| Resume Tips |
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The Basics Types of Resumes What to include Experience. This includes work history and any relevant related volunteer experience if the involved skills transfer. In stating your experience, use titles and headings that fit the job you want. For many people, one of the challenges is that their job title may not reflect their level of responsibility. This can be a real challenge when applying for a new role. You may have all the relevant skills required, but your title is getting in the way; consider including additional information with your title. For example, if you are currently an Administrative Assistant who also serves as Office Manager and are applying for the role of Office Manager, consider listing your position as Administrative Assistant (Office Manager). Another good idea is to pick out keywords from the ads you are applying to and include them in your resume. Sometimes recruiters scan resumes specifically for those keywords. Instead of stating your job responsibilities, focus on your accomplishments. A lot of resumes we receive are simply a list of job responsibilities. A recruiter would rather read about your successes than reading a list of duties that anyone in your position would be expected to do. Let us know how you performed the job better. Accomplishment statements will help you do this. Consider the following:
Emphasize relevant information. If you have all of the skills required for a job, don’t put them at the bottom of the last page of your resume. Though it would be nice to believe that a hiring manager or recruiter is going to read every word of your resume, the reality is there are often more resumes to review than time in the day. Organize your resume so that the most relevant information makes it to the front page. If you don’t, there is a real risk that your resume will end up in the ‘Not Qualified’ pile before it gets read all the way to the end. Always include chronological information. Whether you opt for a chronological resume format or a functional one, always include a clear chronological work history. Employers want to see your work progression, and not including one leaves the impression that you have something to hide. If you have gaps in your work history, address them up front. If you took time off to study, travel, raise a family or find yourself, your prospective employer just wants to know. Education. Be sure to focus on the education most relevant to the position or field you are pursuing. Also, make sure you put appropriate emphasis on the degree or qualification you received as opposed to the institution you attended to obtain it. Include relevant recognitions here as well, such as Dean’s Honour List or other related recognition. What not to include:
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