-
Make
your name stand out with Bold Text, Underlining,
or ALL CAPITAL LETTERS.
-
Keep
your resume clear and easy-to-read with one or two different
font styles and sizes. Avoid the busy look of too many styles
and sizes.
-
Use
different font styles to emphasize certain items and lines. Use
action verbs in the description of your jobs and activities.
-
You
don't have to send a reference sheet with your resume. It's
your choice.
-
Always
list your phone numbers and addresses... ALWAYS.
-
Eliminate
excessive punctuation, and omit articles (a, an, the) if
needed.
-
Use simple good
quality paper - nothing fancy or colorful (in most
cases, your application is photocopied anyway).
Font and style should be plain and simple and kept consistent
for both résumé and letter.
-
Keep the résumé short and simple. Omit
career objective statement and personal information such as age,
health or marital status. A two-page résumé is
sufficient – i.e. just enough to spark our interest so we want
to learn more.
-
While a typical
student résumé would have education first followed by work
experience, use the résumé to highlight your strongest asset
first. For example, if you are a mature student with
strong work experience you might consider putting work
experience first. Either way, use headings to
guide the reader and present your most recent education and
work experience first – i.e.. in reverse chronological order.
-
Include all post-secondary education identifying the
school, years attended, degree obtained and major area (s) of
study.
-
Include awards, accomplishments, publications,
interests and community involvement. These help to spark
conversations during an interview and give us an insight into
your achievements beyond work and school.
-
Include recent and relevant work experience
identifying the dates, employer and position held. Provide
a brief description and use active verbs to describe
responsibilities.
-
Do not
exaggerate work experiences or job titles.
-
Repeat contact details on résumé from cover letter
in case the documents get separated. It is advisable to
staple the entire application together.
-
Proofread, proofread, proofread.
Spelling mistakes, awkward grammar and inconsistent verb tenses
are distractions and can sometimes muddle your message.
Consider having a classmate or your Career Development Officer
take a look with a fresh pair of eyes.
