Landing your dream outdoor guiding job requires more than just experience; it needs a resume that showcases your skills and passion effectively. This template provides a structured approach to crafting a compelling resume that highlights your expertise and makes you stand out from the competition. This isn't just a template; it's a strategic guide to help you reach the peak of your job search.
Section 1: Contact Information
Start with clear and concise contact information, easily accessible to potential employers.
- Full Name: (Use a professional font size and style)
- Phone Number: (Ensure it's a reliable number where you can be easily reached)
- Email Address: (Use a professional email address; avoid playful or informal ones)
- Location: (City and State are sufficient; avoid including your full street address for privacy)
- LinkedIn Profile URL (Optional): (If you have a professional LinkedIn profile, include the URL)
- Website/Portfolio URL (Optional): (If you have a personal website showcasing your work, include the URL)
Section 2: Summary/Objective Statement
Craft a compelling summary or objective statement that grabs the reader's attention immediately. This section should be tailored to each specific job application.
Option A: Summary Statement (For experienced guides):
Highly experienced and certified outdoor guide with [Number] years of experience leading [Types of activities, e.g., backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking] expeditions. Proven ability to ensure client safety, provide exceptional customer service, and maintain a positive and professional environment in challenging outdoor settings. Expertise in [Specific skills, e.g., wilderness first aid, risk management, trip planning]. Seeking a challenging guiding position where I can leverage my skills and experience to contribute to a reputable organization.
Option B: Objective Statement (For entry-level or career-changing guides):
Enthusiastic and certified outdoor enthusiast seeking an entry-level guiding position with [Company Name or Type of Organization]. Possessing a strong foundation in [Specific skills, e.g., wilderness survival, Leave No Trace principles, navigation], I am eager to learn from experienced professionals and contribute to a team dedicated to providing safe and memorable outdoor experiences. My commitment to safety and client satisfaction is unwavering.
Section 3: Skills
This section is crucial. Categorize your skills for better readability and impact. Consider using bullet points for each category.
A. Guiding Expertise:
- Wilderness First Responder/Responder (WFR/WFA) Certification (Specify level and certification body)
- Specific Guiding Certifications (e.g., AMGA, IFMGA, ACA)
- Experience leading various outdoor activities (List them, specifying experience level)
- Navigation skills (Map & compass, GPS, altimeter)
- Risk management and assessment
- Trip planning and logistics
- Wilderness survival skills
- Leave No Trace principles
- Customer service and communication skills
- Emergency response and rescue techniques
B. Technical Skills:
- Knot tying proficiency
- Equipment maintenance and repair
- Vehicle operation (Specify types of vehicles, e.g., 4x4, van)
- Outdoor cooking and food preparation
C. Soft Skills:
- Leadership and team management
- Communication (written and verbal)
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Patience and empathy
- Conflict resolution
Section 4: Experience
Use the reverse chronological order (most recent first) and the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe your experience. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.
Example:
- Lead Guide, [Company Name], [Dates of Employment]
- Led and managed groups of up to 10 participants on multi-day backpacking trips in the [Location] wilderness.
- Successfully managed all aspects of trip planning, including logistics, permits, risk assessment, and emergency preparedness.
- Maintained a 100% safety record throughout [Number] guided trips.
- Consistently received positive client feedback, with an average rating of [Rating] out of 5 stars.
Section 5: Education and Certifications
List your education and certifications in reverse chronological order.
- [Degree/Certification Name], [Institution Name], [Year of Completion]
- Wilderness First Responder Certification, [Certification Body], [Year of Completion]
- [Relevant Certifications], [Issuing Organization], [Year of Completion]
Section 6: Volunteer Experience/Awards (Optional)
Include any relevant volunteer work or awards that showcase your commitment to the outdoors or relevant skills.
Final Touches:
- Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords throughout your resume to improve its visibility in Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
- Proofreading: Meticulously proofread your resume for any grammatical errors or typos.
- Formatting: Use a clean and professional font and format that is easy to read.
By following this template and tailoring it to specific job descriptions, you'll significantly improve your chances of landing your dream outdoor guiding job. Remember to let your passion for the outdoors shine through in your writing!
