Good Experience to Put on a Railroad Resume
- By Holly Wright
- Published 02/18/2010
- Career
- Unrated
A railroad resume should be one that is specifically geared toward gaining a position in the rail industry, and as such, should include experience that could be considered relevant, even if it is not a railroad job.
Several skills and abilities required in the rail industry overlap those that are required in different industries, as well. It is important to know what qualifications each position requires, as that will allow the applicant to present the most relevant information to the potential employer; railroad websites are a good place to find out what skills may be required for the particular position.
General Skills to Put on a Railroad Resume
Many skill sets are overlapping among industries, and should be included on a railroad resume. One of those skills is communication; this is necessary no matter what the job’s level of responsibility. Communication skills are needed to effectively follow directions, problem-solve, make repairs and to manage, and can be gained from many other types of jobs. Another important quality is the ability to pay attention to detail. This skill can be gained from sources as varied as construction to accounting.
Jobs to Put on a Railroad Resume that Reflect Necessary Skills
As stated previously, there are other industries that utilize those same skill sets, and should be included on a railroad resume. Construction jobs demonstrates an ability not only to follow instructions and pay close attention to detail, but a certain amount of physical strength and stamina, as well. Jobs in the customer service industry reflect that the applicant has the ability to maintain a professional atmosphere among customers and passengers.
And any job requiring the applicant to work a variety of shifts, such as factory or restaurant work, shows a willingness to be flexible with scheduling. There are many online resume sites that have more specific examples of what should be included in order to gain employment with the railroad.
Words to Use on a Railroad Resume
There are some specific traits, skills and qualifications one needs in order to become a railroad employee. Your railroad resume should be written in such a way that highlights what experience you’ve had, and how many of those desirable qualities you possess. There is a wrong way and a right way to do this, and certain “power” words that you can use to give you an edge over other applicants. Here are a few words to use and a few to avoid.
Some words are better than others at conveying the qualities needed of a railroad employee. A word like “identify,” when included on a railroad resume, can show problem solving skills, for example, “Identified and corrected a scheduling conflict.” A statement such as “Identified and repaired a problem with the car couplings,” reflects not only an ability to pay close attention to detail, but a level of mechanical skill as well.
The word “listen” is word that can be used to show an ability to learn, as in “received recognition in telemarketing position for 100% accuracy achieved by listening to and reporting customer complaints.’ Not only does this show an ability to listen to and understand directions, but the word also implies that you have some amount of customer service abilities, a very necessary quality for many railroad positions.
Words to Avoid on a Railroad Resume
Some words should be avoided on any resume; especially cliché words such as “troubleshoot,” or “network.” Those words lack originality and will not improve your chances of getting an interview. Other words to avoid are pronouns; words like “I, me, we, they, it” are vague and take up unnecessary space. A railroad resume should be as concise as possible, use action verbs instead. Better than “I received an award for perfect attendance,” would be “Received an award for perfect attendance.”
Several skills and abilities required in the rail industry overlap those that are required in different industries, as well. It is important to know what qualifications each position requires, as that will allow the applicant to present the most relevant information to the potential employer; railroad websites are a good place to find out what skills may be required for the particular position.
General Skills to Put on a Railroad Resume
Many skill sets are overlapping among industries, and should be included on a railroad resume. One of those skills is communication; this is necessary no matter what the job’s level of responsibility. Communication skills are needed to effectively follow directions, problem-solve, make repairs and to manage, and can be gained from many other types of jobs. Another important quality is the ability to pay attention to detail. This skill can be gained from sources as varied as construction to accounting.
Jobs to Put on a Railroad Resume that Reflect Necessary Skills
As stated previously, there are other industries that utilize those same skill sets, and should be included on a railroad resume. Construction jobs demonstrates an ability not only to follow instructions and pay close attention to detail, but a certain amount of physical strength and stamina, as well. Jobs in the customer service industry reflect that the applicant has the ability to maintain a professional atmosphere among customers and passengers.
And any job requiring the applicant to work a variety of shifts, such as factory or restaurant work, shows a willingness to be flexible with scheduling. There are many online resume sites that have more specific examples of what should be included in order to gain employment with the railroad.
Words to Use on a Railroad Resume
There are some specific traits, skills and qualifications one needs in order to become a railroad employee. Your railroad resume should be written in such a way that highlights what experience you’ve had, and how many of those desirable qualities you possess. There is a wrong way and a right way to do this, and certain “power” words that you can use to give you an edge over other applicants. Here are a few words to use and a few to avoid.
Some words are better than others at conveying the qualities needed of a railroad employee. A word like “identify,” when included on a railroad resume, can show problem solving skills, for example, “Identified and corrected a scheduling conflict.” A statement such as “Identified and repaired a problem with the car couplings,” reflects not only an ability to pay close attention to detail, but a level of mechanical skill as well.
The word “listen” is word that can be used to show an ability to learn, as in “received recognition in telemarketing position for 100% accuracy achieved by listening to and reporting customer complaints.’ Not only does this show an ability to listen to and understand directions, but the word also implies that you have some amount of customer service abilities, a very necessary quality for many railroad positions.
Words to Avoid on a Railroad Resume
Some words should be avoided on any resume; especially cliché words such as “troubleshoot,” or “network.” Those words lack originality and will not improve your chances of getting an interview. Other words to avoid are pronouns; words like “I, me, we, they, it” are vague and take up unnecessary space. A railroad resume should be as concise as possible, use action verbs instead. Better than “I received an award for perfect attendance,” would be “Received an award for perfect attendance.”
Holly Wright
Find out more about how to write a railroad resume. Holly Wright is a resume writer and teacher with more than ten years of experience.
View all articles by Holly Wright