WRITING TIPS

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!

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

Julie was still employed by Green Thumbs while she was on sick leave. This means that her time away doesn't appear on her resumé and therefore, she doesn't have to mention it.

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.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

List all the courses you've taken to keep up-to-date in your field.
Include the course title, the name of the organization that offered it, and the year you attended.

AWARDS

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

SOCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

Mention community or professional activities you have participated in. Specify your role, the name of the organization and the year you participated. For example, an engineer applying for a job developing bike routes could mention her skills in bike racing. Her interest in this environmentally-friendly mode of transportation could give her an edge on the other applicants.
Have you got a lot to add to this section? If so, divide it into two parts: social activities and professional activities.

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.