclusion, seasonal jobs are valuable to include on your resume. Yet, make sure that they don't overshadow other experiences that may better demonstrate your skills, passion, and fit for your chosen field of study or the college you're applying to.