The resume is used to describe what you can accomplish professionally in a manner that also illustrates what you can do for an employer. It must be clear, concise and strategically present your qualifications to get a recruiter to hire you. It should convey your educational qualifications, skills, work experience and assets. An updated modern resume is the key to a successful job search in Canada.
More importantly, Canadian employers want to see your technical skills required for the job along with the soft skills and professional qualifications. Here are some tips of how to write a good resume so that it stands out.
Keep your resume short and crisp
An employer takes an average of 30 seconds to skim a resume. You want them to see right away that you are qualified for the position. You can achieve this by keeping it short and crisp. Avoid long Bullet points which could make your Resume look cluttered and messy.
Proofread your resume
Be sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. Have your friends read it over as well. A simple spelling mistake on a resume can give a negative impression to the employer. The first impression is definitely the last impression so make sure it is a positive one by proofreading it.
Limit your resume to two pages
It is great if your Resume fits in one page but if not then it should not be more than two pages. Also, it is advisable to place the emphasis of your resume on your most recent experience. Previous job experience should be minimized. This way, the employer can focus on more relevant information he needs.
Tailor your resume to suit the position you are applying for
You might be good at Sales & Customer Service at the same time. But if you are applying for a Customer Service job only, tailor your resume accordingly. Specify work experience or achievements that are related to this. This can be done by reviewing the job description clearly on the employer’s website. Highlighting Sales experience for a Customer Service job won’t solve the purpose.
Highlight your accomplishments
Show yourself as an achiever. You want to be able to identify the best examples of where you demonstrated your skills. These examples should speak to what you achieved in your role and should demonstrate your professional ability. It is best to include this information in the “Work experience” section of the resume.
Quantify your achievements
Use numbers that the employer will understand and be impressed with. For example, how many people you supervised, how many products you sold, by what percentage you increased sales, etc. Proven experience is always beneficial and you can gain employer’s confidence in you.
Make use of simple words and action verbs
The person reading your resume might not always be the employer. Resumes can be reviewed by recruiters or Human Resources specialists who may not be familiar with your specific field. Use simple language but also persuasive verbs such as handled, managed, led, developed, increased, accomplished, leveraged, etc.
Don’t include a picture of yourself
Although in some countries it may be acceptable to include a photo, it is not the norm in Canada. So, refrain from doing this. A Resume without a picture also is equally more attractive and no one wants to know what you look like anyway!
Personalize your statements
Stay clear from the statements that don’t highlight your actual contribution. Unclear statements such as, “Responsible for improving sales”, do not provide any information to an employer. Personalize your experience! Give them facts so that they are convinced.
Include hobbies or interests only if they are related to the role you are applying for
It is not recommended to mention hobbies because of the judgments potential employers can make. However, if your hobbies relate to the position, you may include them as they can demonstrate to the employer why you are a good fit.
Be Honest
Honesty is the best policy and by going with this rule you would be able to stand out from other applicants. Never lie about your achievements and accomplishments as it would be marked as negative on your part.
Hope you will follow these tips and make an attractive Resume.
Happy Job Hunting!
