We have been recommending the Canadian Job Bank resume maker for help designing resumes. The tool is located at http://seekers.jobbank.gc.ca/common-commun/login-connection.aspx?redirect=true&target=1&lang=en-CA
However, the following information is still useful for those of you who may wish to create a resume without using online tools:
Crafting a Resume
Before you write, take time to do a self-assessment on paper. Outline your skills and abilities as well as your work experience and extracurricular activities. This will make it easier to prepare a thorough resume.
Name, address, telephone, e-mail address, website address: All your contact information should go at the top of your resume.
* Use a permanent address
* Use a permanent telephone number and include the area code. If you have an answering machine, record a neutral greeting. Avoid listing a wireless phone number.
* Add your e-mail address. Many employers will find it useful. (Note: choose an e-mail address that sounds professional)
* Include your website address only if the web page reflects your professional ambitions.
* Do not include personal information such as birth date, height, marital status, etc.
Objective (optional): An objective tells potential employers the sort of work you're hoping to do.
Be specific about the job you want. For example: To obtain an entry-level position within a financial institution requiring strong analytical and organizational skills.
* Tailor your objective to each employer you target/every job you seek.
Education: New graduates without a lot of work experience should list their educational information first. Alumni can list it after the work experience section.
List your most recent educational information first. Graduates can leave highschool details off.
* Include your degree (B.S., B.A., etc), major, institution attended, minor/concentration.
* Add your grade point average (GPA) if it is higher than 3.0.
* Mention academic honors.
Experience: Briefly give the employer an overview of work that has taught you skills. Use action words to describe your job duties. Include your work experience in reverse chronological order—that is, put your last job first and work backward to your first, relevant job. Include:
* Title of position
* Name of organization
* Location of work (town, province)
* Dates of employment
* Describe your work responsibilities with emphasis on specific skills and achievements.
Other Information: A staff member a career services office can advise you on other information to add to your resume. You may want to add:
* Key or special skills or competencies, especially IT skills and languages.
* Relevant coursework.
* Leadership experience and/or volunteer activities.
* Participation in sports.
References: Ask people if they are willing to serve as references before you give their names to a potential employer. Do not include your reference information on your resume. You may note at the bottom of your resume: "References furnished on request."
Resume Checkup
You've written your resume. It's a good idea to have it reviewed and critiqued by a career counselor. You can also take the following steps to ensure quality:
Content:
* Run a spell check on your computer before anyone sees your resume.
* Get a friend (an English major would do nicely) to do a grammar review, and tell you from a quick review what they learned about you.
* Ask another friend to proofread. The more people who see your resume, the more likely that misspelled words and awkward phrases will be seen (and corrected).
Design, Format, and other Tips: These tips will make your resume easier to read and/or scan into an employer's database.
* Keep your resume to one page
* Use white or off-white paper
* Use 8-1/2 X 11-inch paper.
* Print on one side of the paper.
* Use ONE non-decorative font, size of 10-14 points.
* Lead with most important strengths.
* Be consistent in use of punctuation, underlining, italics, format, and abbreviations.
* Know and use the jargon and terms of the field or specific company.
* Do not use horizontal or vertical lines, graphics, or shading if it will be scanned.
* Do not fold or staple your resume.
* If you must mail your resume, put it in a large envelope.