Resume Advice and
Tips
The enclosed information was created by Chatham-Kent Employment Resource Centre staff for general information
purposes only and should not be reproduced without permission.
July 2013
Resume Writing Tips
A successful resume is one that persuades a potential employer to call you for an interview. To be
effective, prepare a resume targeted to a specific job, even if you have to change your resume for
every position. Emphasize your strongest qualifications as employers scan resumes quickly.
Organize your material in such a way that the reader cannot miss your key selling points.
Purpose of a Resume
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To get your readers attention
Capture interest
Position yourself against the competition (including those who may be more qualified)
GET AN INTERVIEW!
Choosing a Format
Chronological Format
The chronological style resume is the most common. With this format, your most recent work
experience is listed first; job duties and accomplishments are listed with each position. This resume
style works well for job seekers who have continuous employment and relevant work experience.
Use Chronological Format if:
 Applying to a conservative field or industry (law, accounting, or government)
 You have career progression over more than the past five years, and are looking for a
similar position
 Executive or management candidate
 Changing fields (same function, new industry)
 Leaving military, performing similar job function
 New graduate with experience related to chosen field
Functional Format
The functional resume relies on skill-based sections to demonstrate ones strongest selling points
and qualifications for a particular job. This resume style is ideal for job seekers who are changing
careers or who may not have direct employment experience for their targeted position. Use
Functional Format if:
 Reentering the workforce (different career) after being unemployed for a few years
 Leaving military, pursuing different job responsibilities
 Lots of volunteer experience related to chosen field
 New graduate with experience unrelated to chosen field
 Performed similar responsibilities repeatedly for different employers
 Changed jobs often
 “Overqualified” and looking for less responsibility
Combination Format
The combination style resume combines both the chronological and functional format and relies on
skills-based sections as well as work experience to focus on ones most important skills relevant to
the job posting. This format is effective to take older but impressive accomplishments and positions
them in the visual centre of a resume. Use Combination Format if:
 You have relevant experience spanning over many years
 Executive or management candidate
 Have been out of the job market but have the necessary skills
Sections/Headings of a Resume
When designing a resume you want important information to standout. Choosing appropriate
headings can help to identify key skills. Examples of headings:
 Profile/Career Summary
 Skills and Abilities/Summary of Qualifications/Highlights
 Education/Training
 Computer Skills
 Experience/Relevant Experience/Employment
 Additional Training
 Volunteer/Community Involvement
 Accomplishments/Awards
 References
Profile/Career Summary
A career profile statement of your qualifications targeted to the job you are applying for is an
excellent way to highlight your key qualifications. The resume should show relevant experiences
based off of this statement.
Skills and Abilities/Summary of Qualifications/Highlights
List the skills and transferable points that you have which would make a potential employer want to
call you for an interview. This section is the visual centre of a resume. Think about your skills in the
following areas:
 Computers skills, software, research, written and oral communication
 Creativity, project management, problem solving
 Analytical, budget/financial, training/facilitation
Experience/Relevant Experience/Employment
Include the title of your position, the name of the organization, the location of work (city), and the
dates you held the position.
Describe the most relevant work responsibilities compared to the job ad. Emphasize on
achievements using action words to communicate your skills – list the most important and related
responsibilities first. Focus on your accomplishments for each position.
Focus on money, time and amounts in relation to your accomplishments. Numbers are the only
universal language; try to incorporate numbers into your resume. Be careful not to disclose
confidential information.
Consider the following questions:
 How did you save your former employer money?
 How did you increase income/production? By how much?
 Did you manage a budget? What was the amount of the budget?
 Did you train staff? How many? How often?
 Did you recruit staff? How many? For what positions?
Education/Training
This category is particularly important if you have not had a great deal of work experience. If a
potential employer will hire you because of your education list it before your experience.
 List your most recent educational experience first.
 Include degrees, institution(s) attended, special workshops, and seminars if relevant to the
position
Volunteer/Community Involvement
It is always a good idea to include volunteer experience, especially if the skills you gained will
increase the qualifications for the job you are applying for. List volunteer experience using the
same format chosen for experience.
Accomplishments/Awards
Showcasing awards or accomplishments is a great way to make your resume stand out. Employers
like people who are high achievers who take on additional responsibilities.
References
When preparing your resume also prepare a separate reference sheet, which can be submitted at
an interview. The list should include: reference name, title, address, contact telephone number,
and their connection to you.(i.e. former supervisor)
Be sure to ask the reference if they would be willing to be a reference for you prior to mentioning
their names to prospective employers. If you have written reference letters from former employers,
submit these at an interview – expect the interviewer to call these candidates for a verbal
reference.
