TOP 10 TIPS FOR RESUME WRITING
Tip #1 – Put the Most Important Information that You Want an Employer to
Read in the First 1/3 of Your Resume
An employer will scan your resume for about 15 seconds or less, paying the most attention to
the first 1/3 of your resume to see what kind of skills and experience you have before making a
snap judgment that will usually hold true for them.
Tip #2 – Pay Attention to Your Job Titles!
Employers can receive hundreds of resumes! You have to make sure that your resume hooks
an employer’s attention. A good start is to use job titles and skill headings that actually relate
to and match the job that you want.
For example:
Before Resume
Salesperson
Assistant Secretary
Babysitter
After Resume
Customer Service Representative
Administrative Assistant
Childcare Attendant
Which set of headings
do you think will
impress the employer
the most??
Tip #3 – Use a Design that Grabs Attention
Employers make quick judgements! If they find job titles or skills that don’t relate to the
position, they might just make the assumption that you aren’t directly qualified for the job that
you are applying for. Furthermore, often employers don’t read through each of your job
descriptions, which sometimes results in them reading the wrong things.
This is why you should do it for them! Highlight with the help of formatting the most
important information. The employer should be able to immediately form an image of your
SKILLS and abilities.
Tip #4 – Create Content That Sells
Although resume design should get attention, it’s really the content of your resume, the
descriptions you include of your skills and abilities, that determines how well your resume does.
Which of these examples would make you sound more qualified?
Example:
Before Resume:
Took care of my neighbour’s children, and talked to them about school.
After Resume:
Organized and participated in activities to provide amusement and exercise for 3 children, twice
a week. Instructed children in personal hygiene and social development.
Tip #5 – Quantify and Use Power Words
As we just demonstrated, using numbers to describe your achievements and
responsibilities can improve your image. Using numbers and quantifying creates
images in our mind when we read them, while general statements are easy to
skip over or forget. Usually the more specific you can be the better.
Example: As a member of the Trout Lake Community Centre Youth Council, I actively
participated in a fundraising initiative that resulted in raising over $1,500.
Another strategy is to use Power Words or verbs that match the level of the position you want.
Which example below do you think is the strongest?
Typical Verbs:
Took money from customers, sold food.
Power Words:
Co-ordinated the preparation of products, communicated with customers, worked in a
team. Processed money, debit, and credit card payments.
Tip #6 – Analyze Ads and Job Descriptions to Find Key Words
Employers tell you what they are looking for in their job ads, job descriptions and on their
websites. Read the qualifications carefully and for each skill/attribute that they list, if you have
it, make sure that you include it on your resume
Large companies often use specialized software that screens resumes for specific words and
phrases. Finding a way of working key words into your resume would make you come across as
a good candidate---you would match their description perfectly!
But, you should only include a key word if you have that skill or attribute
Example #1: I visited the London Drugs website and found a job posting for a part-time, Sales
Service position:
The successful candidate will have the following:
• High degree of social skills (courteous, sincere, articulate, well groomed).
• High level of tolerance while interacting with the public.
• Good cash handling abilities.
• Efficient and knowledgeable in cash register operations, scanning and bagging techniques.
• Mature, positive, and professional attitude.
• Previous experience in a customer service role (consideration will be given to those
applicants with related, non-work, experience)
Tip: Make your resume stand out by finding a way of working key words and phrases from this
ad into your resume. You could use your cover letter to expand on your related, non-work
experience.
Example #2: I visited H&M’s website and here’s the advice they give to job applicants.
1. Do your research
 It’s important that you do your research and are well prepared when applying for a
position. At hm.com, you can read all about us, and under FAQ you’ll find the
answers to the most common questions about a career at H&M.
Take our (on-line) quiz to find out if you share the H&M spirit!
2. Your application
 Always read the ad carefully to make sure you match the requirements.
 Have a look at your CV and personal letter and, if necessary, adapt it to the
position you are applying for.
 Explain why you’re applying for the position.
 Make sure you emphasize why you’re a great fit for the position.
 Don’t make your personal letter too long. One page is sufficient.
 Make it clear in your application what you know about H&M.
If you follow these instructions, it will increase your chances of being contacted for an
interview!
Tip #7 – Identify and Solve Employer’s Hidden Needs
As well as the skills or qualities listed above, the employer will have a few other needs that you
want to identify and address in your resume and/or cover letter. For example, being in the
retail industry, H&M would want someone that:
•
•
•
•
gets along well with other members
loves to compliment people
is very sociable and outgoing
is good at multi-tasking
To beat the competition, it is important that you identify or anticipate the wide
range of needs that the employer might have, and then show them how you can solve these
needs.
Tip #8 – Sell the Benefits of Your Skills
Many resumes provide a list of skills that the applicant has, without explaining the benefits of
their skills. For example:
Quick at learning and are very calm
This statement lacks an explanation of how this would help the
employer’s bottom line. You could say this:
Quick at learning resulting in high efficiency immediately.
Acts calmly and logically in fast-paced environment and to problem-solve.
Tip #9 – Prioritize the Content of Your Resume
One mistake many job seekers make is to list very important facts in the lower sections of their
job descriptions. When you put together statements for your resume, prioritize them by
importance, impressiveness, and relevance to the job that you want. After all, a strong
statement which uses power words and quantifies will affect every statement after it. Which of
the two examples below has the most impact?
Example:
Unprioritized
Processed money, debit and credit card payments
Co-ordinated the preparation of food products
Communicated with customers
Worked in a team
Prioritized
Communicated with customers
Co-ordinated the preparation of food products
Worked in a team
Processed money, debit and credit card payments
Tip #10 – Get Feedback on Your Resume
Once you’ve got a first draft of your resume, get some feedback from a
friend, an adult, your teacher or Career Advisor. Check for spelling and
punctuation errors (don’t just rely on spellcheck)! Make sure that your
email address looks professional. If you have a cute sounding email
address from elementary school, now is the time to set up a new email
account for job searching. First initial and your last name @domain
name looks professional.
e.g. jbwinters@gmail.com
Now – Make or Improve Your Resume!
And remember, you will get many more interviews by tweaking your resume and cover letter so
that they address the specific skills and attributes that each employer requests.
Adapted from a Top 10 Tips for Resume Writing handout, author unknown
Sample Resume Template
Name (First, Last)
Address, Postal Code, Phone number, E-mail address
SUMMARY OF SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES
 List skills/attributes that you have that are relevant to the position
 Prioritize them by importance, impressiveness and relevance to the job
 Same
 Same
 Same
EDUCATION
School, City
Highest level completed
Any relevant courses
WORK (OR VOLUNTEER) EXPERIENCE
Position
Company, City
 Action Verb + Task → Result
 Action Verb + Task → Result
 Duties and responsibilities
Date
Position
Company, City
 Action Verb + Task → Result
 Action Verb + Task → Result
 Duties and responsibilities
Date
Position
Company, City
 Action Verb + Task → Result
 Action Verb + Task → Result
 Duties and responsibilities
Date
ACHIEVEMENTS
 Name of Award, year received
 Name of Award, year received
INTERESTS
 Relevant hobby or interest
 Relevant hobby or interest
 Relevant hobby or interest
More on Power Words:
 When a hiring manager is seeing the same old resume time and time again which
includes the cliché words and phrases such as “highly dedicated individual” or “great
team player,” your resume will not stand out and may likely be deleted
 Poorly chosen words and clichéd phrases can destroy the interest of the reader.
 When chosen correctly, power words, can have the opposite effect of motivating and
inspiring the reader
Examples of Power Words:















