Important Resume Tips

“Your resume is your marketing tool”

It is a fallacy to believe that only “white collar” job seekers should have a resume. A resume is the “go getter” for anyone seeking employment. The resume introduces the job seeker to the hiring manager and it is that first impact or impression that the resume creates would decide whether or not you will be called to an interview.

Topnotch Employment recommends that not only active job seekers, but every worker should have an updated resume. There could be an opportunity for advancement in your existing employment, but it may require the submission of an application along with a resume. Hiring managers often request a resume even if the position is for a general warehouse worker.

“At a glance, the resume should present a “snap shot” of your qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.” Diligence is very important in the preparation of your resume. The hiring manager does not have the time to read every detail in the resume.

Here are some important resume tips:

• Cover Letter – A cover letter of 3 – 4 paragraphs, but not more than 1 page, must always accompany your resume. It basically introduces you and should very briefly state your qualifications, skills, experience, achievements and your objective. Indicate the value that you will bring to the organization. Modify your cover letter according to the position you are applying to.
  
  
• Objective – a clearly stated objective helps the hiring manager in understanding your career focus and how it matches the overall objectives of the company. Bear in mind that the purpose of the resume is to secure an interview, which is the first step in obtaining a job offer.
  
  
• Begin the resume with your legal name, complete address, telephone number(s) and e-mail address, at the top centre of the page; followed by highlight of skills & qualifications in point form; work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent experience – start and end dates; Education; Recent achievements; Volunteer work; Awards and References.
  
  
• Customize your resume to meet the job requirements of every application. It is advisable to carefully read and understand the job requirements and look up the company’s website for information about the company. You want to project the skills that identify with the job requirements. Do not provide false information on the resume. You must be able to verify all information.
  
  
• Choice of words must be demonstrative of achievements, creativity, leadership, qualifications, personal development and communication skills, among others – Use Action Verbs; Information could also be obtained at the Library.
  
  
• Carefully review the resume for any spelling or grammatical errors, before submission. Having it reviewed by an experienced person or staff from your Community Resource Centre would be ideal.
  
  
• A resume that is incoherent, badly constructed and flawed with spelling and grammatical errors will automatically rule you out.
  
  
• Try to limit the number of pages to a maximum of two.
  
  
• You are not required to provide date of birth, country of origin, social insurance number, ethnic and family background on your resume.
  
  
• Ensure that you submit your resume within the specified deadline for submission.
  
  
• You may want to follow up if you did not receive any feedback. Do so after one week has elapsed and be tactful.