18 Oct Resume 101

Can you take a look at my resume please? That’s a question we get asked here all the time at Crossroads Staffing. What should you resume include? What are Employers looking for? I can’t speak for every employer but here are some tips/suggestions from the Crossroads Staffing team. We hope it helps in your search for employment.

1. We can’t call you for an interview if you don’t have the proper contact information. Make sure your current phone number and email address are listed (especially if you’re working off an old resume). You would be surprised how often this happens.

2. If you’re on social media, take an objective look at what you have posted. You may also want to check your privacy settings. Employers are now using this as a research tool to learn more about you.
3. Prepare your resume in a simple Word format that can easily be viewed on most computers. Not a table format or template.

4. Research the company you are applying to and gear your resume toward what they are looking for. Show that you don’t want just any job but that you want to work for them specifically.

5. SPELLING!!!! Stick to consistent font sizes, titles, and formatting. Make sure it flows and is easy to read and follow. NO PICTURES please.
6. Fuzzy key words and phrases should be avoided, such as customer-oriented, excellent communications skills, and creative. These words are over used, lack meaning and do absolutely nothing to help you get an interview. Use words that refer to titles; Customer Service Representative, Carpenter, Manager, Housekeeper. Use verbs, numbers and facts to list your accomplishments while in that role for each employer.

7. Start with your most current job and work backwards. Be careful of gaps in your work history or too many short term careers……. Makes us wonder why?

8. And finally, have someone else review your resume to check for spelling and grammar errors!

For additional help creating a stellar resume we like to recommend Agilec, they are a government funded Employment Resource Centre. If you’re in the Orillia area visit them at 50 Andrew Street. They have Employment Coaches that can show you literature on resume writing, sample resumes, resume writing workshops and computers that are free to use.

We know it can be tough sometimes to know where to begin your job search. We hope this helps a little and please remember to drop in. We want to see that great resume and help you find the career your looking for!