Benefited
Collaborated
Demonstrated
Developed
Efficient
Enhanced
Excelled
Exceeded
Guided
Helped
Implemented
Increased
Initiated
Innovated
Maintained
• Operated
• Obtained
• Promoted
• Presented
• Provided
• Recommended
• Skilled
• Supported
• Secured
• Streamlined
• Strengthened
• Troubleshoot
• Tutored
• Trained
Now Let’s Take a Look At Some Resumes Samples…..
This student is seeking a part-time job as a Guest Service Agent in a high end spa
MARIA TAN
3506 East 24th Avenue
Vancouver BC V5G 4N3
P: 778- 600-2288
mariatan@live.ca
PROFILE
Enthusiastic and responsible high school student with several years of experience in customer
service. Friendly, confident, and enjoys interacting with the public and learning about new
products and selling strategies to meet company targets.
RELEVANT SKILLS AND ABILITIES
 Strong interest and knowledge of skin care, loves to learn and try new products
 Three years of experience in the hospitality industry as a Server
 Enjoys using customer service skills to help people and create a positive experience
 Strong ability to juggle multiple tasks and stay calm and organized resulting in high
efficiency
 Quick learner, reliable, punctual, able to adapt easily to new environments
 Able to work independently, take initiative and follow established procedures
 Works cooperatively with others and pays attend to detail to ensure smooth operations
EDUCATION
Currently in Grade 12
Gladstone Secondary, Vancouver BC
 Electives in Marketing and Accounting
 Food Safe Level 2
Grad 2013
WORK EXPERIENCE
Server/Cashier
2011 – 2012
Great Han Mongolian BBQ, Vancouver BC
 Provided efficient and friendly food and beverage service to guests
 Processed payments
 Ensured customer satisfaction through maintaining store cleanliness and following
procedures
Cashier/Server/Barista
Iced Cafe, Richmond BC
 Greeted customers, took food & drink orders and processed payments
 Made hot and cold beverages, sandwiches and desserts
2010 – 2011
Sales Associate
Forever XXI Metrotown, Burnaby BC
 Used product knowledge and customer service skills to sell store items
 Unpacked clothing and stocked shelves
2010 – 2011
Resume of Maria Tan
Customer Service Representative
Bubble World, Vancouver BC
 Took orders, prepared drinks and handled payment
 Ensured work area was kept cleaned and well-stocked
Page 2
2009 - 2010
Crew Trainer
2008 - 2010
McDonald's, Vancouver BC
 Provided quick and efficient customer service and processed payments
 Promoted to crew trainer within five months of commencement of employment
 Trained and supported new hires on learning established procedures for cash, order taking,
putting orders together, and maintaining a clean and sanitary work station
INTERESTS
Makeup, skin care, pets, cooking, piano, reading fashion magazines, travelling, badminton,
sewing and photography
This student is seeking his first part-time job in customer service.
First Name Last Name
1234 E. 33rd Ave Vancouver, BC V5N 3E7
Cell Phone #: (778)-333-3333
your email address@hotmail.com
Skills & Attributes





