1. WRITING A WINNING RESUME
Planning 10

2. Purpose of a Resume
See next slide

3. Purpose To win an interview Tells the employer what you have done
Convinces the employer that you have what it takes to be successful in the position

4. Resume Styles
See next slide

5. Different Formats
Chronological
Functional
Combination

6. Combination Resume Components

7. Contact Information
Includes name, address, and telephone
Objective (Optional)
Should be included only if you are clear about your career direction
Brief, unique, and matched to the job/company for which you are applying
Summary of Strengths
Several points highlighting strengths/skills pertinent to the position

8. Related Experience/Volunteer Work
Education
Should be emphasized first if you have no relevant work experience
Should be in reverse chronological order starting with your most recent degree
Awards
Includes honours, citations, entrance scholarships, passport to education and any other recognition
Related Experience/Volunteer Work
Experiences are listed in reverse chronological order
List position title, company and dates of employment, then include achievements or key responsibilities

9. Activities & Interests
Information is short, concise and rounds out the picture the employers will have of you
Know why you are including this information and how the activity benefits the employer
References
Indicate “Available upon request”
Prepare a separate reference sheet that can be given if requested during an interview

10. GENERAL GUIDELINES

11. 1. Grammar and spelling should be correct
1. Grammar and spelling should be correct. Easy to read with lots of white space.
2. Focus on skills, personal qualities, and achievements using past tense verbs.
3. Use bullets to focus on points. Make sure points are concise and have impact.
4. Always list the most important points first when organizing headings and content.

12. 5. Resumes should be tailored to the
5. Resumes should be tailored to the employers’ needs as much as possible.
6. A resume is a summary of your experience and should be kept to two pages.
7. Always include a cover letter when you present a resume to an employer.
8. When faxing your resume, always follow- up by sending an original.

13. 9. Print resumes and cover letters on good
9. Print resumes and cover letters on good bond paper; use only one side of the page.
10. Be honest. Do not mislead employers or give information you are unable to justify.
11. Format and style do count, but it doesn’t matter how fancy your resume is if the quality of the content is missing.
12. Resume writing is a personal process which takes time, thought and hard work.