How to Write a Ski Instructor Resume/CV

1) Where are you applying?

Example of Canadian Chronological Resume
Make sure you can get a work permit for the country you are applying to. Most newly qualified instructors get working holiday visas. Different countries expect specific CV formats.
Canadian companies will be looking for a simple chronological resume, and it isn’t unusual to be just 1 page long.
UK companies expect a short profile of the candidate, followed by a summary of skills and a chronology of work and education – they even expect some leisure pursuits there.
Applying to Japan? Japanese employers like to see accomplishments, educational history and certificates/licences. It is standard practice to have your photo on your application or CV/Resume.

2) What job are you applying for?

Applications should be tailored for each job role, there is no such thing as a standard CV. Most ski and snowboard instructors spend half the year teaching and half the year working elsewhere, so you need to spend time developing a dedicated Instructor resume for winter jobs.  You can still prepare your CV/Resume structure before that specific job comes along.

3) Include a cover letter

A cover letter or email should always be included – this is where you can shine. Research the company and resort, show your enthusiasm for it and outline why you want to work there and what qualifies you for the specific job. Study the job description and link your experience and skills to the role.

4) Every experience counts

If you are newly qualified and applying for your first instructor’s job, include your Winter Sports Company course in your education or work experience section. The hours you spent shadowing is valuable experience that others may not have. (When shadowing you have worked with a qualified instructor).  If you have any experience in other instructor roles, include these – as it is relevant to the job role.

5) References

Job-relevant referees are best, however if you don’t have work references use school/college tutors. Always ask for permission from your chosen referee(s) before you submit contact information – if you know you’re applying for jobs, ask referee(s) in advance and have their details ready.

6) Other Tips

• Before you start on the application process check that:
  • You have looked at your social media site(s) and ensure that there are no inappropriate comments or photos.  Remove any that you don’t want a future employer to see.  These days many employers look at these to establish what type of person you are.  Also, employers have to check that you will be safe working with young or vulnerable people (safeguarding is a ‘hot topic’ these days for employers).
  • What you think is a ‘cool’ email address might be seen as unprofessional or even offensive to others.  Perhaps it is time to change your email address.  A simple name@——–.com will do.
  • If you are going to include a photo on your CV, get it sorted early on.  There are no prizes for ‘pulling funny faces’ and the background needs to be plain just like a standard passport photo, although it’s good to look friendly.

 

• A CV should be no longer than 2 pages.  It should be well set out, there are lots of websites that have great examples.  Be truthful, you can easily be caught out if you tell ‘fibs’ however small …
• Save as a PDF, if possible as it looks professional, but only if you have set it out well in the first place.
• You don’t need to put your gender or date of birth on your CV.
• A cover letter should be between half to a full page of typed A4.  Don’t waffle …
• There is no need to attach the cover letter as a separate file, but if you create the letter directly onto the email, save as a draft, it is easy to send before you are ready to send it.
• Proofread and check all spellings very carefully.  Does your letter make sense?  If possible, it is advisable to get a friend/family to read your CV and letter before sending it.
• Are you travelling or applying from a different time zone? Let the employer know, they will understand and should schedule an interview that works for you.

 

Now you have a perfect CV, it’s time to look for snowboard or ski instructor jobs.
Already a level 2 instructor – then check out our level 3 internship in Canada.