{"showCoverPage":true,"bookCover":{"coverDescription":"","coverMedium":{"library":"H5P.Image 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Image","license":"U","title":"Resume"},"params":{"contentName":"Image","decorative":false,"alt":"Image of a resume on a clip board","file":{"path":"images\/coverImage-614c88b7ba7c4.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","width":314,"height":161}},"subContentId":"2cf6d577-7c66-45a3-afbf-244c0fe72011"}},"chapters":[{"params":{"content":[{"content":{"library":"H5P.Accordion 1.0","params":{"panels":[{"content":{"params":{"text":"

This is the most common resume format.<\/p>\n\n

This traditional style resume lists your professional experience chronologically (by time), with your most recent position listed first.<\/p>\n\n

In the chronological format, the emphasis is on employment experience. Most employers are familiar with and prefer this format, but if you recently graduated, have held jobs with no relevance to the positions you're currently looking for, or you're re-entering the workforce after a long absence, then this format will show these gaps in time or experience.<\/p>\n\n

In these cases you should consider using a functional or combination resume.<\/p>\n\n

To see an example of a chronological resume, please click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"d8cd5943-3f26-41f1-bedf-7d93839ef23b"},"title":"Chronological Resume"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"

A functional resume emphasizes your skills and achievements instead of your work history.<\/p>\n\n

If you're just starting out, or if your work history is short, has gaps, many of your skills are self taught, or you're changing fields, then a functional resume will focus attention on your skills and any relevant experience, including your educational experiences.<\/p>\n\n

Your job history is avoided completely or very briefly summarized at the beginning of the resume.<\/p>\n\n

Click here<\/a> for an example functional resume.<\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"74dd265b-150e-4c3d-9b49-a5f4b24b18d4"},"title":"Functional Resume"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"

A combination resume is primarily a functional resume with a short chronological order job history.<\/p>\n\n

Relevant skills and accomplishments are provided first; then followed by your employment history. This format has been gaining in popularity, but the chronological resume still ranks as the employer's favourite.<\/p>\n\n

Click here<\/a> for an example.<\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"db5a0424-a297-46cb-a946-9d53556eeab4"},"title":"Combination Resume"}],"hTag":"h2"},"metadata":{"title":"Resume Format Options","license":"U","contentType":"Accordion"},"subContentId":"199706cc-f4e4-4dcf-8159-0ef311b3b586"},"useSeparator":"auto"}]},"library":"H5P.Column 1.16","subContentId":"3e2d4715-df59-4fb9-83b8-db349b29b486","metadata":{"contentType":"Column","license":"U","title":"Types of Resumes"}},{"params":{"content":[{"content":{"library":"H5P.Accordion 1.0","params":{"panels":[{"content":{"params":{"text":"

The objective is a brief summary (usually two to three lines) of how you see yourself and why you are the right person for the job. Some people find the objective is the hardest part of the resume to write. You may want to write the objective after you have finished the resume.<\/p>\n\n

You will need to develop different objectives if you are applying for different types of jobs or to emphasize different things amongst your skills and abilities for different work environments and\/or advertisements.<\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"421e15bd-6024-4c8a-b51b-32dc8350e9b9"},"title":"Objective (Optional)"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"

To get noticed, create a career summary. It helps the person reading your resume to quickly identify whether or not you have the skills they are looking for. <\/p>\n\n

The goal of this section of your resume is to develop a hard-hitting introduction, packed with your most sought-after skills, abilities, accomplishments, and attributes.<\/p>\n\n

This part of the resume is usually three to seven bullet points that indicate your major<\/em> accomplishments.<\/p>\n\n

Six Steps to Creating a Winning Career Summary:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Step 1: Conduct Research on Your Ideal Job<\/p>\n\n

The more closely you can target your profile to the employer's needs, the better your results will be. Start by searching jobs for your ideal position. Compare the ads and write a list of common job requirements and preferred qualifications. <\/p>\n\n

Step 2: Assess Your Credentials<\/p>\n\n

Based on your research, how do you measure up? How would you help potential employers meet their goals? Besides the qualifications described, do you offer any added bonus? If you are lacking in one area, do you make up for it with other credentials? <\/p>\n\n

If you are having a hard time assessing your skills, get help. Ask your colleagues, instructors and supervisors what they see as your key qualifications. Review your performance evaluations. What do others say about the quality of your work? Then write a list of your top five marketable credentials.<\/p>\n\n

