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Pertinent information included on your resume may be organized in a variety of ways. Regardless of the type of resume used, you should include the following:
- Contact Information: Include your name (on every page), phone number, email, address, and postal code.
- Objective: Address the positions that you are currently seeking.
- Highlights: 5 or 6 points summarizing your career skills and abilities.
- Work Experience: Be sure to list your employers in chronological order. including start and end dates.
- Training: Include any specialized training/licenses, or professional designation that you have attained.
- Education: Be sure to include your last level of education completed. (i.e.: Post Graduate, Post Secondary or Secondary, etc.).
- References: Because references generally are not included on a resume, have them typed on a separate sheet of paper and readily available at an employer's request.
There are three main resume styles. Your qualifications, history and career goals will help you to choose from among them:
Chronological
This is the most popular with recruiters and agencies. It lists work history, starting with the most recent position. This style quickly reveals work stability, progression and promotion, and works well for those who have experience in their field of employment.
Functional
The functional resume focuses attention on the ability of the individual rather than the past employment. This style groups skills and accomplishments into special categories such as Marketing Experience, Organizational Skills, Project Coordination, Computer Experience, Supervisory and Management Skills. This is a good resume for people who have held a number of different positions, are re-entering the work force, looking to change career paths or are recent graduates.
Combination
The combination resume draws on the best features of both the chronological and the functional resume styles. This style emphasizes the person's capabilities, while including a complete job history. The Combination style is also another good choice for recent graduates.
How Can I Make My Resume Computer Friendly?
- Avoid small print and unusual typefaces
- Avoid graphics
- Be sure that your name is the first line on the page
- Avoid the use of complicated or creative layouts
- Use smooth white paper, black ink and a quality printer
- Provide enough white space
- Emphasize keywords
Who to select for References
Ideally references should be previous employers. Avoid references that are not recent. For new graduates, references should consist of any part-time employers you may have worked for during school or any teachers/professors who can comment on your character or abilities. Be sure to ask your references if they are willing and able to give you a good recommendation. Let them know in advance that they may be contacted by someone and for what purpose. You should list 3 to 5 professional references (supervisors, faculty, colleagues, etc.), and avoid using personal friends and family.
Where To Put References on a Resume
Names and contact information for your references do not typically go on a resume. Most often you would conclude your resume with a section that simply states "References Available Upon Request".
How to Present References
- Create a "Reference" heading
- Name of Reference
- Title or Relationship to You
- Complete Business Address
- Daytime Phone Number
- Employment dates
- Job titles
- Accuracy
- Job description
- Work ethic - including conscientiousness, sense of responsibility, and ability to work with others
- Whether of not they would rehire the candidate
Note: I would like to thank Paul from TES for the above advice.
