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Résumé Writing
Contents of résumé
Preparing your résumé
résumé style description/ advantages vs. disadvantages
Preparing your covering letter
Contents of
Résumé
Regardless of the format you choose your résumé should include
the following:
1) Personal Information
- Name
- Complete Mailing Address
- Telephone Number
- Alternate Number (Cell/Messages/Fax)
- Email Address (if applicable)
You are not required to give information on your résumé which might
be considered discriminatory ie: sex, age, ethnic background, religion,
marital status, political affiliation, health, height, weight, or
your social insurance number. Protection against discrimination
is provided through the Manitoba Human Rights Code and the Charter
of Rights and Freedoms.
2) Education
- Names and addresses of school(s) attended and duration of attendance
- Certificates, diplomas, degrees, and dates obtained
- Areas of specialization
Additional Training
- Languages (Note fluency orally and/or in writing).
- Computer Skills (list software programs, typing & data entry
speeds)
- Occupational training courses, seminars, workshops
3) Work Experience
Include full- time/part-time employment. Highlight activities that
relate to the qualifications/duties stated in the advertisement.
Use reverse chronological order (start with most recent and work
your way back).
- Length of time employed (month and year if possible)
- Job Title
- Name and address of employer
- Description of duties performed using action verbs to show skills
4) Optional Information
Included below are several optional categories which may be incorporated
into a résumé.
- Volunteer Work Experience
- Professional Affiliations
- Extra Curricular Activities
- Interests/Hobbies
5) References
- Usually three are provided - two work-related and one personal,
if possible.
- Should be chosen carefully.
- Ask their permission and what type of reference they will give.
- Include their name, position, address, phone number.
- Avoid using close relatives.
- It is not essential to put references on a résumé. You may choose
to provide references upon request and can therefore, indicate
that references are "available upon request".
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Preparing
Your Résumé
Develop a list of your skills, education and interests. The résumé
is often the deciding factor in whether or not you "get a foot
in the door". It should tell your story specifically and accurately.
The first step in preparing your résumé is to go through the process
of self-assessment, that is to consider what you have to offer:
- skills
- abilities
- knowledge
- education
- training
- machinery/tools/equipment used
- licenses
- willingness to travel, etc...
- references
Three Types of Résumé Styles:
Information about your background can be presented in different
ways on your résumé. There are three options: the chronological
résumé which begins with your most recent achievements and experience
and works backwards, the functional résumé which places emphasis
on your skills and experience rather than work history, and the
combination résumé which is created by grouping information like
the functional résumé but also includes a summary of work history.
Page 1 of Your Résumé:
The first page of your résumé is very important. Since many people
are applying for a limited number of job openings, prospective employers
may only skim the large number of résumés they receive. Be certain
that your most important qualifications for the job are highlighted
on page one - special skills and abilities, education and training,
and relevant work experience. Strive to capture the prospective
employer's attention immediately.
Business Standards:
- The first rule of résumé writing is to follow business standards.
- Type all résumés on standard 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper.
- White bond paper is standard.
- Careful not to use too small a font or too large. A size 12
font Arial or Times New Roman is standard.
- Buff or light grey are acceptable, but avoid dark or bright
colours. Sometimes applicants for jobs in creative arts or advertising
may emphasize their creativity by using colour and unusual layout,
but this is the exception rather than the rule.
- Handwritten résumés are often difficult to read and do not convey
a businesslike image.
- Do not submit résumés that have typing errors or handwritten
corrections!
- One suggestion is to have a couple of people proof your résumé
before submitting.
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Résumé Style Description/
Advantages vs Disadvantages
Chronological Résumé:
Lists work history by name of employer, title of position held
and description of duties, starting with most recent first and working
backward. Highlights titles and organizations and provides a format
to list skills and accomplishments with emphasis on most recent
work history.
Is Advantageous:
- When names of most recent employers, or titles of prior positions
held are important considerations
- When staying in the same field as previous employment
- When work history shows real growth and development
Is Not Advantageous:
- When you have changed jobs frequently or there are gaps in your
work history
- When you have been absent from the labour market for a while
or are entering the labour market for the first time
- When changing career goals
Functional Résumé:
Highlights major areas of accomplishments and skills by organizing
them into categories that relate to your job target. Names of employers
and titles or positions held are de-emphasized and placed in a subordinate
position. Description of job duties are not included.
Is Advantageous:
- Because it allows you to emphasize skills and abilities rather
than recent work history
- When changing careers
- If you held the same position with several employers
- When entering labour market after an absence
- Where much of your work experience has been volunteer, freelance,
casual or temporary
- When work history is disjointed or does not show a progression
Is Not Advantageous:
- When you want to demonstrate progress in a specific field
- When you want to remain in the same field and your work history
is related to your job target
- Where you performed a limited number of functions in your work
- When your most recent employers of job titles have been high
profile or prestigious
NOTE: Use of this résumé style may raise some questions in
the mind of the Selection Board as you have provided selection information.
Combined Résumé:
Highlights major areas of accomplishment and skills by organizing
them into categories that relate to job target. Also lists work
history by name of employer, title of position held and by giving
brief description of duties which are related to accomplishments
and skills, and can be linked to job target.
Is Advantageous:
- When you want to emphasize skills and abilities but show some
correlation to work history
- When job history shows some growth and development of skills
listed in categories.
Is Not Advantageous:
- When work history shows progression and job description shows
skills
- When recent work history best shows capabilities
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Preparing Your Covering Letter
Always enclose a covering letter when you submit a résumé. The
purpose of the covering letter is to introduce yourself and to get
an employer to read your résumé.
When preparing a covering letter, remember:
Three paragraphs is a good length.
Address the letter to a specific person by name if possible.
Do not forget to include a title if that person has one. Check
to be sure you have the correct name and address.
Include the Advertisement Number (if applicable), and the title
of the position
The first 20 words are important. They need to capture the reader's
interest. The opening paragraph of your covering letter should
state that you are applying for a job and indicate the job you
are interested in obtaining.
The second paragraph should be a summary of your qualifications.
State the contribution you can make to the employer by identifying
the skills you have which are relevant to the job. There is no
need to cover the same ground as your résumé. Your letter should
sum up your skills and act as an introduction to your résumé.
In the third and last paragraph you want to request an interview
and indicate where and when you can be reached. It is also appropriate
to thank the employer for considering your application.
Use simple, direct language and correct grammar.
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