REVIEWING
THE RESUME
TIPS, SAMPLES & WORKSHEETS
2nd Chance Employment Counselling
www.2ndchance.ca
Guelph office: 519-823-2440
Youth Resource Centre, Guelph: 519-823-2818
Fergus Office: 519-787-1954
1
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RESUMES
WHY DO I NEED A RESUME?
Employers use resumes to help them decide who to interview for a job. They want to find
the best person for the job as quickly as possible.
WHAT JOB DO I WANT TO GET?
Realistically, what jobs would you enjoy and what could you get? Pick one, two or three
kinds of jobs (e.g. a cashier and a receptionist). If the jobs you want are very different from
each other, you might need 2 or 3 different resumes.
HOW DO I START?
1) Write down what you have to offer
 Include work experience, skills, training and community involvement
2) Determine what employers want/need
 Look at ads and highlight the skills that they are asking for that you have
 Focus on what you would do in that job and what would help you do it well
3) Show employers the best of what you have to offer
 Arrange and word you information so that an employer can focus on what is
most important to the job that you are applying to. Emphasis the overlap
between what the employer needs and what you have
When you do this:
The employer thinks this:
Use simple, clear words and details to
illustrate skills and duties
This is easy to follow – this person’s skills
really stand out
Use clear headings for different sections
This person is well-organized – I can find the
information I want
Include key skills relevant to the job
That’s just what I was looking for!
Be brief and direct (maximum 2 pages)
This person respects how busy I am
Make it look nice
This looks easy to read – and this person has
taken the time to make it neat and tidy
 Keep it fairly simple
 Don’t cram too much on one page
One page is so much easier/quicker to read
Check for spelling and grammar errors
This person can write well and has proof
read their work
Make sure you are sending it to the right place
and the right person
If they don’t get your resume they can’t think
about you at all!
2
TRANSFERRABLE SKILLS CHECKLIST
Think to yourself, “Where have I used this and when can this be used in the future?” List
your transferrable skills that you have that would be an asset to the job you’re applying to.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
PLANNING SKILLS
Speaking Effectively
Forecasting, Predicting
Writing Concisely
Creating Ideas
Listening Attentively
Expressing Ideas
Facilitating Group Discussions
Providing Appropriate Feedback
Negotiating
Perceiving Nonverbal Messages
Formal Presentations
Maintain Poise in Public Situations
“Think of Feet”
Persuading
Reporting Information
Identifying Problems
Imagining Alternatives
Identifying Resources
Synthesizing Information & Ideas
Gathering Information
Coordinating Tasks
Managing Groups
Teaching
Coaching
Promoting Change
Selling Ideas or Products
Describing Feelings
Decision Making with Others
Interviewing
Managing Conflict
Editing
GENERAL WORK SKILLS
Operating Computers & Office
Equipment
Keeping Accurate Financial
Records
Implementing Decisions
Cooperating
Being Punctual
Managing Time
Attending to Detail
Meeting Goals
Enlisting Help
Accepting Responsibility
Setting and Meeting Deadlines
Organizing
Ability to Work in Changing
Environment
Capacity to Adapt to New
Situations
Finding New Solutions to
Problems
Learning Independently
SAMPLE ACTION VERBS WITH SAMPLE PHRASES
Stuck on trying to figure out the proper way to highlight your skills using words? Try using a few of
these action verbs to describe your skill set. For a more detailed list, ask a 2nd Chance Staff Member!
Accomplished
Attained
Combined
Created
Earned
Explored
Improved
Motivated
Promoted
Shared
Tightened
Achieved
Balanced
Compared
Cultivated
Educated
Facilitated
Inspired
Obtained
Reached
Specialized
Transforms
Adapted
Budgeted
Completed
Defined
Encouraged
Finalized
Introduced
Participated
Reorganized
Streamlined
Updated
Aided
Checked
Constructed
Delegated
Enforced
Fulfilled
Launched
Piloted
Researched
Strengthens
Verified
Applied
Coached
Contributed
Demonstrated
Enhanced
Gained
Listened
Prepared
Revitalized
Supported
Vitalized
Approved
Collaborated
Coordinated
Determined
Executed
Identified
Maximized
Produced
Secured
Surpassed
Volunteered
3
REVIEWING THE BASICS – WHAT TO INCLUDE IN THE RESUME
JANE DOE
345 Lotsofjobs Street, Guelph, Ontario, A1B 2C3
(519) 777-1234
This
objective is
JOB OBJECTIVE
short and
clear
Name and
An entry-level marketing position in the retail fashion industry
section
headingsWORK EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
stand out
Because she
Marketing
has limited
 Worked in groups and independently to promote new products such as Tiger Soap and
Chocolate Ring-Things
professional
 Designed successful promotion strategy for non-profit smoking-reduction program, experience,
now
recognized by 78% of high school students surveyed
Jane
 Recognized for creativity and insight into what people want
emphasizes
 Thorough understanding of marketing principles and theory
WHAT SHE
Customer Relations
 Friendly and professional manner with an emphasis on problem-solving
CAN DO
 Cultivated a regular client base through personalized service
 Promoted to Assistant Manager due to strong interpersonal and leadership skills
- she
 Trusted by business owners to hire and train new employees, handle banking, open and
describes it
close store, and design displays
in a
Administration
separate
section and
 Familiar with standard office software (Microsoft Word, Excel, Corel WordPerfect, Outlook,
puts this
etc), as well as several presentation and graphics programs
section
 Very well-organized and proficient in keyboarding, filing, and data entry
FIRST
 Quickly pick up new software and procedures with minimal instruction
EDUCATION
If you didn’t finish a
University of Guelph , Guelph, Ontario
2005-2007degree or diploma,
 Received BA Entrance Scholarship
just list the school and
 Courses included several practical and independent applied marketing projects anything you
accomplished there
WORK HISTORY
Assistant Manager
Retail Fashion Sales
Retail Fashion Sales
Conky Clothes (Guelph, Ontario)
Conky Clothes (Guelph, Ontario)
Groovy Clothes (Vancouver, B.C.)
