Pursue Online/

  • "To succeed, we must first believe that we can." ~ Michael Korda

    "Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence." ?~ Unknown

    "Learning how to learn is life's most important skill." ~ Tony Buzan

  • "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." ~ Robert Frost

    "It isn't where you come from, it's where you're going that counts." ~ Ella Fitzgerald

    "If opportunity doesn't knock - build a door." ~ Milton Berle

    "The difference betwen stumbling blocks and stepping stones is how you use them." ~ Unknown

  • "You miss one hundred percent of the shots you never take."?~ Wayne Gretzky

    "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."?~ Lao Tsu

    "Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm." ~ Winston Churchill

    "The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones." ~ William Faulkneer

  • "Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune." ?~ Jim Rohn

    "The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change." ~ Carl Rogers

    "It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." ~ e.e. cummings

  • "To accomplish great things, you must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.” ~ Anatole France

    "Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

    "If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away." ~ Henry David Thoreau

    "Doing your best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment." ~ Oprah Winfrey

  • "Don't bunt. Aim out of the ball park. Aim for the company of immortals." ~ David Ogilvy

  • "Be ready when opportunity comes. . . Luck is the time when preparation and opportunity meet." ~ Roy Chapin

February 23, 2012

Resumes

What is a Resume?

A resume is a brief summary of your skills, educational background, work experience and volunteer experience.  It is a self-promoting advertisement and is the first step to getting an interview for a job or program.

  

Uses of a Resume

  • Include it in the application package (application form, cover letter, resume)
  • Take a few with you to your scheduled interview so you are able to refer to it during certain questions
  • Use it to assist you when applying for scholarships
  • Use when when seeking admission to an educational program
  • Use it to provide background information for your references

 

Types of Resumes

  1. Chronological - This is the most popular format and is best suited for young applicants. It lists the order of content from most recent to least recent and focuses on growth and achievements.
  2. Functional - This format focuses on skills and accomplishments outlining what you did, not when and where you did it.
  3. Combination - This format combines the two styles by listing relevant skills and accomplishments and then proceeding to describe employment and education histories.

 

Creating Your Resume

The most common headings on a resume are:

Objective – This portion indicates the purpose of the resume.

Skills -

Job Specific Skills – skills necessary to do a particular job (use of power tools, work processing, etc.)

Transferable Skills -  skills that can be used in many different job settings (public speaking, solving problems, organization, etc.)

Self-Management Skills – part of a person’s temperament, personality or style,( e.g.,  interpersonal skills, honesty, sense of humor)

Employability Skills

DESTINTATION 2020

Education - Begin with the most recent school, including the name, date, and type of program; you may also include informal education as well, such as workshops, certificates, first aid, CPR training etc.

Work Experience - Begin with the most recent work, including the job title, name of business, dates of employment and duties

Volunteer Experience – Begin with the most recent, including the name of organization, dates of experience and duties

Awards and Accomplishments – Begin with the most recent and provide a brief description if necessary

Interests - This section should be short, listing no more than four interests you have outside of work.

References - Include three references; use a variety of references ranging from teachers, employers, personal reference (an adult who is a family friend), priest, coach, volunteer coordinator, etc.; be sure to include the name, title, address and phone number of each reference

General Tips

  • Short - 1 or 2 pages maximium
  • Easy to read – be specific and accurate; only relevant information; point form beginning with strong verbs
  • Well organized -organize information under headings; bold/underline/italics; be consistent; bullets
  • Attractive – white or light colored paper (no bright or colourful paper); use white space accordingly; make it clear and clean; keep it very neat
  • Tailor your resume to highlight your skills, education and abilities for the job
  • Don’t include a picture of yourself or personal information such as family history, nationality etc.

Resume Template

Microsoft Office Resume Templates to Download

Additional Resources

  1. Career Cruising Employment Section This site has comprehensive information and samples of types of resumes.   
  2. Job Search Handbook – Sasknetwork
  3. Resume Tips for High School Students