Writing a Resume

You may also want to see our Resume Handbook with sample cover letters and additional instructions.

Resource Connections

Sample Resumes for Specific Field

What is a resume?

Your resume is your greatest marketing tool. A well-written resume enables you to present your qualifications to potential employers, and get an interview.

The following guidelines will help you develop an effective resume:

• Keep it short. One or two pages should be sufficient to identify accomplishments and present an impression of substance and capability.
• Portray what you can do by revealing what you have done.
• Highlight results. This is more impressive than highlighting only responsibilities.
• Keep it simple and straightforward. Avoid the obvious.
• Be accurate. Discrepancies will be discovered.
• Make your resume visually attractive and easy to read.
• Use quality resume paper.
• Choose white, off-white, cream or buff colours.
• Pay attention to the balance of white space and type.
• Print your resume on a laser printer rather than photocopying it.

The Student Success Centre is available to assist you. Make an appointment for a resume consultation, or drop in Wednesday afternoons for Walk in Wednesday.

What should I include in my resume?

You may also want to see our Resume Handbook with sample cover letters and additional instructions.

There are several basic components to a resume:

• Personal data
• Career objective
• Education
• Work experience
• Professional affiliations
• References

HINT: Develop each component individually. By creating your resume in stages, you can easily put together an effective document.

Personal data

Your resume title should include your name, address, telephone number and e-mail.

Don't include information about your marital status, age, race, etc. These could trigger a negative bias in the reader.

Career Objective

Including a career objective helps you target a specific employment opportunity and increases the effectiveness of your resume.

A career objective can include:

• your career goal
• your strengths
• where you want to work
• contributions you will make.

Education

List your educational background in reverse chronological order beginning with your most recent achievement. Include the following information:

• Period of attendance or graduation date
• Degree or diploma attained
• Program of study including your specialization
• Name and location of educational institution

You may consider including:

• Scholarships or academic awards
• Field placements
• Related courses, workshops, etc.
• Specific technical skills related to the position you are seeking (e.g. computer skills)
• GPA, if greater than 3.2

Work Experience

Work experience will be the main body of your resume. List your experience in reverse chronological order beginning with the most recent position held.

Include:

• Position title
• Name and location of the employer
• Major accomplishments to describe your contributions

Begin with an action verb and be specific (e.g. quantify and qualify whenever possible).

Action Verbs

This link of action verbs will assist you as you write your accomplishment statements. These words can be applied to virtually any field or industry to demonstrate how your skills would be beneficial to an employer.

Action Phrases

To make your resume stand out, employ words that attract and hold the reader's attention. An interview-winning resume contains a balance of job content and accomplishments.

Professional Affiliations

List current memberships in organizations that are related to the industry in which you are seeking employment. This will give the impression that you are serious about developing your career.

References

You don't need to include references in your resume. List your references on a separate sheet and provide them to the employer upon request.

Choose your three to six references from employment contacts, volunteer work or education. Personal references are usually seen as a less objective source of information. It is a good idea to use the same header on your references as you used on your resume.

What shouldn't I include in my resume?

• Photographs or illustrations unless they are required by your profession (e.g. actors' composites).
• Reasons for leaving past jobs.
• References. Indicate on your resume that references are available upon request.
• Feelings about travel or relocation.
• Recommendations. These carry more weight if you include them with the resume, not on the resume.
• The heading "Resume."