If you’re looking for a new job, the first thing you’ll need to do is write a great Resume. This one document will be the foundation of your job search and your first point of contact with recruiters, so it’s important that you get it right and make a good impression.
To help you avoid some common mistakes, we focused our March Twitter chat on writing amazing resumes. If you couldn’t join the conversation, here’s what you missed:
Welcome to our March #TwitterChat about writing amazing resumes. Before we get started, let’s find out who’s joining us today. Please introduce yourself. #WorkoWednesday #ResumeTips pic.twitter.com/dtLftA84He
— Workopolis (@Workopolis) March 7, 2018
SOPA (Settlement Online Pre-Arrival) is here! We help immigrants approved to immigrate as PRs, prepare for the Canadian job search and learn about workplace communication.
— SOPA (@ArrivePrepared) March 7, 2018
Glad to join! I am a career strategist with @McGillCaPS and proud @followCACEE member
— Catherine Stace (@catherinestace1) March 7, 2018
Hi, I'm Juvadee, I moved last year in April to Ottawa, ON and still seeking for a job. I hope you can help me
— Juvadee Taoha (@JuvadeeJade) March 7, 2018
Let's get started! Q1: What are the main sections on your resume? #WorkoWednesday #ResumeTips pic.twitter.com/IuLaJer5Hs
— Workopolis (@Workopolis) March 7, 2018
A1: Career Objective; Highlights of Qualifications; Education; Work Experience; Professional Membership Hobbies and Interests #WorkoWednesday, #Resume
— YorkU Career Centre (@YorkUCareerCtr) March 7, 2018
A1: The main sections on your resume should be:
Contact information, Summary of skills, Work experience, Certification and credentials/education #workowednesday #resumetips— Questrade Careers (@QuestradeCareer) March 7, 2018
I have a section on what a typical day is like for me. Gives me a chance to put my skills in a real world context and bring a bit of a personality to it. #WorkoWednesday #ResumeTips
— Towner (@S_Town39) March 7, 2018
Q2: What’s your best resume writing tip? #WorkoWednesday #ResumeTips pic.twitter.com/JtjNPs2X4X
— Workopolis (@Workopolis) March 7, 2018
A2 Keep it organized and keep it concise. On average, employers will spend about six seconds reviewing your resume so make it count. Try to focus on your accomplishments rather than your specific responsibilities to help stay on track. #WorkoWednesday pic.twitter.com/IqpBRgNq3c
— LEPC (@WorkforceDB) March 7, 2018
A2 concise, specific, no errors. Avoid cliches like "good communicator" – show it, don't say it. Tailor info to org/job you're applying for.
— All About Work (@all_about_work) March 7, 2018
A2: Post-secondary students should take advantage of the resources available to them at their campus career centres including resume and cover letter seminars and critiques. #WorkOWednesday @utmcareercentre @utm
— Ron Wener (@UofT_Ron) March 7, 2018
Q3: What, in your opinion, is the biggest resume mistake? #WorkoWednesday #ResumeTips pic.twitter.com/KSRuGBwkkE
— Workopolis (@Workopolis) March 7, 2018
A3: Not reading the job posting and attempting the "one–size–fits–all" approach. Your resume should be updated and targeted for every job you apply for. #WorkoWednesday, #Resume
— YorkU Career Centre (@YorkUCareerCtr) March 7, 2018
A3: Listing every job you've ever had, back to high school. If it doesn't apply to the job you're applying for, lose it and expand on what matters. Longer is not necessarily better. #WorkoWednesday #ResumeTips
— David Agnew (@TheTonic) March 7, 2018
A3: I believe your biggest resume mistake is making your resume too long. New grads can do a 1-2 page resumes. Older execs may need 3 pages MAX. Ideally 2 pages. Employers spend seconds on resumes so be specific and succinct! #WorkoWednesday #Resume #JobSearch# ResumeNoNos
— Mary Kruger (@MLKCareerCoach) March 7, 2018
Q4: Are there any words you think are overused on a resume (and what can you use instead)?
