Knowing how to write availability on a resume can help job seekers connect with opportunities that fit their schedules. Employers often look for candidates who clearly state when they can start or what hours they are able to work.
Clear communication about availability can improve chances of landing interviews and receiving job offers. This article will cover simple ways to show availability on a resume, along with helpful examples for different situations.
1) Include your available start date at the top of your resume.
Adding your available start date at the top of your resume helps recruiters know exactly when you can begin working. This step can save time in the hiring process and makes it easier for employers to match you with openings that fit your schedule. It’s a simple way to show you’re ready and organized right from the start.
Place your availability statement after your contact information. This can be done with a brief line such as, “Available to start July 15, 2025” or “Available immediately.” By being clear and direct, you help employers quickly understand your timing. RoboApply’s AI resume builder lets users add this information with one click, streamlining resume updates for all job applications.
Here’s a full example of how to format this at the top of a resume:
Jane Smith
janesmith@email.com
(555) 123-4567
Chicago, IL
Available to start July 15, 2025This approach keeps your resume clean and ensures your availability is seen early by hiring managers, as suggested by career experts. It’s a practical step that can help set your application apart—especially when combined with tools like RoboApply that boost efficiency and accuracy.
2) Use a clear availability statement in the professional summary.
Adding a clear availability statement in the professional summary tells employers when the candidate can start work or what kind of schedule they are seeking. This approach saves time for both sides and can make an application stand out during the screening process. Placing this detail at the very top of a resume makes it easy to find and shows the candidate is straightforward.
Here is a full-length plain-text example of a professional summary with an availability statement that is ready to copy and customize:
“Dedicated administrative assistant with 3+ years of experience supporting office operations. Strong skills in scheduling, communications, and document management. Available to start full-time work immediately. Excited to bring attention to detail and excellent organizational ability to your team.”
To make the process even easier, RoboApply’s AI resume and cover letter builder can help users add custom availability statements with just a few clicks. This helps ensure clarity and avoids missing important details that recruiters expect to see. For more ideas on how to phrase a professional availability statement, visit this guide on how to write your work availability on a resume.
3) Specify full-time, part-time, or freelance availability.
When writing a resume, it helps employers know the type of schedule you want. State clearly if you are available for full-time, part-time, or freelance work. This makes it easier for hiring managers to see if your availability matches their job needs. A clear statement removes confusion and shows you meet the basic criteria for the job.
For example, place your availability in a “Summary” or “Additional Information” section. Be direct and specific so employers don’t have to guess. Here is a plain-text example:
Availability: Open to full-time and part-time positions. Can start as soon as needed. Also available for short-term freelance projects.
Most job postings are looking for someone to fill a certain schedule. If you match their need, you’re more likely to get called for an interview. If you’re flexible, mention that too, because it can help your application stand out. Use a simple, honest statement that fits your situation—don’t over-complicate this part.
RoboApply’s resume builder makes it easy to select and update your availability in your document. Its interface also suggests phrases to make this information clear and professional. Choose from options like “Available part-time,” “Seeking full-time employment,” or “Open to freelance.” This saves you time while ensuring your resume matches what employers expect to see.
For more detailed guidance, tips on format, and other examples of how to list your availability, visit this advice on how to present your availability on your resume.
4) Mention preferred working hours or shifts.
Stating preferred working hours or shifts on a resume can help avoid confusion and save time for both the candidate and employer. If someone is only able to work mornings, evenings, nights, or weekends, it makes sense to say so. Being specific is useful, especially for jobs with multiple shifts or flexible scheduling.
RoboApply’s resume builder allows users to easily add a “Availability” or “Preferred Shifts” line in the resume header or under a separate section. This makes the information clear and organized for recruiters.
Here is a practical example that can be copy-pasted into a resume:
Availability: Monday to Friday, 8 AM – 2 PM
Preferred Shifts: Morning only; available for weekend shifts with prior notice
Ready to start immediately
This simple statement communicates what the applicant is looking for. It keeps the process smooth for both sides and shows professionalism. For more on how to show your availability on a resume, use tips that keep details short and clear.