Step 3: Express the Value You Bring to the Table<\/p>\n\n

The next step is to weave your top credentials into your summary. Keep in mind that the summary helps the hiring manager determine if you should be called for an interview. Include a summary of your career achievements to show that your dedication to results is transferable to your next employer. Explain how you would help solve their problems. Ask yourself, \"How will the employer benefit from hiring me?\".<\/p>\n\n

Step 5: Focus on Your Goal<\/p>\n\n

The most effective summaries are targeted to one career goal. If you have more than one possible goal, consider drafting different versions. Fill your summary with keywords related to your career field. Your profile can also be supplemented with a bulleted \"Key Skills\" section, which provides an easy-to-read listing of your core capabilities. <\/p>\n\n

Step 5: Add a Headline<\/p>\n\n

A headline on a resume hooks your readers and compels them to continue reading. A headline should include your job target as well as the main benefit of hiring you. <\/p>\n\n

Step 6: Proofread, Refine and Perfect<\/p>\n\n

First impressions are lasting impressions. Is your summary persuasive and free of errors? Is your tone appropriate for you career field? Avoid empty, generalized statements such as \"excellent communication skills\".<\/p>\n\n

Here is an example<\/em> of an effective career summary: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Corporate Real Estate Executive Increasing Bottom-Line Profitability Through Real Estate Strategies <\/p>\n\n

Professional Profile <\/p>\n\n

Accomplished executive with a proven ability to develop and implement real estate strategies that support business and financial objectives. Have led key initiatives that reduced operating budget by $32 million and contributed to 550 percent stock increase. Recognized as an expert in applying financial concepts to asset management decisions. <\/p>\n\n

Respected leader, able to build highly motivated management teams focused on achieving revenue goals. Keep up-to-date with changes in the industry through continuing professional development (earned an MBA in finance\/real estate and Master of Corporate Real Estate designation). <\/p>\n\n

Areas of Expertise:<\/p>\n\n

\n\t
High-Volume, High-Dollar Negotiations<\/li>\n\t
Strategic\/Tactical Planning<\/li>\n\t
Multimillion-Dollar Operating and Capital Budget Administration<\/li>\n\t
Analytical and Financial Skills<\/li>\n\t

