When you’re writing your resumé, keep these tips in mind:
- Keep it simple and concise—most people do not need more than two pages.
- Don’t sign or date your resumé, put the title “resumé” at the top, attach a photograph of yourself or include personal information such as age, sex, height or ethnic background.
- Every time you apply for work, analyze the job requirements before you submit a resumé. If necessary, reorganize or rewrite your resumé in a way that clearly shows you can satisfy job requirements.
- List your strongest qualifications near the beginning of your resumé so employers see them first. If you have lots of work experience that is related to the type of work you are applying for, put it before your education/training history. If you have more related education than work experience, put the education first.
- Emphasize your accomplishments and achievements. Wherever possible, describe how your work helped solve problems and achieve goals.
- Use active, expressive words to describe what you have done. To find descriptive words, see the tip sheet Use Action Words to Get the Job, available at alis.alberta.ca/tips. Don’t use “I” and “filler” words such as “I was responsible for…” or “My duties involved…”
- Be honest. Don’t exaggerate or misrepresent yourself—most employers check. On the other hand, don’t be too humble.
- Make sure there are no errors in spelling, grammar or typing. Check and double-check!
- Use wide margins and put information in point form to create lots of “white space” on the page.
- Use bold to highlight information.
- Print on good-quality white or off-white 8½” x 11″ paper. Use a printer that produces a clean, clear copy.
Source: Work Search Basics © Government of Alberta, Human Services
