Work-Integrated Learning and Career Services

Resume Development

Why use a resume?

  • Inventory of your experience, education and job-related skills
  • Used for a business-like approach to finding employment
  • Tells the employer what you have to offer and why they should consider interviewing you

Types of resumes

The following are the 3 most common types of resumes. The best format to use depends on your background, the job that you are looking for and what the employer prefers.

Reverse Chronological

Presents information according to what happened when.

Advantages

  • upfront and straight forward
  • connects employment dates and experience
  • can show career progression

Disadvantages

  • may show gaps in employment
  • last employment is different from the one being sought

Functional

Focuses on skills.

Advantages

  • highlights skills relevant to the job

Disadvantages

  • unclear when and where skills were last demonstrated or used

Hybrid

Combines functional and reverse chronological features

Advantages

  • presents relevant skill clusters along with a chronological listing of details

Disadvantages

  • may not be preferred by a more traditional selection committee

Essential Elements

  • Header – Include the phone number and an appropriate email address where you can be reached, and applicable online profiles (LinkedIn, portfolio, professional website)
  • Highlights of Qualifications Summary Statement Profile – Gives a snapshot of your background by summarizing the information you have included in the resume
  • Employment History Work Experience – Highlights where and when you worked, your positions at these companies and what you did (skill statements)
  • Volunteer Experience Community Involvement – If relevant to the position you are applying for, unpaid work experience can be included in the resume
  • Additional Information – awards, scholarships, extracurricular activities, community involvement, publications, memberships, interests, reference statements

Skill Statement

Describe responsibilities and accomplishments by:

  • Using action words
  • Expanding on job responsibilities
  • Focusing on results

Example:

Before – Reported on monthly activities and provided recommendations
After – Analyzed monthly statistics on registration trends, recommended system changes to the manager and implemented improved protocols, increasing registration by 25%

Reference Sheet

A reference sheet is separate from your resume. References can be a deciding factor on who gets the job as they provide testimony as to one’s strengths, work style, personality, and abilities. You must obtain permission first before listing someone as a reference. Keep them informed!

Nailing Down Your Draft

Do

  • Expect to do several revisions
  • Have a clear objective in mind
  • Customize according to job requirements
  • Pick a format that suits your background
  • Organize information using a logical layout
  • Use action words to enhance statements
  • Watch your verb tenses
  • Include numbers
  • Use easy-to-read, professional & consistent font
  • Proofread

Don’t

  • Minimize qualifications
  • Overuse abbreviations
  • Assume the reader knows what you can do
  • List references
  • Include information that does not affect your ability to perform the job

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

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