Statistical Modeling and ROI Analyses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"451ce2e0-8f7f-467b-ad35-a0f0bd3a5571"},"title":"Career Summary (or Career Achievements or Skills Summary)"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"
How you present your education depends on your educational path and what academic achievements you wish to highlight most.<\/p>\n\n
Education is typically listed in reverse, chronological order: put your most recent academic achievement first.<\/p>\n\n
However, you may wish to present your acheivements from highest to lowest: degrees first, college diplomas next, followed by certificates.<\/p>\n\n
Format: <\/p>\n\n
Bachelor of Arts, Honours, Major: Computer Science, University of ABC, 2018<\/p>\n\n
Note:<\/p>\n\n
If your diploma or degree is in progress, indicate this by adding 'in progress.' You may also wish to add the targeted date for completion.
\n <\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"e4edacae-93ff-4499-b9c3-f88bbaac1a3a"},"title":"Education"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"
Employment history is usually listed in reverse chronological order (newest job first....oldest job last).<\/p>\n\n
Name the job title, employer and the time period you worked there (these are usually bolded), followed by short bullet points to highlight your key tasks in that job. Start these bullet points with action words.<\/p>\n\n
Example:<\/p>\n\n
Project Manager, Texel Corporation 2014 - 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\n\t
Responsible for the overall accuracy of project proposal documents.<\/li>\n\t
Prepared budget calculations related to materials and services.<\/li>\n\t
Managed project implementation from start-up to completion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"d45a098b-20a7-40d5-8614-dbdabde815f1"},"title":"Employment History"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"
What have you done or what are you doing to have a positive impact on others - your school, your community and even our world?<\/p>\n\n
Volunteering is an excellent way to get work-like experience, and is an important part of a resume if you are just starting our or if you do not have a long work history.<\/p>\n\n
But more than that, it is a way to show that you care about others around you. Employers want employees who 'give back' so any volunteer involvement you have had is important to include on your resume.<\/p>\n\n
No volunteer experience? Try searching on the Internet for opportunities in your area or look at your community news posts. There are millions of possible opportunities in the world. Find something that catches your interest and see what impact you can have by getting involved!<\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","subContentId":"31b0d17c-b6cd-46b1-a997-e9d7ad40efac","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"}},"title":"Volunteering\/Community Involvement"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"
Add any designations that you have that are related to your field. <\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"2b3eb849-342b-4ffd-b988-38ffadc9478a"},"title":"Professional Designations"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"
These are professional groups that you belong to or participate in regularly. List only associations relevant to employment.
\n
\n <\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"946a38a5-4261-4c1d-a7b3-78e5ae9c119f"},"title":"Associations and Professional Affiliations"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"
These awards should be related to the job areas you are applying for.<\/p>\n\n
\n\t
Unless you have just graduated from high school, do not list awards that were given during this time.<\/li>\n\t
University or college awards can be listed for up to ten years after graduating then they are generally removed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"89a58446-dc45-4b8d-95b0-51c13d469f2e"},"title":"Awards"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"
There are pros and cons to including this section in your resume, but if you do add this section, be sure to only list hobbies or interests that may be relevant to the job.<\/p>\n\n
Do not include political or religious-based groups or activities of any type unless you are applying for a position within one of these groups.
\n <\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"2d16210d-f22c-4a40-8a98-ad53f8f07e9c"},"title":"Hobbies and Interests"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"
Do not include references with your resume. You can simply add a line at the very bottom:<\/p>\n\n
References Available Upon Request<\/p>\n\n
However, have the references (person's name, title, company name, address, telephone number, email address) listed on a separate piece of paper or a printed document that you can bring to an interview and provide if requested.<\/p>\n\n
Selecting the appropriate references for the type of work you are looking for is key. Can this person speak to the traits you wish to display for the employer?<\/p>\n\n
Remember:<\/p>\n\n
Contact your potential references before<\/em> using them, and ask them if they would be willing to speak on your behalf.<\/p>\n\n
\n\t
Let them know the type of job you are looking for and any other pertinent information.<\/li>\n\t
If it has been some time since you were last job hunting it is a good idea to get back in touch with your references rather than assuming that they will still be able to speak ably about you.<\/li>\n\t
The last thing you want is for the employer to call one of your references and have it be a surprise, or have them wracking their brains to remember something about you etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"891d3843-8634-42c5-8313-3d57d36260e5"},"title":"References"}],"hTag":"h2"},"metadata":{"title":"Parts of a Resume","license":"U","contentType":"Accordion"},"subContentId":"530cce16-32fd-4d9a-8556-d1f178dd432f"},"useSeparator":"auto"},{"useSeparator":"auto"}]},"library":"H5P.Column 1.16","subContentId":"0484bd58-fc89-490b-b956-7e4f3a56bb11","metadata":{"contentType":"Column","license":"U","title":"Parts of a Resume"}},{"params":{"content":[{"content":{"library":"H5P.Accordion 1.0","params":{"panels":[{"content":{"params":{"text":"
Your resume is not a just record of your employment but a tool to get you an interview.<\/p>\n\n
Consider including an objective or summary statement (or a professional profile) that shows what you can do for an employer<\/em> and relate the elements of your resume to this statement (or profile).<\/p>\n\n
This includes your work experience. Stress details and accomplishments related to your objective, summary, or profile rather than just listing the duties and responsibilities of your past jobs.<\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"d8955dcf-3a22-43fd-b24b-9b5e94a0bcac"},"title":"Make Your Resume a Tool"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"
