Making Connections
Dos and Don'tsThere is no single way to prepare a resumé. In fact, there are three common resumé formats – chronological, functional, and combination – and they don’t work equally well for all job-seekers. |
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Fabjob |
Do include an objective or summary relevant to the position you are applying for. Explain the value you will bring to the employer; don’t just state what you want. For example, Richard Valiquette, a sales consultant and coach and owner of Creative Coaching Solutions in Calgary, has this objective on his resumé: “To contribute to the success of your team and increase revenue growth for your organization.”
Don’t just list your responsibilities at previous jobs. Instead, use action verbs to describe what you achieved in each position, such as: initiated, launched, activated, designed, implemented, expanded, increased, etc. Wherever possible, quantify your achievements.
Do tailor your resumé by using the same wording as the employer. For example, if their ad says they are looking for someone with “expert customer service skills,” state in your resumé “expert” not “excellent.” Your resumé may be scanned electronically for specific keywords.
Don’t include irrelevant information. Avoid mentioning personal information such as your age or unusual hobbies.
Do include relevant continuing education, any professional affiliations, and accomplishments such as awards or scholarships.
Don’t include references on your resumé unless asked to do so. It will be assumed that they are available on request.
Do make your resumé’s length appropriate for the amount of experience you have. For most people, that will be a maximum of two pages.
Do choose an attractive paper stock, lay it out nicely, and make sure there are no typos. If you are sending your resumé by email, do use the specific format the employer has asked for. Don’t send email attachments unless the employer requests them, or they may be deleted.
We do hope your resumé helps you land your dream job.
Tag and Catherine Goulet are authors of Dream Careers and founders of FabJob.com. Visit www.FabJob.com to discover your dream career.
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