1. 1 Resume & Cover Letter Workshop Inuvialuit Career Centre April 2006

2. 2 Agenda What is a Resume? What is it For? Writing Tips Resume Formats Parts of a Resume Cover Letters – Structure & Tips References Additional Help at Inuvialuit Career Centre

3. 3 What is a Resume? Definition: A resume is your self-marketing tool. It advertises your value to a future employer. It summarizes your knowledge, skills, experience and achievements. Purpose: A “door-opener” to help you get a job interview

4. 4 When Do You Use A Resume? When applying for a job When attending a job interview When you set an informational interview When seeking admission to a training program When applying for a scholarship

5. 5 Are You Ready To Write Your Resume? Do you know what work you are looking for and are qualified? Have you researched industries and occupations? Do you know your specific job objectives? Have you identified past achievements? Have you compiled your work history? Can you list your relevant education and training? Have you selected and confirmed your references?

6. 6 Writing Tips. Limit to 1 or 2 pages. Should be typewritten. Proper grammar. No spelling mistakes. Make it attractive. Should be easy to read. Keep it updated. No personal data (SIN). Be truthful. Omit unnecessary words,. Use past tense. Use action words. Customize to each job Have the Inuvialuit Career Centre Career Coach critique it for you

7. 7 Resume Formats Chronological Highlights work experience Gives brief description of responsibilities and accomplishments Functional Highlights work-related skills Does not list employment history Combination Emphasizes skills and achievements without saying where or when they were used Information is organized by skills or occupation, not by positions held Electronic (E-mail) Key words in noun form describe qualifications Plain text format, no frills

8. 8 Chronological Format Highlights Work Experience This type of resume is best used when you have: a stable history of paid employment or volunteer work worked in the same general field for several years and will continue to pursue employment in that field advanced steadily throughout your career and can show an increase in level and responsibility had few career changes.

9. 9 Combinational Format Chronological + Functional = Combination Highlights skills over work experience without indicating when or where they were used This type of resume is best used when: you have done similar work/utilized required skills in other positions you are changing careers or are a recent graduate with little or non-related work experience you want to disguise employment gaps you need to relate your array of skills and achievements to a specific objective

10. 10 Pros & Cons AdvantagesDisadvantages Functional Resume Highlights related and valuable skills Disguises gaps in work history Stresses accomplishments Does not provide work history Suspect to potential employers Chronological Resume Highlights steady, related work history, emphasizing growth and development Easy to prepare and read Indicates when and where skills were used Harder to assess skills May emphasize unrelated work experience Exposes gaps in work experience and education Combination Resume Highlights most relevant skill areas and accomplishments Downplays non-related work experience and employment gaps Useful for students, career changes & re-entrants to work force Omits duties related to each job Downplays experience with each specific employer

11. 11 Parts of a Resume Personal Heading Job Objective or Target Summary of Qualifications Relevant Skills & Accomplishments Employment History Education Other (related volunteer experience, awards, professional memberships, languages, interests, etc.) References

12. 12 References On a separate sheet from your resume, list 3 people who have agreed to give a reference if called by a potential employer after the interview.

13. 13 Cover Letter Purpose: To attract the interest of an employer to read your resume Forms the first impression of you and your relevant background and capabilities, so is worth the effort to do well Reveals: - What position you’re interested in - Your interest in & knowledge about the company - Your qualifications (briefly) - How well you communicate - Clues about you

14. 14 Writing the Cover Letter First paragraph State the position you’re applying for and any other relevant information State your interest in the company & why you’re writing, and how you heard of the job (By your interest & knowledge you show you’re not just sending out letters to everyone) Second paragraph State the contribution you can make to the company by identifying your relevant skills & qualifications for the job Refer to your resume Third paragraph Request an interview or anticipate a phone call Include a thank you

15. 15 Cover Letter Tips * Keep it brief - no more than one page, typed * Keep it focused on key reasons why your qualifications match what is required of the position * Personalize, if possible, to a specific person * Should not be a repeat of your resume * No grammar or typing mistakes * Set yourself apart from the crowd

16. 16 Additional Information On-line Resume workshop On-line links to resume/cover letter resources WinWay Resume template software on-site On-site resume resource library One-on-one resume support & critique service at the Inuvialuit Career Centre

17. 17 Thank You April 2006