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Your resume is one of the most important tools for getting a job because it makes the first impression. Do it right and you may get an interview (the number one purpose of a resume). Do it wrong and your resume will be filed (guess what that means).

 

 

Employers use resumes to screen applicants. You have to clearly show that you have the qualifications, skills and experiences the employer is looking for.

A resume should create interest in you and persuade the potential employer to meet you. Ask yourself what the employer is looking for then write your resume to fit that description. It may mean a little extra work, but if you get the job it's worth it!

Since most resumes are 'scanned' instead of read it is important to make your resume stand out. Use indentation, bullets, and lots of white space instead of long paragraphs and small print.

Tips for Writing a Resume

• Customize your resume to the specific job you are applying for
• Always include an objective (one sentence is fine)
• Have a cover letter with every resume you submit
• Focus on accomplishments instead of "responsibilities"
• Use power words (action verbs to describe skills and accomplishments)
• Keep your resume no longer than two pages in length
• Don't have errors of any kind. Spelling, grammar, punctuation, facts, etc.
• Do not exaggerate or lie
• Don't include reasons for leaving previous jobs
• Don't include personal info like age, sex, marital status, race, height, or weight
• Never mention money
• Don't use coloured paper (quality white paper is easy to photocopy and read)
• Graphics, pictures, or weird designs
• Poor printing (use a good quality laser or ink jet printer)
• Do no have handwriting anywhere on the resume

What's Your Style?

The main resume styles are Functional, Chronological, Combination, and Electronic.

A chronological resume is the most common style and is best for people who have had a consistent work history and are staying in the same line of work. Your work experiences are the main focus and your employment history is shown starting with your last job.

A functional resume is better for people who are changing careers or who do not have a lot of work experience. This style of resume focuses more on your accomplishments and skills and is popular with youth just starting out.

The combination resume as the name implies is a combination of the chronological and functional styles. It is used to draw attention to certain skills and work experiences.

The electronic resume is becoming a more accepted way of applying for jobs. Today, everyone should have a hard copy (paper) and an electronic version of their resume.

Build and store resumes on-line:

Resume Builder
You can register with the Government of Canada's Resume Builder site to be able to create resumes for your personal use or to apply online for federal government jobs.

Workopolis.com
Click on the 'My Workopolis' button at the top of their main page to set-up a free account. You can create and store up to 10 resumes as well as cover letters.

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Also download and print a copy of the Employability Workbook which offers helpful information on Resumes, Cover Letters, and Interviews!

  ACSBE Employability Workbook (pdf 125KB)

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