5) Highlight flexibility for evenings or weekends if applicable.
Employers value candidates who can work a flexible schedule. If someone is available for evenings or weekends, it should be stated clearly in the resume. This helps employers quickly see if a candidate can match their scheduling needs.
Adding this information is simple. Place it in the resume’s summary, a separate “Availability” section, or near the end of the document. This makes expectations clear and avoids confusion during the hiring process.
A tool like RoboApply can help make sure availability details are presented professionally and are easy to find. RoboApply’s templates and AI suggestions ensure flexibility is communicated in plain language and is not overlooked.
Here’s an example line a candidate could put in the resume’s summary or in a special “Availability” section:
Availability: Available to work evenings and weekends as needed. Open to a flexible schedule to support business demands.
This line is direct, easy to understand, and ready to copy into any resume. For more information and sample formats, see this guide on how to write availability on a resume.
6) Note willingness to work overtime or on-call.
Candidates should state their ability to work overtime or on-call if the job may require it. This shows flexibility and dedication, both of which are valued by many employers. Adding this detail on a resume makes it easier for hiring managers to see that the applicant is prepared for nontraditional schedules or last-minute needs.
Mentioning readiness to work extra hours is especially important in roles that often require overtime, such as healthcare, retail, or technology. It’s also helpful for jobs with rotating shifts, busy seasons, or urgent projects. Being clear about this availability can set a candidate apart from others who do not mention it.
A simple and direct way to do this is by adding a line under the availability or skills section, such as: “Willing to work overtime and on-call shifts as required.” For extra impact, candidates can use RoboApply’s AI resume builder to polish this section, check for grammar, and ensure it fits with the rest of the resume.
Full Example (copy-and-paste ready):
Availability Willing to work evenings, weekends, overtime, and on-call shifts as needed to meet company and project deadlines.
Candidates can customize this statement using RoboApply to meet the specific demands listed in the job description or industry expectations. Some roles may require more detail, while others need only a short line to make expectations clear.
For more industry-specific advice about overtime policies, see the guidance on working overtime in big corporations.
7) Indicate remote work availability if relevant.
Let employers know as soon as possible if you can work remotely. Listing your remote work availability on your resume shows flexibility and increases your chances of matching with companies open to hybrid or offsite roles. This is a simple but important detail, especially if applying for jobs outside your area or roles labeled “remote.”
Remote work preferences can be included in your resume’s header, summary, or a dedicated “Availability” section. RoboApply’s AI resume builder lets users easily add and update this information, and helps match keywords for applicant tracking systems (ATS). Candidates can also use RoboApply’s Chrome extension to auto-apply for remote jobs faster than manual methods.
Here is a sample of how to clearly show remote work availability in a resume header:
John Doe
john.doe@email.com | (555) 123-4567
Location: New York, NY (Open to Remote Work Nationwide)
Another option is to write it in a professional summary section. For example:
Detail-oriented project manager with 5+ years of experience. Skilled at leading teams in both in-person and remote settings. Open to remote or hybrid roles.
For more tips and examples, visit this guide on how to list remote work on your resume.
8) Clarify ability to travel for work if required.
Applicants should be clear about their willingness or limits to travel for work when listing availability on a resume. Employers value this information up front, as it helps them choose candidates who meet job requirements. Clearly stating travel flexibility or restrictions saves time for both sides and avoids confusion later in the hiring process.
It is best to keep this statement direct and place it in the availability or additional information section. Including brief details, such as how much travel is possible or specific limits, makes the message clearer.
Example for resume placement:
Availability: Available to start immediately. Open to full-time or part-time positions. Willing to travel for work up to 50% of the time.