Final Resume Tips
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Adjust your resume to suit specific job/employers
Address your audience. Is your reader interested in every sentence?
Deliver the goods up front, start accomplishment statements with the result and then method
used for achieving the result
Never include personal information such as age, social insurance number, marital status, a
photograph, salary history or expectation
Ensure your contact information is up to date with a current email address
Type the resume in Arial or Times New Roman in 11or 12 point size for text
Make sure your resume is honest and accurate – never lie!
Use indentations, capital letters, bolding, and bullets appropriately to effectively enhance
important information
Be brief, yet accurate, check and double-check all details, especially numbers
Be clear, ask 2 or 3 people to read your resume
Start sentences with action verbs
PROOFREAD! PROOFREAD! PROOFREAD! Let several people including career service
staff critique your resume
Tom Smith
FUNCTIONAL LANDSCAPING RESUME
3 Lowe Lane
Thamesville, ON N0P 2K0
519-355-5555
Qualifications
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Extensive knowledge planning, organizing, and performing landscaping responsibilities
Knowledge of current horticulture practices and modern techniques, materials, and equipment used in
landscape maintenance
Experience with pest and herbicide control techniques
Strong knowledge of safety methods and practices
Great oral and written communication skills
Remarkable ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with
others including the public
Landscaping Experience
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Perform physical labour to cut grass, plant flowers, trees and shrubs
Estimate materials, supplies, manpower, and total costs for landscape projects
Prepare contract specifications and quotes for customers
Prepare work schedule, assign the work to various grounds crews according to work orders
Inspect work frequently for, progress, safety, cleanliness, quality of workmanship, and conformance
to plans, specifications, and codes
Maintain necessary personnel and other records related to the assignment
General Labourer Experience
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Formed sand moulds to fabricate metal castings, using patterns and match plates, flasks, hand-tools
and power tools
Brushed, dipped, and sprayed solution such as graphite on cores to produce smooth finish
Used chemicals appropriately, applied solution to cores to prevent damage during the firing process
Maintained assigned daily quotas and regularly surpassed them
Experience
AL’s Lawn and Garden
Landscaper/Owner
Michigan Sugar Beets
Sorter/General Labourer
2011 - 2012
Various Companies
Landscaper
2003 - 2011
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Education
Grade 12 Diploma
Worker’s Health & Safety Certificate
First Aid/CPR
Professional Landscaping Course
2012 - Present
2008-Present
FUNCTIONAL TRUCK DRIVER RESUME
SAMPLE
BOB BARKER
123 Memory Lane.  Thamesville, ON N0P 2K0  Phone: 519-555-0000  bobbarker@gmail.com
SKILLS & ABILITIES
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Clean criminal record and drivers abstract
React quickly in emergency situations to prevent catastrophic situations
Concerned for safety, follow safe procedures, both on the road and when loading or unloading
Enjoy driving and have mechanical ability for inspection and minor repairs
Work well with diverse populations and offer excellent customer service
Maintain a high energy level and a strong stamina required for lifting heavy objects and working long
hours
Keep a detailed log book and pride myself on accuracy
Experience hauling various types of trailers including: Flatbed, Grain Hooper, B-Trains, Reefers, and
vans
TRUCK DRIVING EXPERIENCE
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Experienced AZ truck driver with over 10 years experience in delivering materials throughout North
America
Good navigation skills and a good sense of direction, exceptional map reading skills, and experience
using GPS systems
Experience driving refrigeration trailers, ensuring proper temperatures of refrigerating system
Safely operate transport truck in all weather conditions and over a wide variety of terrain
Drive truck with capacity greater than three tons to transport materials to and from specified
destinations
Hook up truck & trailer apparatus, perform daily maintenance and complete all paperwork, inspect
and maintain vehicles and supplies
Experience with LTL picking up merchandise at various locations and delivering loads to multiple
destinations
EXPERIENCE
Transport Truck Driver
Perry Transportation
2011 - present
Tupperville, ON
Transport Truck Driver
Preferred Transport Ltd.
2010 - 2011
Chatham, ON
Transport Truck Driver
Bruce R. Smith Ltd.
2003 - 2010
Chatham, ON
EDUCATION
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AZ Truck Driver, Ontario Truck Driving School, London, ON 2003
Grade 12 Diploma, John McGregor Secondary School, Chatham, ON 2002
REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
FUNCTIONAL FACTORY RESUME
SAMPLE
Martin Smith
8-129 Minnie Lane
Ridgetown, ON N0P 2B0
martin.smith@hotmail.com
519-555-5555
Profile
Safety conscious, hardworking individual who enjoys working in factory environments as part of a
team on an assembly line producing quality parts.
