Resume Advice

Format of a resume:

We prefer resumes to be submitted in Microsoft Word Document (.doc or .docx) format. Word is the most common program available and the documents load quickly and are easy to read. Additionally Google docs allows you to export .docx files.

Your resume should include:

Contact Information:

Full Name
Address
City, Province, Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number and/or Work Number
Email Address

Objective:

What position you are applying for
Make clear what you want to achieve or accomplish. A short introduction

Experience Summary

Summarize your resume
This is simply a condensed version of your job experience
Include a summary of relevant years of experience and skills you have

Education

College and/or University
May include training courses
Place your most recent education at the top of the list
Professional Memberships/Affiliations

Employment History

Company’s name and location of work (ex. Edmonton, Alberta)
Job title
Dates of employment (ex. 2000 – Present)
Duties/Responsibilities/Projects worked on

References

Include a list of 2 to 3 work-related references. 2 of which should be in a supervisory roll.

Include the following information for each reference:

Full name and Company
Title
Contact phone number and email

Your resume should NOT include:

Opinions on your own skills
Personal interests (unless they pertain to the jobs you apply for)
Personal information (ex. marital status, religion)

Though some of the following devices may add to the effect of your resume’s appearance, please do not incorporate them in the resume:

Tables
Columns
Headers / Footers
Graphic Images
Text Boxes
Password Protected Documents

Additional useful advice:

Appearance is everything
Check for spelling/grammar errors
Use the spell-check feature on your computer
Have someone else review your resume
Proofread your resume a few times
Resumes can be longer than one page, contrary to so beliefs
Do not create false information on your resume. Employers may verify your information and false work history will exclude you from the position
Do not include reasons you are no longer working at a job, phrases like, “Needed to make more money” or “Boss did not know what he was doing,” do not belong on a resume.
Be mindful of gaps in your work history. Be prepared to explain why.
There is no need to include extra information irrelevant to your working history

Do not include documents such as:

Transcripts
Letters of recommendation
Awards
Publications

Unless asked to bring certain documents to the interview.

For more helpful information visit Alberta alis or SaskJobs – Career Services