Completed Cafeteria training course, skilled in customer service, food preparation, safe
handling of food products and maintaining a clean work environment
Work with team members to achieve customer service goals of efficiency and satisfaction
Good attitude, committed to continuous improvement in customer service
Hardworking, organized, friendly, energetic, responsible, fast-learner
Speak fluent English, Mandarin, & Cantonese
Education & Training
Grade 12
Graduating June 2013
Gladstone Secondary School, Vancouver, BC
 Knowledge of Graphic Art Design, Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop
Volunteer/ Experience
Program Assistant, Cedar Cottage Community Centre, Vancouver
May 2011 - Present
 Assisting in various programs for youth and seniors
 Work collaboratively with team members to develop ideas for new events and activities
 Baking cookies and engaging in crafts with children to support their social development
Student Worker, School Cafeteria, Gladstone Secondary, Vancouver BC
 Cafeteria training in a professional kitchen in a school with more
than 1200 students and 140 staff
 Catering, safe food handling, food service, kitchen helper, sandwich maker
 Help prepare main course meals for lunch hour
Awards/Achievements


Food Safe Level 1 Certificate - 2012
Good Work Habits Award, Gladstone Secondary
Interests




Cooking and baking
Graphic Art Design
Sports: badminton, skating, swimming, music, internet
Looking forward to make new friends with co-workers
2011-2012
Recent high school graduate looking for a part-time job in retail related to sports
CHRIS YOUNG
123 Success Street
Vancouver, B.C. V3C 6B6
Tel: (604) 777-7777
Email: cyoung@hotmail.com
SUMMARY OF SKILLS:






Acquired excellent customer service and teamwork skills as a Cashier for Shopper’s Drug Mart and
through more than 200 hours of sports and recreation-related volunteer work
Processed money, debit and credit card payments
Passionate about the outdoors and continuous learning of outdoor equipment and gear
Positive attitude, friendly, confident, reliable, enjoys interacting with the public
Leadership skills, able to take initiative, work hard and be a strong team member
Voted “Most Valuable Player” of the Junior Basketball Team in 2010
EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
Grade 12 Diploma (Academic average of 86%)
Gladstone Secondary, Vancouver, B.C.
Focus areas of study: Sciences, Physical Education
2012
Foodsafe Certificate, Vancouver School Board
Superhost Certificate, Tourism B.C.
2011
2011
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:
CASHIER (Part-time)
Shopper’s Drug Mart, Vancouver, B.C.
 Communicating with customers and handling customers complaints and returns
 Handling cash, debit and credit transactions of over $8,000 per shift
 Following opening and closing procedures
 Unpacking new inventory and stocking shelves
2010 - Present
VOLUNTEER WORK:
MINOR OFFICIAL-BARS TIMER
2011 Canadian Gymnastics Championships
 Responsible for timing of the warm-up time on bars and a fall on bars
2011
SUMMER CAMP ASSISTANT (90 hours)
Dunbar Community Centre, Vancouver, B.C.
 Assisted at a summer youth camp with organizing various sports and recreational activities
2011
SUMMER CAMP ASSISTANT (90 hours)
July 2010
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, B.C.
 Assisted the camp counsellor full-time, over a three week period, to run a successful summer camp
for children aged 9-12
 Organized and supervised a variety of activities with the goal of maintaining a high level of
engagement and enthusiasm
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:

Member of the Junior and Senior Basketball Teams
2009 – 2012