WRITING TIPS

by Brisson Legris, Unveiling Potentials

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Watch for typos! You want to be sure the employer can get in touch with you easily.
Make sure your name is at the top. There is no need to write "Resumé".
Don't include personal information such as your birth date or marital status.

SUMMARY

This section summarizes your resumé. It should grab the employer's attention.
Focus on your skills, training, professional qualities and experience that are related to the job you are applying for.
Be concise and include important keywords!

SKILLS

List your skills according to the type of activity. This will give the employer a general overview of what you can do.
Have you got diverse work experience? This chart will help you put all your skills front and centre.
Changing careers? This is your chance to highlight the transferable skills you have acquired, especially those that are relevant to your new employment field. For example, you might want to focus on your communication skills.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

List your work experience, starting with the most recent.
Include the name of the company, the position you held and how long you worked there.
Use active verbs to describe what you did and be concise.
Keep it relevant. There's no need to mention jobs you held long ago that aren't related to the job you are applying for now.

YOUR TIME OFF

Taking parental leave is personal information. You don't have to mention it.
In our example, Maria has chosen to mention her maternity leave in her resumé as well as in her cover letter. In doing so, she shows that it was a life choice that she's proud of.

EDUCATION

List your programs of study, starting with the most recent.
Include the degree or certificate received, the name of the college or university, and the year you graduated.
Even if you haven't completed a program, mention it anyway. For example, you can put "Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, 15 credits completed". Include the year you took the courses and where
If you have attended conferences, courses or seminars related to your work, save them for the Career Development section.

AWARDS

List any scholarships, awards or prizes you have received.
Don't forget to mention the year you received them.

EXPERIENCE WORKING ABROAD

This section is optional. In Maria's case, mentioning international experience is important because the company she is applying with has a branch in Europe.

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS

Recruiters are interested in certain hobbies. Are you a member of a soccer team? This proves you are determined, a team player and in shape!
Employers often use hobbies as an icebreaker at interviews.