Introduction
Once you have read the resource ‘How To Write a Resume’ you will know which style of résumé is best suited to match your work history. Remember, the chronological résumé works well if you have previous work experience and the functional résumé is for anyone new to the workforce or has limited job experience. This resource will provide you with many helpful tips to begin writing your resume. Take some time to review the following contents:
- 6 Key Basics for a Résumé
- The Chronological Résumé Sample
- The Functional Résumé Sample
- Résumé Do’s and Don’ts
- Obtaining References
6 Key Basics for a Résumé
You can see this by viewing the PDF for this resource.
The Chronological Résumé Sample
You can see this by viewing the PDF for this resource.
The Functional Résumé Sample
You can see this by viewing the PDF for this resource.
Résumé Do’s and Don’ts
DO #1
Use a professional, simple and consistent font. Examples include: “Calibri”; “Times New Roman”; and “Cambria.”
Do not use a font size under 11. Anything smaller will be hard for the employer to read.
DO #2
Keep your formatting consistent. Bold job titles and your name.
Do not over use bold. You want specific information to stand out.
DO #3
Always list your most recent work experience first.
Do not use too many bullet points. Keep it about 6 – 7 or they will not be read.
DO #4
Make sure to include your current email address and phone number.
Do not use an unprofessional email address.
DO #5
Vary language when describing job tasks by using a variety of verbs. For example, “assisted”, “worked”, “participated”, “organized”, “implemented”, and “executed.”
Do not repeat phrases when describing job tasks. For example: “worked selling items, worked cleaning store and worked answering customer questions.”
DO #6
Always include “References Available Upon Request” at the bottom of your resume. Have these names and contact information on a separate sheet that you can offer.
Do not include a full list of references with contact names and numbers on your résumé.
Obtaining References
Deciding who to put down as a reference is an important decision. A less-than-enthusiastic reference can make potential employers wonder if you’re a good candidate for the job. If your reference can give you a strong, glowing report, then the employer will be more likely to think you have the right skills for the job.
Who do you ask?
You can ask past supervisors if they believe you excelled in your role and you left the position in a positive way (e.g. the job ended, you went back to school, holiday break concluded.) Include supervisors from paid or volunteer positions.
You can ask teachers, counselors, youth group leaders, club or team directors if they know you long enough to speak well about your skills. They must have enough experience seeing your work or skills to give examples of your abilities.
You can ask other adults that know you well that are not family members who have a good sense of what you’re like and how you perform work. (e.g. mother’s helper or baby-sitting, lawn cutting.)
How do you ask?
Make sure you have had recent contact with your potential reference. You can always stop in to visit or call them to let them know you are trying to get a job. You can say, “Are you comfortable to make a positive recommendation if someone calls for a reference?” If they agree, thank them and make sure you collect their correct contact information. Usually name, phone number and any title for place of work is sufficient to provide a potential employer.
Example:
- Debbie Smith, Manager, Shoeland, Mississauga, ON (905) 333‑3333
- Frank Jones, Owner, Frank’s Family Restaurant (519) 333‑3333
Try to have at least three different people listed on a separate sheet of paper that you can offer if asked for references.