Creating a Resume When creating a resume (sometimes called a CV), it is important to keep in mind that the job you apply for should match your interests, abilities, skills and qualifications. So how do you get experience if you’ve never had a paying job? Through volunteer work of course! However, it is not always clear what skills you may be gaining when you volunteer. If this is the case, ask your volunteer coordinator for a job description of your position. That way you will have a clear outline of your responsibilities that you can then transfer to your resume. The Format
Generally, resumes are about one page long. Below is an example of the most current format.
YOUR NAME
STREET ADDRESS
CITY, PROVINCE, POSTAL CODE
PHONE NUMBER
EMAIL ADDRESS Job Objective: Be specific! ie: To be a bookseller at Chapters St. Vital
To become a Subway Sandwich Artist
Summary of Qualifications: This section should answer the question: Why should they hire me? Briefly state your skills and experience that is relevant to the position you are applying for. You can include specific accomplishments, special abilities and references to your values, commitment, philosophy etc. Present this info in point form. It is not always necessary to include this section, especially if you are still in high school and looking for a part time job in the service, food or retail industries. However, if you have enough relevant experience are competing for a position or have post-secondary education, than include it. ie: Three years of childcare experience
Planned and coordinated the 30 Hour Famine at Mordon HS
Dedicated to raising awareness of poverty in Africa
Employment/ Work History: Here, you can highlight both your work and volunteer experience. (Alternatively, you could have two separate sections: Work Experience & Volunteer History.) Present information chronologically reversed. Using point form, briefly highlight your responsibilities. Include what, where and when in a liner format. ie: Subway Sandwich Artist Winnipeg, MB 2006
- Prepared all food in a quick sanitary manner
- Worked independently and as part of a team
- Trained and coordinated staff
- Handled Difficult, hungry customers
Education and Training: You can present this information in horizontal liner format, beginning with your most current education or the highest level of education you have attained. DO NOT list every school you have ever attended. If you are currently in high school it is not necessary to list your junior high and elementary school. Similarly, if you are in university, do not list your high school unless it is relevant to the position. Music lessons, sports training, conferences, seminars, volunteer training, etc. can be included here. ie: Grade 11 Green Plains Collegiate Preset
OR
Bachelor of Arts University of Manitoba 2003-2007
Major: Political Science
Minor: Human Rights
Other Categories to include if you’ve got room:
Special Awards and Recognition: Highlight your achievements in this section-anything that sets you apart! List them in point form Hobbies/ Interest: Include this position if it is relevant to the position you are applying for. Avoid generic interests such as “reading”, “hanging out with friends”, “listening to music”. DO NOT INCLUDE: - “References available upon request” -This is a given. For every job/volunteer position you will need to provide references. Include them on a separate piece of paper.
- Your age, gender, marital status
- Your SIN number-This generally goes on an application
Need more help? Email
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with questions about how to determine your skills, get help with resume editing, and to answers your questions. Or Visit the resume builder section of youth.gc.ca |
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