Summary of Qualifications
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Excellent performance consistency, both in qualitative as well as quantitative sense
Responsible and can complete assigned tasks without supervision
Able to perform preventative maintenance and maintain equipment
Capable of safely operating a wide variety of fork lifts, trucks, and machinery
Physically fit, and able to perform repetitive tasks safely to prevent work place injury
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
Detail oriented with excellent time management abilities
Factory Experience
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Participated in a team environment on assembly line to produce parts for the trucking industry
Communicated with superiors for daily quotas and any pertinent information
Operated various power tools and machinery in a factory setting
Performed repetitive tasks quickly and accurately
Followed company safety regulations, kept work area clean at all times to prevent injury
Followed Quality and Performance System (QPS) methodologies in quality, delivery, cost and
productivity
 Poured metal safely into mould, measured and weighed alloys following specified work assignments
Relevant Experience
GNA Manufacturing
Factory Labourer
Tilbury, ON
2012 - present
Cangro
Food Factory Labourer
Dresden, ON
2011 - 2012
Ontario Engineered Suspension
Factory Labourer
Blenheim, ON
2011
Education
Ridgetown District High School
Grade 12 Diploma
Ridgetown, ON
2009
References Available upon request
FUNCTIONAL CAREGIVER RESUME
SAMPLE
Jennifer Lopaz
1-250 Creek St
Dresden, ON N0P 1M0
Phone: 519-555-5555
Summary of Qualifications
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Relevant experience providing excellent customer service
Self-motivated, can work efficiently as a team member or independently
Excellent communication skills and a strong sense of customer service
Demonstrate excellent decision making abilities and have proven problem solving skills
First Aid/CPR Certified
Medical Terminology Knowledge
Punctual, reliable and dependable
Valid driver’s licence, reliable transportation and clean criminal record check
Personal Support Worker Skills
 Answer call signals, supply and empty bed pans, bathe, dress and groom patients, serve meal trays, feed or
assist in feeding of patients with menu selection
 Provide leisure activities for patients and accompany patients on outside recreational activities and perform
other duties related to patient care
 Take patient’s blood pressure, temperature and pulse, report or record fluid intake and output, observe or
monitor patients status and document patient care on charts
 Collect specimens such as: urine, feces or sputum as directed by nursing and hospital staff
 Interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to deal effectively with both patients and staff
 Transport patients by wheelchair or stretcher for treatment or surgery
 Carry messages, reports, requisitions and specimens from one department to another
 Make beds and maintain patients rooms
 Maintain inventory of supplies
 Perform routine health-related duties such as changing non-sterile dressings, administering medications under
the general direction of home care agency supervisor or nurse
Customer Service Experience
 Answered telephone professionally and responded to enquiries from customers and investigated concerns
regarding goods, services, and policies
 Delivered world class customer service and built customer satisfaction and loyalty
 Experience with handling debit, credit and cash transactions
 Completed ongoing training to stay abreast of product, service and policy changes
 Created positive and cooperative tone with both customers and co-workers
 Increased the customer experience by providing information on new products, rate plans, and services through
up selling opportunities
Computer Experience
 Excellent computer skills, familiar with windows environment, effective internet research skills, paid attention
to details and input data correctly and accurately
 Inputted text and data from documents into spreadsheets, databases or electronic files
 Ensured accuracy and strict time lines when inputting data
 Identified problems and offered solutions to technical computer problems
Jennifer Lopaz
Phone: 519-555-5555
Page #2
Employment Experience
VON
Personal Support Worker
Chatham, ON
2012 - present
Bayshore
Personal Support Worker
Sarnia, ON
2012
YA Canada
Customer Service Representative
Chatham, ON
2010 - 2012
Tim Hortons
Customer Service Representative
Chatham, ON
2009
Education
St Clair College
Personal Support Worker
Chatham, ON
2011
Ursuline College
Grade 12 Diploma
Chatham, ON
2010
JEFF GORDON
COMBINATION CALL CENTRE RESUME
SAMPLE
519-555-5555
2857 Victory Lane, Chatham, ON N7P 2D1
E-mail: jgordon@hotmail.com
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
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Relevant experience providing friendly customer service in the retail industry
Effective ability to work in a fast paced environment
Self-motivated, can work efficiently as a team member or independently
Excellent communication skills and a strong sense of customer service
