Your Complete
Employers receive many résumés in response to their job offers. Keep in mind that a good résumé should take 20 seconds to attract the employer’s attention.
To write your résumé, use this model (in Word format)
Résumé
A résumé is a written portrait of you. It gives employers an idea of who you are and what work experience, training, and interests you have.
Enclose a résumé with every job application you submit, and bring along a copy to every interview.
Tips for a good résumé
- Keep it short (maximum 1 to 3 pages). Employers receive a lot of résumés and ignore those that are too long.
- Use a computer or typewriter.
- Carefully choose your words. Use simple vocabulary and action verbs such as administer, analyze, compile, oversee, inform.
- Make sure your résumé is easy to read:
- Use a font that is clear and easy to read
(Times New Roman 12 point, for example). - Space out your text.
- Avoid drawings or pictures.
- Use a font that is clear and easy to read
- Make sure your contact information (address, phone number, email address) is correct.
- Provide only truthful information.
- Do not strike out words or fold your résumé.
Common Pitfalls
- Errors may indicate a lack of professionalism. Have your résumé checked by someone who has a firm grasp of spelling and grammar.
- Incoherence can imply that your thinking is confused. Clearly set out each section (professional goals, education, work experience, recreational interests, etc.). Avoid contradicting yourself.
- A humorous résumé may give the impression that you are not serious. Keep the tone serious.
Types of résumé
Depending on your work experience and skills, you can set up your résumé in one of four ways. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right one:
Chronological résumé
The chronological résumé highlights your experience in one professional field. List the jobs you have held in reverse chronological order (starting with the most recent). This type of résumé is recommended if
- you already have work experience in a given field;
- you are seeking a job in the same field;
- your work experience or training follows a distinct pattern.
Functional résumé
The functional résumé highlights your skills rather than your work experience. Describe your skills, starting with those that pertain to the job you are applying for. This type of résumé is recommended if
- you have little or no work experience;
- you have held a number of jobs that are unrelated;
- you wish to emphasize talents you have not had the opportunity to demonstrate in a working environment.
Example >>
Combination résumé
The combination résumé is the most common. It lays out your work experience and skills in chronological order. This type of résumé is recommended if
- you have changed jobs frequently;
- you have a lot of experience in a field, but have worked for a number of employers.
Example >>
Electronic résumé
An electronic résumé contains the same information as a paper résumé, but it allows you to create a more dynamic presentation and include hyperlinks. For example, you can direct the employer to the Web site of a company you worked for. The advantage of an electronic résumé is that it lets an employer type in keywords to search your application for selection criteria.
A few tips
- Keep the format simple.
- Avoid using special characters, bullets, and columns, as formatting may be altered when you send your résumé.
- Do not include pictures or special effects as that will prolong downloading time and may irritate the employer.