The chronological format will be the best choice for most
applicants. It is by far the most-used resume style because it is
easy for a recruiter to skim your qualifications and work history
to find out if you've got what they're looking for. It includes the
following:
Your full name
Your address: In the interest of maintaining
privacy, you may choose not to include your mailing address
(particularly when posting a resume to a website).
Your contact phone number: It is a good idea to
include your cell phone number. Do not include your work number if
you don't wish to be contacted there.
Your email address: Use an email name and
address that sound professional.
Summary: A brief, concise statement describing your strongest
skills, your work experience and your strengths.
Professional Experience
- Start with your present or most
recent employer
- List all employment (concentrating on
the experience that is relevant to the position that you are
currently seeking and your latest relevant experience)
- Give the company name, location and
brief description (e.g., third largest air conditioning company in
the world)
- List your title (if you held more
than one position with the same company, list each one separately)
and dates of employment
- Highlight your accomplishments and
achievements
- Include the scope of responsibilities
and outcomes of your work
- Use strong resume action verbs and
phrases such as managed, developed, initiated and
coordinated
- Include numbers when possible (such
as "saved the company $30,000" or "reduced the cost of a product by
5%")
- Repeat for each position
Education
If you are a recent graduate, or if your education is more
relevant to the job than your work experience, you can place this
section above the professional experience section.
- Name and location of trade or
technical school, college or university
- Certificate, diploma or
degree
- Graduation date or expected date of
graduation if you are still attending
- For soon-to-graduate students and
recent graduates, it is recommended that you list your major
courses
Honours and awards
- List any awards or distinctions you
have received, such as dean's list or scholarships
Skills and Training
- Any relevant skills not listed under
professional experience
- All relevant
courses/workshops/seminars
- All relevant computer skills, e.g.,
Microsoft Word, CAD, etc.
- Foreign languages
Volunteer Experience
- Optional - only include volunteer
experience that relates to the job
Personal Interests
- Optional - only include personal
interests or hobbies that are related to the job.
Memberships
- List professional licenses,
memberships and associations
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