Resident Assistant Resume Example & Writing Guide

The name resident assistant typically congers up an upper-level student assisting incoming students, but it can also be a caregiver who works in a group home setting. In either case, you’re ready to guide residents to help them make the most of their group living experience. Competition may be tough, so you need a resident assistant (RA) resume that combines your friendly personality with your sense of responsibility.

This may be the first resume you’ve written, since up to now your career has been as a student. Even if you’re a seasoned resident assistant, you can rely on the resources at Resume.io to help you elevate your application, inclduing resume guides and resume examples for 350+ professions plus an easy-to-use resume builder. 

The resume guide below includes an adaptable RA resume example. It will take you through the following topics:

• What does a resident assistant do?
• Ideas for writing a resident assistant resume that will wow
• The best format for a resident assistant resume
• A breakdown of each section of your resume (summary, work history, education, skills)
• Professional resume layout and design hints

Looking for some general advice? Check out our comprehensive guide on how to write a resume from scratch now. 

What does a resident assistant do?

First and foremost, resident assistants are charged with the safety and security of residents and must keep up with all new rules and regulations regarding safety. They provide training, monitor compliance with rules and may work with a case management team for individual residents.

University RAs assist individuals with their concerns about any aspect of college life and guiding them to the proper channels when necessary. The resident assistant may be the first person an incoming freshman meets when they move into their housing. RAs check students in and may give an orientation to the dorm, its facilities and the area of the campus where the dorm is located.

The job can be much lighter than that, however. RAs are also team-builders who develop social activities and ways for students to make friends. Included in a resident assistant job description may be the requirement to lead an activity at specified intervals to ensure that students have opportunities to connect with their neighbors.

How to write a resident assistant resume

Resident assistants are used to adhering to structure, as this typically helps their charges function. Students are also familiar with outlines. RA resumes also follow an outline that contains specific elements. They are: 

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The resume skills section
• The education section

Choosing the best resume format for a resident assistant

Typically we recommend the reverse chronological order format for resumes. This holds true for resident assistants who have followed a linear career. This format is favored by recruiters and the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan and rank your resident assistant resume online.

However, for student RAs, consider a hybrid format. Why? Because as many resident assistant resume samples show, RA candidates are students and probably have not had full-time jobs.

A hybrid format allows you to expand your skills and summary sections and minimize your work history if necessary. That way, you can demonstrate the enthusiasm and caring that will make you an excellent RA students can rely on.

Resume header

The header of your RA resume presents important information in a visually pleasing manner. In fact, it’s the most creative section, design-wise, of your document. The main idea behind the header is to allow HR personnel to contact you easily. To that end, include the following:

• Your full name
• Job title or course of study
• Best contact phone number
• Best contact email
• Address
• Any portfolio or social media links that enhance your candidacy

Resume summary example 

The summary of your resident assistant resume offers you a four-line blank slate. Personality plays a huge role in an RA position since you will be living with your charges, so while you need to maintain a professional tone, you should also let your style shine.

Tell about a time you were responsible for others or designed and led a social activity that was a big hit. Then, make sure you emphasize why you want to be an RA. You may even express interest in a certain housing situation or particular population of residents that you feel an affinity toward. 

Employment history sample

The employment history section details your successes at the position you have held. The best resident assistant resume samples go the extra mile by using each bullet item to demonstrate to housing supervisors how your skills will enhance the lives of the residents you serve.

Even part-time jobs show you have the basic resident assistant skills, such as communication, reliability and work ethic.

CV skills example

The skills section is designed as an at-a-glance reference to your greatest attributes. The best RA resume examples aim this section directly at the job for which you are applying by choosing skills listed in the description, but only if they apply to you, of course.

Many requirements of RA jobs are soft skills, or those necessary for communication and job performance. Here are a few:

• Patience
• Excellent listening and verbal communication
• Problem solving
• Leadership
• Compassion

Blend those in with your learned knowledge, or hard skills:

• Understanding of safety regulations
• First aid and vital signs certification
• CPR certification

Resident assistant resume education example

College resident assistants are students, but they may have undergraduate degrees. In the education section of your resident assistant resume, list your high school and level of college education plus your expected graduation date.

If you are a residential assistant caregiver, you need a high school diploma or its equivalent. You may also need RA training or certifications. List all of these qualifications here.

Resume layout and design

Since personality plays a role in your position as a resident assistant, you may take a small step toward a more creative design. But, and it’s a big one, err on the side of caution since your main goal is ease of reading for people who will be perusing dozens of resident assistant resumes.

That means limiting color, keeping fonts simple and organizing your sections and text in a logical manner. Start off with an expertly-designed resume template and take it from there. That will make formatting easier and smooth your path toward a complete and professional RA resume.

Key takeaways for a resident assistant resume

1. Whether you are planning to work with college students or in another group home setting, your friendly nature and sense of responsibility are necessary aspects of being a resident assistant.
2. Use your creative writing skills, but keep a professional tone, in your summary.
3. Don’t fret if you haven’t had a full-time job—you have more experience than you think.
4. Get a jumpstart on your design with a customizable resume template.