résumé Writing

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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".

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.

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

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.