The purpose of your resume is to summarize your skills,
education and work experience so you get noticed by an employer and
invited to an interview. Employers read many resumes and must make
decisions about applicants quickly. To get noticed, your resume
should be well-written, concise and clearly outline your
qualifications for the job.
Things to include:
- Contact information:
This should include at least your full name, phone number and email
address. If you like, you may also include your mailing
address.
- Education: List
institution names, locations, certificate, diploma or degree
titles, major or academic concentration and other professional
development activities.
- Certification and
licensure: Note any professional certifications and
licenses including the issuing organizations and dates.
- Professional
experience: Include the names and locations of your
previous employers, job titles, dates, responsibilities, skills
acquired and accomplishments.
- Other things to
include: Awards, honours, publications, grants, patents,
professional affiliations and any foreign language
skills.
- Transferrable
skills: Include any skills, experience or education
you've gained from previous positions that you think will help you
perform in the job you're applying for.
Additional Resources:
- Avoid Common Resume
Mistakes
Recruiters are very busy and won't spend much time on an applicant
who doesn't immediately seem like a good match. Keep your resume
out of the "no" pile by avoiding these common pitfalls.
- Resume Outline
Chronological Format
The chronological format is well-suited to applicants who have
professional experience that is relevant to the job. It allows a
recruiter to skim quickly through the applicants recent jobs and
note skills and accomplishments.
- Resume Outline
Functional Format
The functional format is a useful option if you are changing
careers or have little applicable experience. It allows you to
emphasize your skills and accomplishments, rather than specific job
titles.