Demonstrate good decision making abilities and have proven problem solving skills
CALL CENTRE EXPERIENCE
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Receive extensive phone training, learn the essential elements needed to carry out a successful phone
conversation
Provide troubleshooting assistance to clients throughout Ontario
Process client requests with speed and accuracy
Experience using customer database
Suggest upgrades and new programming for clients to purchase
WORK EXPERIENCE
2011 - Present
Young America Canada
Chatham, ON
Customer Service Representative
 Listen empathetically to callers to determine nature of calls
 Confidently handle client inquiries and issues in an efficient and timely manner
 Maintain excellent product knowledge, educated on a variety of offers for more than one company
2010 - 2011
Alliance iCommunications
Chatham, ON
Customer Service Representative
 Displayed strong listening skills in determining client’s needs; asked relevant probing questions
 Successfully met daily quotas and achieved excellent performance appraisals
 Answered inquiries and provided information to customers regarding products
2010
Foundation of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance
Chatham, ON
Telephone Solicitor
 Solicited individuals for the purpose of fundraising for the Health Alliance annual “House Calls”
campaign
 Calling local residents to obtain their opinions of their healthcare services
2009 - 2010
Tim Hortons
Customer Service Representative
 Served customers with courtesy, patience and a smile
 Accurately completed all orders to ensure customer satisfaction
London, ON
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Lambton Kent District School Board
Chatham, ON
Presently enrolled in completing courses through correspondence to achieve Grade 12
CHRONOLOGICAL EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT RESUME
SAMPLE – MICROSOFT WORD 2007 TEMPLATE
REBECCA LASZLO
123 Dundas St. W.  Toronto, ON M6J 1X2
someone@example.com  905-555-0139
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Skillful and dedicated Executive Assistant with extensive experience in the coordination, planning, and support
of daily operational and administrative functions.
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Demonstrate capacity to provide comprehensive support for executive-level staff including scheduling
meetings, coordinating travel, and effectively managing all essential tasks
Proven track record of accurately completing research, reporting, information management, marketing,
and business-development efforts within budget requirements
Adept at developing and maintaining detailed administrative and procedural processes that reduce
redundancy, improve accuracy and efficiency, and achieve organizational objectives
Highly focused and results-oriented in supporting complex, deadline-driven operations; able to identify
goals and priorities and resolve issues in initial stages
Proficient in Microsoft Office System, Microsoft Visio®, QuickBooks, Microsoft Windows® operating
system, and Mac operating system; type 90 wpm with complete accuracy
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
A. DATUM CORPORATION – Toronto, ON
2000 to Present
Executive Assistant
Provide high-level administrative support to Chief Financial Officer of leading manufacturer of solid-imaging
products and solutions with over $75 million in annual revenues.
 Perform a variety of key investor-relations functions, addressing inquiries of current and potential
shareholders, communicating with marketing department regarding investor-relations initiatives, and
maintaining investor database
 Collaborate with CFO to oversee distribution of financial releases to NASDAQ. Develop spreadsheets
to improve and inform quality and risk-assessment initiatives
 Prepare meeting agendas and carefully monitor all action items
 Reduced company travel expenses by $47,000 in first three months of tenure by identifying costeffective travel agencies and negotiating contracts with key travel-services providers
 Coordinate and host successful client seminars, creating invitations and promotional materials, booking
venues, and selecting guest speakers
ADVENTURE WORKS – Toronto,
ON
1997 to 2000
Administrative Assistant
Served as Administrative Assistant for three partners and one principal of financial-services firm with over 75
nationwide locations.
 Directed all administrative and project support efforts
 Conducted in-depth business-development research and compiled results for review by proposal team
 Developed presentations and scheduled all executive-level meetings and travel
 Prepared bi-weekly time, expense, and travel reports. Managed invoicing and billing processes
 Designed, coordinated, and maintained vital competitive analysis process to facilitate implementation of
aggressive company marketing strategy
 Successfully oversaw license renewal for all financial service representatives
someone@example.com  905-555-0139
REBECCA LASZLO
CONTOSO PHARMACEUTICALS – Toronto,
ON
Page #2
1993 to 1997
Regional Assistant
Provide administrative support for five regional medical directors in this successful healthcare organization.
