Quick tips
Be persuasive, accurate and to the point
- Make sure your prospective employer can scan your qualifications quickly. It only takes a few minutes to decide whether or not you get an interview
- Don't forget to proofread. A typo can take attention away from the contents of your resume
Be engaging from the start
- Lead with the most important information
- The first half of your resume should show what makes you the best candidate, e.g.: overview of your professional qualifications
- Leave the employment history and background information for the second half
Looks count and so do style, tone and length
- Use a marketing sales style with short, descriptive words - particularly verbs - that engage the reader
- Use point form where possible
- Limit your resume to 2 pages
- Communicate what you can do for the employer rather than what the employer can do for you
- Keep the font and layout simple and easy to read. Use bold sparingly
Your resume content
A tried-and-tested resume format you might find helpful:
Header
- Name and contact information
Objective
- A clear objective that demonstrates to the employer that you're the ideal person for this job
- Limit yourself to 2 or 3 qualities, skills and accomplishments that really make you stand out
- You can also use your objective as the central message in your cover letter, which should also accompany your resume
Example:
Objective
BDC is seeking a Customer Service Representative who can help the company make a difference to the success of entrepreneurs as well as to emerging and established Canadian businesses from all sectors of the economy. I am confident that I fit this profile because of my:
Financial analysis/accounting knowledge
Excellent administrative and organizational skills
Customer-service approach
Professional accomplishments
- Be selective: highlight only your best achievements
- Focus on results: Show what you've produced, or what happened as a result of your personal contribution to a company
Example:
As a result of my contribution as website editor at ABC Inc., the company was able to increase the number of site visits by 30%.
Professional skills
- Show the skills you've developed through your work experience, education and training
- Show you have skills suited to companies that work in a global environment, such as language skills and knowledge of different cultures
Don't leave any gaps. For example, if you mention that you have budgeting skills, be sure you show that one of your jobs involved overseeing a budget.
Employment history
- Keep this structured and chronological
- Include the company name, title, and dates that you worked there, as well as a clear summary of what you achieved
- Avoid providing a description for each position
Education and training
- List post-secondary education, professional designations and specific training
- Focus on skills employers want from their employees. For example, language training courses or courses on how to deal with foreign cultures
- Include honours and awards related to the position you're applying for, however, keep the tone low-key and make sure the reader understands why you're mentioning the awards
References
- Provide clear references if they are requested
- Be sure to advise your references that an employer could call them
- Use references from managers. Alternatively, you can present the names of colleagues you've worked with closely - or prominent people in your community
- Select people who are articulate and supportive of your career path