Does Uber Experience Count as Real Work Experience?

When it comes to adding Uber work experience to your resume, the answer is often yes. Many employers recognize the real-world skills and positive qualities that working for Uber can bring to the table, especially if you can effectively highlight and showcase these qualities. This article delves into the value of Uber experience in your job application and provides guidance on how to present it in the best light.

The Value of Uber Experience

Employers do consider working for Uber as real experience, particularly if you can highlight relevant skills and responsibilities you gained during your time there. This experience can serve as a valuable asset, showcasing qualities such as:

1. Customer Service Skills

Handling interactions with passengers and dealing with a variety of situations can demonstrate your ability to manage customer relations effectively. This is crucial in today's customer-centric workplace, where excellent service can make or break a business.

2. Time Management

Managing your schedule and optimizing your routes showcases strong organizational skills, a quality highly sought after in most professions. The ability to plan and prioritize tasks efficiently can significantly contribute to your career success.

3. Adaptability

Working in a dynamic environment like ridesharing can show that you can adapt to changing circumstances. This flexibility is beneficial in a rapidly evolving job market and can be a valuable asset in any industry.

4. Communication Skills

Engaging with diverse clients improves your ability to communicate effectively, a skill that is transferable across many professional settings. Clear and effective communication can help you build strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and superiors.

5. Problem-Solving

Handling issues that arise during rides can demonstrate your ability to think on your feet. Problem-solving skills are essential in any position and can help you navigate challenges efficiently, making you a valuable asset to any team.

Framing Your Experience

When including Uber experience on your resume, it is crucial to frame it in a way that highlights these skills and any specific achievements. Tailor your resume to the job you are applying for, emphasizing how your experience with Uber is relevant to the position. For example, if you applied for a customer service role, highlight the customer service skills you gained during your Uber tenure.

Is Uber Experience Beneficial or Detrimental?

Driving for Uber, Lyft, or any other rideshare company is legitimate employment, but whether it will be helpful or hurtful depends on several factors, such as:

Your overall background The kind of job you are applying to The length of your tenure

For instance, if you have been unemployed for a long time, removing your Uber work might leave a significant gap in your employment history. This can potentially hurt your chances of success, as hiring managers may view it as a negative point.

On the other hand, if you are seeking employment in the transportation industry, your Uber experience fits well and can be seen as a positive addition.

When to Include Uber Experience

It's best to always include relevant experience on your resume. However, the decision to include it in your resume depends largely on the job you are applying to. For example, if you are applying for a job in marketing or sales, your experience as an Uber driver might not be as relevant compared to a specific role in logistics. In such cases, it might be more beneficial to focus on other aspects of your experience that are directly related to the job.

On the other hand, if you have multiple job experiences, including your Uber experience might help highlight your adaptability and self-motivation. Employers value candidates who demonstrate a willingness to take on various roles and responsibilities, and being flexible is often a highly sought-after trait.

Driving for Uber vs. Other Jobs

All experience is real, whether it is driving for Uber, volunteering with refugees, flipping burgers at McDonald’s, or cleaning floors. The question is not whether it is real or not, but rather whether it is important or valuable within the context of your job application. Employers appreciate a detailed work history, and seeing that you have diverse experiences can show your adaptability and work ethic.

However, if you have driven for Uber in conjunction with many other jobs, the specific Uber experience might not be as important to list. In such cases, focus on the experiences that are most relevant to the job you are applying for.

Conclusion

The decision to include Uber experience on your resume ultimately depends on the specific job you are applying for and the context of your overall work history. By highlighting the relevant skills and achievements gained during your time as an Uber driver, you can make a strong case for why your experience is valuable and transferable to other professional settings.