Write an organized, cleanly formatted resume. This means using bolding, underlining, italics, and bullet points to highlight information.<\/p>\n\n
Remember to leave 'white space' so your resume is easy to scan.<\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"688dded8-6bec-4ffa-a277-0b2dde8801fc"},"title":"Organize and Format"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"
Position your most important and impressive skills first.<\/p>\n\n
Those who read resumes often prefer to see skill sets in a block at the top of the resume. Likewise, if your work experience is more closely related than your education to the type of employment you are seeking, list that before your education. Conversely, if your education is more pertinent to your job search, list it before work experience.<\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"7d9c3e29-c8d3-4a00-afaa-8e716c3c8879"},"title":"Position Key Information"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"
Present your work history in reverse chronological order (newest first), and show your dates of employment.<\/p>\n\n
Since things can change fast in a profession or sector, the people reading your resume will probably be most interested in what you have done most recently.<\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"e2cc2016-39ef-4513-b553-487dc932a493"},"title":"Use Reverse Chronological Order"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"
Use as many action verbs as possible.<\/p>\n\n
Action verbs such as implemented, supervised, trained, facilitated, and directed sound much better than verbs like gave, did, had, etc.<\/p>\n\n
Click here<\/a> for a list of action verbs.<\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"14afc08c-6e0c-4bd9-b317-f7a9c55e0147"},"title":"Use Action Words"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"
Employers want to know what you can do for them<\/em>, not what they can do for you.<\/p>\n\n
Demonstrate how your skills will improve the employer's bottom line or help them with a specific area.<\/p>\n\n
Instead of saying Proficient at ...<\/em>, elaborate on how your skills benefited the company, for example: \"Consistently completed technical tasks ahead of schedule, resulting in an additional two projects completed per week and $2,000 additional profit.\"<\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"fc11c0f5-0e9c-4131-8634-dc9e1cd811da"},"title":"Show How You Will Help the Employer"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"
1-2 pages is best.<\/p>\n\n
Remember that the people who read your resume also read many, many others, so they won't be willing to spend a great deal of time on yours.<\/p>\n\n
Use clear and concise language to have the greatest impact.<\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"87e9f043-8596-43c6-8459-cadb2679ae48"},"title":"Be Concise"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"
If there is information that is not specifically relevant to the job you are applying for, leave it out. <\/p>\n\n
This may include scholarships; awards, publications, recreational activities, associations and\/or memberships; a second mailing address, travel history, previous pay rates, previous supervisor names, and reasons for leaving previous jobs.<\/p>\n\n
Also, in Canada, it is illegal<\/em> for an employer to ask for certain information about you during the hiring process (unless they can prove it is specifically related to the job). For this reason, do not provide information about gender, sexual orientation, marital or family status, health, citizenship, race or age. Do not include a photo unless it is specifically required (i.e. for a role on a TV show where a specific type of person is needed).<\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"36640e7a-e636-491f-b032-670ffcb5750d"},"title":"Avoid Unnecessary Information"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"
Sell yourself, but don't lie.<\/p>\n\n
Present your skills and accomplishments in the best light but don't claim qualifications that you don't have. <\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"3357726a-849c-400a-8476-846ac293f8f7"},"title":"Don't Lie"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"
This is often the most overlooked step in the resume writing process but one of the most important.<\/p>\n\n
Employers will often ignore resumes as soon as they see spelling mistakes or grammatical errors. <\/p>\n\n
You must read over your resume several<\/em><\/strong> times. Computer spell-checks and grammar-checks will help, but they won't catch every error.<\/p>\n\n
It's also a good idea to ask someone else to read it over for you as well. Sometimes, you don't see your own errors, especially if you read the same document several times.<\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"},"subContentId":"646554c6-4258-4783-87a8-bd4220f8a161"},"title":"Proofread"}],"hTag":"h2"},"metadata":{"title":"Resume Tips","license":"U","contentType":"Accordion"},"subContentId":"cf5bc128-47d6-41ea-a521-cbb0a138e4bd"},"useSeparator":"auto"}]},"library":"H5P.Column 1.16","subContentId":"43fa7691-e5fa-44f7-964b-2bf352b29785","metadata":{"contentType":"Column","license":"U","title":"Resume Tips and Tricks"}}],"behaviour":{"defaultTableOfContents":true,"progressIndicators":true,"progressAuto":true,"displaySummary":true},"read":"Read","displayTOC":"Display 'Table of contents'","hideTOC":"Hide 'Table of contents'","nextPage":"Next page","previousPage":"Previous page","chapterCompleted":"Page completed!","partCompleted":"@pages of @total completed","incompleteChapter":"Incomplete page","navigateToTop":"Navigate to the top","markAsFinished":"I have finished this page","fullscreen":"Fullscreen","exitFullscreen":"Exit fullscreen","bookProgressSubtext":"@count of @total pages","interactionsProgressSubtext":"@count of @total interactions","submitReport":"Submit Report","restartLabel":"Restart","summaryHeader":"Summary","allInteractions":"All interactions","unansweredInteractions":"Unanswered interactions","scoreText":"@score \/ @maxscore","leftOutOfTotalCompleted":"@left of @max interactions completed","noInteractions":"No interactions","score":"Score","summaryAndSubmit":"Summary & submit","noChapterInteractionBoldText":"You have not interacted with any pages.","noChapterInteractionText":"You have to interact with at least one page before you can see the summary.","yourAnswersAreSubmittedForReview":"Your answers are submitted for review!","bookProgress":"Book progress","interactionsProgress":"Interactions progress","totalScoreLabel":"Total score","a11y":{"progress":"Page @page of @total.","menu":"Toggle navigation menu"}}

Resumes: Types and Tips

Donna Naylor