Showing posts with label cv writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cv writing. Show all posts

Resume Writing Tips

Resume Writing Tips
Personal Information
Name - your full name, typed in title case.
Address - your address, written out in full, without abbreviations. In fact, it's better to avoid abbreviations anywhere in your resume.
Telephone - your home phone number with area code, also give your mobile number if you have one.

Job Goal
In one sentence, describe your job goal. This tells the employer exactly what type of work you're looking for. Try to link your job goal to the job you're applying for.
Related Skills - List the special abilities and skills that relate to the job you're applying for. They can be from paid or unpaid work, volunteer experience, and even hobbies.

Education
List your education, starting with the most recent diploma or training course and working backwards. Include the name and city or town of each school you attended (secondary and beyond), the type of programmes you took, your areas of interest, and the years you completed. Certificates or diplomas should also be listed, including those for mini courses like a computer or software course, first-aid, small engine repair, or any other training that might be useful to the job you want.

Additional Knowledge
Use this section to include such things as the languages you speak, software programmes you know, and other abilities that relate to the job. If there is a lot of information, break it into separate sections with specific headings. The point is to get everything into your resume that shows why you are the right person for the job.
List all the skills you have in a bulleted format.

Interests / Activities
Briefly outline a few of your interests and activities that demonstrate something about you. Be sure to mention achievements or awards you may have received. If you have volunteer experience that is relevant to the job, make sure you put it in, transferable skills are important. Do not mention all the hobbies you have over here. This might do a bit more to the resume. List only main hobbies or hobbies related to the job applied for.

References
References are not included in your resume, but you should have them ready. Think about who could be your references and get their permission before you pass the names and numbers. Type the names, addresses, and phone numbers of up to three references on a separate piece of paper, which matches your resume. Keep your reference list as up-to date as possible. If you can, give your reference an idea of the type of job you are applying for, and whenever possible, let them know when you think an employer will be calling them, so they can be available and will have some time to think about what to say.

Whom can you ask to be a reference?

  • Someone from your school (teacher, guidance counsellor, coach)
  • Someone you've worked for (summer, part- time employer)
  • Someone you've worked for on a casual basis
  • Someone you've helped (as a volunteer or as a friend)
  • Someone whose opinion is respected (elder, minister, community leader)

resume tips cv tips cover letter tips interview tips

RESUME

Why should I use a resume along with my application?
A resume can help Human Resource Services staff and the hiring supervisor understand what skills, experience, and education you have that are relevant to a job. A well-done resume makes your application look more professional. You can use a resume to help demonstrate your communication skills.

What should I include in my resume?
Use your resume to help target your job search. Include relevant job history, education, volunteer experience, and memberships/associations. Use your resume to highlight important work experience and skills. Do not include information regarding marital status, parental status, religious affiliation, photos, age, or weight.

Resume Language

Use action verbs such as �developed,� �managed,� �coordinated,� and �maintained.�
Don�t use �I� to start every sentence.
Do use your own words to explain your experience
Proofread carefully!

Resume Information
Keep your name, phone number and address current.
Include dates of employment in a month/year format (example: 05/02 � 08/02).
Include references. Use a separate sheet if necessary.

Resume Appearance
Use 1� margins on all sides.
Use a standard font that is easy to read.
Use bold font and italics to highlight information.
Make sure to leave some white space in between sections.
Don�t label your resume. The title �Resume� is unnecessary.
Your resume can be longer than 1 page. A good rule of thumb is 1 page for each 10 years of work history.


COVER LETTERS

Why should I include a cover letter along with my application?
A cover letter can be a helpful tool to highlight your skills. Use a cover letter to show how your skills are appropriate for the job. A cover letter can also be used as a marketing tool � think of it as your personal sales brochure! You should use a cover letter anytime you use a resume.

Can I use one standard cover letter on each of my applications?
You will need to submit a separate cover letter with each set of application materials. Since the cover letter is a way to help interest employers in your skills and how they are suited to the particular job, it is a good idea to customize your cover letter for each position that you are applying for.

What information do I include in my cover letter?
Identify the job for which you are applying. Include the title and vacancy number.
Mention where you found out about the job (newspaper ad, web page, etc.). If you were referred by someone, mention that person.
Briefly highlight your skills and experience. Don�t include all of the information found on your resume.
Tell the hiring supervisor what he/she will gain by hiring you.
Close the letter by stating what you would like to happen next. Mention where you can be reached by phone or email.

What format do I use?
Your cover letter should be in standard business letter format.

Should I include a cover letter if I submit my materials through email?
Yes.