#WorkoWednesday #ResumeTips pic.twitter.com/NTsYdKG1qN— Workopolis (@Workopolis) March 7, 2018
Q4 "team player" "hard worker" "collaborative" "strong communicator" "passion" Show these through the info you present and how you present it #Resume #WorkoWednesday
— All About Work (@all_about_work) March 7, 2018
A4: Let’s start with “responsible for”. Other overused words include driven, hard-working, results-oriented, successful and enthusiastic. Focus on your achievements and not buzzwords #WorkOWednesday @utmcareercentre pic.twitter.com/ib5RUBmIOj
— Ron Wener (@UofT_Ron) March 7, 2018
A4: I always struggle to find interesting ways to say "my duties included" and "I was responsible for". Maybe bullet points are the way to go! #WorkoWednesday #ResumeTips
— David Agnew (@TheTonic) March 7, 2018
Q5: How do you know if your resume is too long?
#WorkoWednesday #ResumeTips pic.twitter.com/oEkXoXwL2s— Workopolis (@Workopolis) March 7, 2018
A5 When you repeat the same info in more than one section. Or if it's longer than the standard for that type of org or job (look for resumes online of others in similar jobs for examples) #Resume #WorkoWednesday
— All About Work (@all_about_work) March 7, 2018
A5: If your eyes glaze over when you try to edit your resume, it's too long. Now think of the poor person that has to read it. Make it easy on them and keep it concise and relevant. #WorkoWednesday pic.twitter.com/UOnbfQxWre
— Sal Ciolfi (@RealSalbowski) March 7, 2018
Q6: What are some creative resume ideas? #WorkoWednesday #ResumeTips pic.twitter.com/yayZPtl2O3
— Workopolis (@Workopolis) March 7, 2018
A6: A resume doesn't always have to be black text on white paper. You can even find ways to include infographics in your resume, but not to overdo it. Always remember to focus on your qualifications. #WorkoWednesday, #ResumeTips
— YorkU Career Centre (@YorkUCareerCtr) March 7, 2018
I still like the basic format personally – I like clients that stick to it! However, the more creative the role the more creative the resume needs to be! #WorkoWednesday #ResumeTips
— Third Party Labour (@3plinc) March 7, 2018
A6: I've used 2 columns to help fit everything onto a single sheet. The section headings are in blue type, to make it easier to find what you're looking for. #WorkoWednesday #ResumeTips
— David Agnew (@TheTonic) March 7, 2018
A6: I would consider myself to be more of a resume traditionalist. If you're looking for a creative angle, creating a personal website is probably the least risky approach. You can use this to supplement your traditional resume. #WorkoWednesday
— Adam Wilson (@adqam) March 7, 2018
Q7: Do you think including hobbies and interests can help you stand out? #WorkoWednesday #ResumeTips pic.twitter.com/xjnojXG5b3
— Workopolis (@Workopolis) March 7, 2018
A7 It could, depending on the job. Some employers promote a particular lifestyle and having a hobby that ties in could help your chances. You could also use hobbies to underscore particular soft skills (such as communication, leadership and problem-solving). #WorkoWednesday pic.twitter.com/2wEm42OQ0u
— LEPC (@WorkforceDB) March 7, 2018
A7: If the hobbies or interests relate to the job or company culture then it can definitely help you stand out. For example, we love when candidates have experience with personal trading because it means that they already have some understanding of the industry. #workowednesday
— Questrade Careers (@QuestradeCareer) March 7, 2018
A7: Yes! Certainly if you are able to identify transferable skills. I feel like these would probably change from resume to resume depending on the job you're applying to.#ResumeTips #WorkoWednesday
— Paige Magarrey (@paigemagarrey) March 7, 2018
Thank you for joining our #TwitterChat! Mark your calendars for the next one on April 4 #WorkoWednesday pic.twitter.com/Jg4JRTQFWK
— Workopolis (@Workopolis) March 7, 2018
The post Twitter chat recap: How to write an amazing resume appeared first on Workopolis.