VOLUNTEER/COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Campaign Assistant
Marketing Assistant
Job titles
stand out
Guelph Lungs for Life (Guelph, Ontario)
Big Corporation (Guelph, Ontario)
REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
2006-present
Jane was
2004-2005
fired from
2003
this job
after a
month, so
2007-2008
she doesn’t
2006
mention the
month
4
SAMPLE RESUME - CHRONOLOGICAL
JANE DOE
519-007-1234
989 Security Avenue • Guelph, ON N1G 3T4
Highlights of Qualifications
 Physically fit and able to handle difficult situations while remaining calm
 Strong leadership skills
 Dedicated worker who completes tasks in a thorough manner
 Hardworking, goal-oriented and responsible
Education
Law and Security Program, Algonquin College, Ottawa, ON
2001-2003
Courses included criminology, health & fitness, communications, psychology and sociology
O.S.S.D., St. James Catholic High School, Guelph, ON
2000
Work Experience
Labourer, Willie’s Warehouse, Elora, ON
 Sorted parts and prepared products for packaging and shipping
 Inspected parts and performed minor repairs
 Completed Forklift and Crane Training
 Safely operated a Forklift to transport materials
2005-2006
Security Guard, Group Falcon (Better Beef), Guelph, ON
 Provided protection and security for a building and the occupants
 Performed ID checks and vehicle and trailer searches
 Completed paperwork accurately and in a timely manner
2003-2005
Security Officer (Co-op Placement), Rideau Centre Mall, Ottawa, ON
2002
 Assisted with providing mall security, e.g. preventing shoplifting
 Checked power generators, water pumps and fire alarms to ensure they were
working
Volunteer Experience
Home Builder, Habitat for Humanity, Guelph, ON
 Traveled to El Salvador to assist with building homes
 Communicated effectively with team members from Canada and El Salvador
2011
References Available Upon Request
5
SAMPLE RESUME - FUNCTIONAL
JANE DOE
Address here
Guelph, ON, N1L 1H8
email address here
519-…-…. (home)
905-…-…. (cell)
OBJECTIVE: Executive Assistant with the Wellington Dufferin Public Health Team
HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS
 Excellent organization skills as proven by over 20 years of experience in an
administrative role
 Strong oral and written communication skills as proven by experience teaching and
facilitating
 Compassionate person who enjoys helping others
TEACHING AND COUNSELLING SKILLS
 Qualified High School Teacher and Teacher of the Blind
 Initiated and implemented a support group – analyzed and summarized individuals
difficulties and offered counselling
 Demonstrated patience and understanding when teaching class of deaf children
TEAMWORK AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS
 Headed team in developing and executing community wide programme – tasks
included advertising, planning weekly meals, developing agenda, training group
leaders
 Prepared presentation and spoke publicly in front of high school staff and
undergraduate programmes in order to inform them about Heart Disease
ADMINISTRATIVE AND ORGANIZATION SKILLS
 Administered all aspects of office for a small construction business
 Managed accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, invoicing and balancing
books
WORK AND VOLUNTEER HISTORY
Executive Assistant, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, Kingston, ON 2008-present
Executive Assistant, The City of Kingston, Kingston, ON
2008-present
Resource Centre, 2nd Chance Employment Counselling, Guelph, ON
2005-2007
EDUCATION
Master’s in Public Health (candidate), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
Bachelor of Science (Honours Biology), Queen’s University, Kingston, ON
2009-2013
1993
References available upon request
6
RESUME WORKSHEET
Name:
Address:
Home phone:
City:
Cell phone:
Province:
Postal Code:
Email:
Qualifications/Relevant Skills: What are your strengths? What would make you a good employee? (See resume
samples)
►
►
►
►
►
Work History: Include paid work and volunteer work (child care, cutting lawns and co-op count as experience!)
Job Title:
Company Name:
Dates Worked:
Paid or volunteer?
Company Location (e.g Guelph):
What did you do at this job? List your tasks ( e.g. operate cash register, work on production line, washed dishes)
►
►
►
►
Job Title:
Company Name:
Paid or volunteer?
Company Location (e.g Guelph):
Date Worked:
What did you do at this job? List your tasks ( e.g. operate cash register, work on production line, washed dishes)
►
►
►
►
7
Job Title:
Company Name:
Paid or volunteer?
Company Location (e.g Guelph):
Date Worked:
What did you do at this job? List your tasks ( e.g. operate cash register, work on production line, washed dishes)
►
►
►
►
Education & Training: Include information such as First Aid, Safe Food Handling, Computer Training, Forklift tc.
Certificate/Diploma/Course Name:
School Name:
Date Obtained:
Certificate/Diploma/Course Name:
School Location (e.g Guelph):
School Name:
Date Obtained:
School Location (e.g Guelph):
Are you a High School student or recent graduate?
If yes, list high school majors, vocational classes(e.g woodworking) and any awards or achievements:
Do you have any hobbies/interests? (e.g. rebuilding cars, participating on sports teams)
List any special events or committees you have been involved (in the community or at school)
Committee Name or Event
What did you do?
When? (year)
Title?
8