Lesson 18 — Activity 3: Preparing a Résumé




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In the last activity, you looked at some examples of different types of résumés. You will notice that most of the information that is to be included in a résumé is basically the same, no matter what style of résumé you choose. In this activity, you will consider what information you will include when preparing your own résumé.

Remember, employers usually don't spend a great deal of time looking at résumés. This means that your résumé needs to attract an employer's attention by showing that you have the skills and qualifications needed for the job. When choosing a résumé format, you need to be sure that you are creating a document that is the best for showing employers the job-related skills that you have acquired.


The following steps will help you create a résumé to show your workable skills.

  1. Personal Information about yourself — Focus on your talents and abilities by considering the following questions:
    • What do you do best?
    • What are some of your favourite activities?
    • What kinds of activities do you do with your friends?
    • What are your best subjects at school? Why?
    • What awards have you won?
  2. Education, Skills, and Training
    • list all types of training, starting with your most recent
    • list your certificates and awards
  3. Work Experience
    • list all your work experience, paid and voluntary (remember to start with your most recent)
    • include any jobs that were for a family business
    • include part-time and summer jobs
    • list any odd jobs that you completed
  4. Employment Objective
    • state the job description, requirements, and skills of the job
  5. Highlight Your Qualifications
    • state your abilities, skills, and strengths by using examples of your work
    • use references from previous employers or teachers
    • describe any volunteer or community work that you have participated in
  6. References
    • Give three references (make sure that you contact all references personally to ask them for permission to use their names in your résumé). Your references could be from:
      • a previous employer who can comment on your work ability
      • a community member who can comment on you personally
      • a teacher or counselor who can comment on your achievements in school


Self-check!

Click here to download a guide for creating your résumé. Complete the guide as you will need it for the assignment on the following page.

Digging Deeper!

Click on the Play button below to watch a video on the dos and don'ts of résumé writing.