 Oversaw a wide variety of administrative functions, supporting all director-level projects and
information-management processes
 Compiled and analyzed data from monthly reports to prepare directors’ presentations to executive
management
 Developed internal correspondence that facilitated effective communication and transfer of information
between five regional offices
 Played key role in design of inter-office intranet, collaborating with Web developers to identify and
define essential components of site functionality
 Significantly reduced time required to prepare and distribute quarterly financial reports by spearheading
implementation of electronic reporting procedures
ALPINE SKI HOUSE
– Toronto, ON
1991 to 1993
Office Manager
Directed day-to-day office operations, providing fundamental support to company President and team of
consultants.
 Managed accounts payable, receivable, and payroll
 Oversaw administrative budget. Prepared expense reports and credit card/bank reconciliations
 Purchased all hardware and software, performed application upgrades, and trained staff in use of office
computer resources
EDUCATION
ST. CLAIR COLLEGE – Chatham, ON
2000
Executive Assistant Diploma
WALLACEBURG DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL
Grade 12 Diploma
REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
1998
JEFF GORDON
2857 Victory Lane, Chatham, ON N7P 2D1
CHRONOLOGICAL CALL CENTRE RESUME
SAMPLE
jgordon@hotmail.com
519-555-5555
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
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Relevant experience providing friendly customer service in the retail industry
Effective ability to work in a fast paced environment
Self-motivated; can work efficiently as a team member or independently
Excellent communication skills and a strong sense of customer service
Demonstrate good decision-making abilities and have proven problem-solving skills
WORK EXPERIENCE
2011 – Present
Young America Canada
Chatham, ON
Customer Service Representative
 Listened empathetically to callers to determine nature of calls
 Confidence in handling client inquiries and issues in an efficient and timely manner
 Excellent product knowledge, juggling a variety of offers for more than one company
2010 – 2011
Alliance iCommunications
Chatham, ON
Customer Service Representative
 Displayed strong listening skills in determining clients needs; asked relevant probing questions
 Successfully met daily quotas and achieved excellent performance appraisals
 Answered inquiries and provided information to customers regarding products
2009
Foundation of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance
Telephone Solicitor
 Fundraising for the Health Alliance annual “House Calls” campaign
 Calling local residents to obtain their opinions of their healthcare services
2008 – 2009
Tim Hortons
Customer Service Representative
 Served customers with courtesy, patience and a smile
 Accurately completed all orders to ensure customer satisfaction
Chatham, ON
London, ON
2003
The Kidney Foundation of Canada
London, ON
Telephone Solicitor
 Fundraising for The Kidney Foundation annual campaigns
 Received extensive phone training; taught the essential elements needed to carry out a successful
phone conversation
 Organized and sorted incoming donations and prepared tax receipts
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Lambton Kent District School Board
Chatham, ON
Presently enrolled in completing courses through correspondence to achieve Grade 12
October 2009
CPR and First Aid Certification
COMBINATION RESUME SAMPLE
CARRIE MORRIS
1000 King Street W. ● Chatham, ON ● N7M 1N2
519-555-5555 ● rrmo@hotmail.com
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Summary of Skills
Over 4 years experience in the food service industry
Enthusiastic with an exceptional attendance record, willing to work shifts
Knowledge of computers, including the internet and e-mail
Excellent problem solving skills, ability to quickly adapt to new situations
Willing and able to accept new challenges, and flexible to take on other duties
Progressed to higher levels of responsibility, independently opened and closed store and
balanced books at day end
Customer Service Skills
 Able to multi-task in a fast paced environment
 Ability to work effectively in both individual and team oriented environments
 Excellent interpersonal skills, friendly with ability to identify with customers
 Experience operating cash machines, greeting and taking orders from customers
Domestic Management Skills
 Perform routine housekeeping duties such as washing dishes, dusting, and laundry
 Prepare and serve nutritious meals for a family of four
 Maintain a safe environment for young children while providing age-appropriate activities to
entertain
Planning/Organization Skills
 Manage schedules and logistics for a busy family
 Balance priorities to create and implement budget
 Plan, organize and supervise extra-curricular activities for children
 Ability to prioritize and complete tasks with speed and accuracy
Employment History
McDonald’s
Chatham, ON
Customer Service Representative
2011 - 2013
 Greeted customers and offered super customer service when received food orders,
requested and received payment, and operated cash register
 Maintained a clean and sanitized restaurant including: swept and mopped floors, cleaned
walls, tables, counters, kitchen and service equipment
 Assisted with the preparation of foods requiring short preparation times
Dairy Queen
Chatham, ON
Customer Service
2008 - 2011
 Quickly and accurately processed cash, credit and debit transactions
 Followed government health and safety regulations to keep a clean and sanitized restaurant
environment
Education
Lambton Kent District School Board
Grade 12 Diploma
Chatham, ON