For candidates looking to further optimize this type of statement, RoboApply can flag unclear travel sections and suggest better wording. Using its resume grammar checker and ATS score optimizer also boosts clarity and relevance for hiring teams. More detailed step-by-step tips are also available from resources like this guide on how to write availability on a resume.
9) Be concise and avoid lengthy explanations.
Employers want to quickly know when a candidate is available without reading through a lot of text. Keeping your availability section brief makes it easier for hiring managers to spot important details right away.
Instead of writing detailed stories or background, focus on clear, direct phrasing. Use simple sentences and remove unnecessary words to help your resume stand out. RoboApply’s AI resume builder can help tighten up the language and highlight your availability.
For example, write “Available to start immediately” instead of “I am able to start working immediately because I have recently finished my previous job and am ready to begin a new position as soon as possible.”
If you need to state a future date, keep it short and specific: “Available to start September 1, 2025.” Short and specific statements like these are recommended by writing experts and help readers get the information they need quickly.
Remember to check for unnecessary phrases or overlap. RoboApply’s resume grammar checker can scan your entire document to make sure your wording is tight and clear. Avoid statements like “Availability can be discussed upon request” because they add little value and make your resume harder to read.
10) Place availability near your contact information or summary section.
Adding availability near the contact information or summary helps recruiters spot important details right away. This keeps your resume clean and ensures no one misses when you can start working or what hours you are available. It also makes it easy for hiring managers to match your schedule with job needs.
Insert your availability after your phone number, email, or LinkedIn link. This can be as simple as one line stating your start date or daily work hours. Placing it early is more effective than putting it at the bottom, where it might be overlooked.
Here is a formatted example you can use:
Jane Doe
(555) 123-4567 | janedoe@email.com | linkedin.com/in/janedoe
Availability: Immediately, Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm
For those who want more guidance, RoboApply’s AI resume builder can place your availability clearly and scan your formatting to optimize visibility for recruiters. This gives you a more professional and effective resume layout, reducing the chance of missed details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clearly stating availability on a resume can help candidates match with the right job openings and avoid confusion during the hiring process. Details like start date, notice period, and preferred shifts give employers the information they need to plan interviews or onboarding.
What is the appropriate way to indicate my immediate availability in my resume?
Candidates should mention their available start date near the top of their resume, either in the professional summary or as a single line below their contact information. A direct statement like “Available to start immediately” is clear and professional. Tools such as RoboApply make it easy to add or edit this detail for every custom resume.
How can I include my notice period in my resume when I’m currently employed but looking to switch jobs?
Applicants should specify their notice period in the professional summary or a dedicated section labeled “Availability.” For example, “Available to join after two weeks’ notice.” RoboApply’s AI resume builder allows users to add and adjust such statements as their situation changes, so updates are fast and easy.
Where in my resume should I mention my availability for work?
Placement matters for visibility. Availability details are best included in the resume summary at the top, or as a separate line just under the contact section. This helps recruiters spot the information right away. RoboApply templates are customizable, so candidates can choose the best spot for their needs.
Can you provide an example of how to mention availability in a cover letter?
In a cover letter, availability should be mentioned early, often in the first or last paragraph. For instance, “I am available to begin working immediately and look forward to contributing to your team.” RoboApply’s cover letter builder can generate clear, professional language to fit a candidate’s availability.
What is the best format to communicate my work availability via email to a potential employer?
Availability should be listed in the body of the email using a short and clear sentence. For example: “Please note, I am available to start from July 10.” RoboApply’s CRM for outreach has sample templates and customization tools to help users craft quick, polished responses about start dates and schedules.
How do I reflect part-time, full-time, or flexible availability on my resume?
Candidates should specify the type of position they are seeking in the summary or a dedicated section. Example: “Seeking full-time, part-time, or freelance opportunities. Flexible to work evenings and weekends.” RoboApply’s resume builder lets users clearly mark their preferred working hours, shift flexibility, and type of employment for every application. For more tips, see this practical guide on how to show availability on your resume.
