Resume writing
Your resume is one of your basic marketing tools. It is essential to make sure that it is effective, up-to-date and gets the attention of potential employers.
Style:
Choose the right style for you: chronological, functional, combination or CV. BC Jobs says that chronological works for those who want to emphasize work history, employers and job titles. The functional style clusters experience and skills. A combination style gives you the flexibility to highlight both your work history and your special skills. Check out their site for more help on resume writing.
Writing help and sample resumes:
Want a quick introduction? This covers all the basics!
JobStar offers tips about best resume style for you, samples, selected resume and cover letter resources on the Web, online resumes and using resume banks.
Some information does not belong on your resume. The Government of Canada job bank says that valid or legitimate job ads will not ask for any banking or personal information or for any money deposits.
They recommend that you do not provide personal or sensitive information in your resume, such as:
- Your Social Insurance Number
- Your age, marital status, date of birth
- Your driver's license number
- Your health card number
- Your banking or financial information, which includes credit card or bank account numbers and any Personal Identification Numbers (PIN)
Certain information may be discussed with a prospective employer, only after the hiring process has begun. For more information, see this article from Monster.ca.
Learn how to identify and write about your accomplishments, rather than your tasks and duties in your previous jobs. Get suggestions for a stronger resume and examples of editing your sentences to give them impact. A popular two part article by William S. Frank.
Monster Canada has advice on dealing with resume dilemmas such as how to deal with gaps in your work history. Find specific advice for those who have been fired, out of work, have a criminal record, no degree, are too young, and other circumstances. Tips for those relocating, for those who have lost jobs through restructuring, with unrelated experience and other resume problems.
See free online resume samples from DamnGood Resume including customer service, office work, and construction.
Prefer online videos and interactive learning tools? Learn how to write effective resumes and cover letters and how to prepare for job interviews. Get help with sales, office and manufacturing resumes.
Resume Tutorial from QuintCareers is complete tutorial on writing a resume. Includes information about types, electronic, and for special groups, such as students and graduates.
Applying for an academic position? Then you need a CV (curriculum vitae), not a resume. The University of Toronto has a useful site on what goes into a CV.
Email and online resumes and job applications:
The Riley Guide says that you have 15 or 20 seconds to get someone's attention with your email! Find out about the rules and best strategies for email and online applications. Learn how to adapt resumes for the Internet and how to prepare your resume for e-mailing, how to respond online and how to use cover letters in e-mail.
Job-Hunt.org lists reasons why you should pay attention to privacy when you post your resume online.
ALIS from the Alberta government tells you how to apply for a job online. It starts with the basics: getting an email account, and tells you how to upload your resume, and how to use an online application form or resume builder. It also has some handy tips about paper application forms such as get two copies in case you make a mistake!
The Job application Guide from About.com gives advice about filling in online and paper application forms.
Need more help?
Visit an Employment Resource Centre for free help with your resume. Experienced staff can review your resume and give you advice about it.
Borrow a book from Toronto Public Library. Check these out or make a hold.
One thought on “Resume writing”
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