Format Guidelines § Font: Name @ 14 to 24, Headings @ 12 or 14, Contact Info and General Text @ 11 or 12 § One or two pages (no more!) on 8 ½ x 11 paper. When e-mailing, unless otherwise specified, use .rtf (in Word) or .txt (Notepad)
Name & Contact Information
§ Address (permanent and/or current)
§ Telephone (home and/or cell)
§ E-mail Address – be sure to use an appropriate address (i.e. not an unprofessional sounding nickname)
Career Objective (Optional – only include when you have a specific objective or interest)
§ Emphasize functional areas in which you seek employment and general level of position you want
§ Short and long term objectives may be included
§ Be sure to tailor your objective to each position you apply for
Education
§ If you are currently a full time student or recent graduate, this section should come at or near the top
§ Institution(s) where you studied, city and province (i.e. ON)
§ Degrees, diplomas, professional certification
§ Concentration: including major and career related subjects
§ Scholarships or awards (include dates) – select the most appropriate awards
Employment Experience/Related Experience
§ Proceed in reverse chronological order (start with the most recent)
§ List job titles, company name, city, province and dates (months or years, not specific dates) of employment
§ Indicate level of responsibility and describe duties highlighting accomplishments
§ Use action verbs to stress extraordinary accomplishments and skills
§ Description MUST be in a bulleted format
Volunteer Experience or Community Involvement
§ An important section, especially for students who lack career-related work experience
§ Volunteer experiences should be formatted in the same style as work experiences
§ Employers look at this section to discern your “Star Quality” (i.e. leadership, initiative, energy)
§ Indicate duties performed, level of responsibility, accomplishments, and skills gained
Related Skills
§ List specific skills – computer, languages (indicate level of skill), research, technical and report writing
§ Include health & safety training (CPR, First Aid and WHMIS)
Interests/Activities/Accomplishments/Extra-Curricular Activities
§ Indicate professional development activities
§ List additional training and workshops or conferences attended
§ Indicate affiliations and memberships in clubs, societies, and career related associations
§ If appropriate, consider listing additional activities you are committed to. Not hobbies, but activities that may be a conversation piece in the interview or show high level of commitment and involvement (e.g. organized sports, performance musician, scuba-diving, etc.)
References Available Upon Request
§ Reserve references until the interview process (unless the job description asks for references)
NOTE: Be prepared to provide 3-5 employment, academic,