Resume Writing
What does a GREAT Resume do for me?
* Convinces an employer to grant you an interview – you’ll stand out as a superior candidate
* Advertises your skills, abilities, interests and qualifications specific to the position you are applying for
How can I create an EXCELLENT Resume?
Make sure it’s easy to read:
* An employer will likely spend 1 minute or less on your resume: if it’s difficult to see or understand, they’ll stop reading it.
* DO NOT put it on brightly coloured paper
* keep it light by using white, cream or beige resume paper
* (Remember employers often fax resumes to the hiring manager: colour paper when faxed becomes a black sheet of paper)
Use the most noticeable sections of a Resume:
* Studies show that the top half of the first page and the left hand side are the most
important areas. You read from left to right.
* Use standard bullets to highlight your achievements
Target your Resume for the specific job:
* Customize your resume for each specific job you apply for
* If you apply for a cook position, mention that you like cooking
Length of a Resume:
* No longer than 2 pages – this does not include the reference page
* Include your name and phone number on each page
Format of a Resume:
* Type your resume in a Microsoft Word document in case you need to email it
* Don’t use WordPad or WordPerfect: most companies use Microsoft Word
Font:
* Size 12 font for your resume
* Size 14 bold font for your name
* Use Geneva, Arial or Times New Roman
Content:
* Use appropriate language and email address
* No slang: use “children” instead of “kids”
* Use job-specific terminology (words)
Check Grammar and Spelling:
* Use the Canadian or British spelling of words, not the American spelling
* Canadian: colour, honour, centre. American: color, honor, center
* You may be overlooked for a job if your spelling or grammar are poor
Proofread, Proofread, And Proofread!!!
* You absolutely MUST proofread your resume several times
* Get friends, parents and teachers to proofread
* You CANNOT have any grammar or spelling mistakes
* Convinces an employer to grant you an interview – you’ll stand out as a superior candidate
* Advertises your skills, abilities, interests and qualifications specific to the position you are applying for
How can I create an EXCELLENT Resume?
Make sure it’s easy to read:
* An employer will likely spend 1 minute or less on your resume: if it’s difficult to see or understand, they’ll stop reading it.
* DO NOT put it on brightly coloured paper
* keep it light by using white, cream or beige resume paper
* (Remember employers often fax resumes to the hiring manager: colour paper when faxed becomes a black sheet of paper)
Use the most noticeable sections of a Resume:
* Studies show that the top half of the first page and the left hand side are the most
important areas. You read from left to right.
* Use standard bullets to highlight your achievements
Target your Resume for the specific job:
* Customize your resume for each specific job you apply for
* If you apply for a cook position, mention that you like cooking
Length of a Resume:
* No longer than 2 pages – this does not include the reference page
* Include your name and phone number on each page
Format of a Resume:
* Type your resume in a Microsoft Word document in case you need to email it
* Don’t use WordPad or WordPerfect: most companies use Microsoft Word
Font:
* Size 12 font for your resume
* Size 14 bold font for your name
* Use Geneva, Arial or Times New Roman
Content:
* Use appropriate language and email address
* No slang: use “children” instead of “kids”
* Use job-specific terminology (words)
Check Grammar and Spelling:
* Use the Canadian or British spelling of words, not the American spelling
* Canadian: colour, honour, centre. American: color, honor, center
* You may be overlooked for a job if your spelling or grammar are poor
Proofread, Proofread, And Proofread!!!
* You absolutely MUST proofread your resume several times
* Get friends, parents and teachers to proofread
* You CANNOT have any grammar or spelling mistakes
