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résumés

résumé checklist:

• is the résumé targeted towards a specific career objective?
• is the information on the résumé truthful and correct?
• have you OMITTED personal information such as you SIN#, marital status, age, religion?
• is the résumé less than two pages in length?
• have you had at least two people (preferably people in your field) proof read your résumé?
• is the résumé free of grammatical and spelling errors?
• have you used "industry buzz words" which reflect your work experience and education?
• are your qualifications listed in order of relevance, from most important to least?
• is your résumé concise and to the point?

other résumé tips:

• try to quantify your experience wherever possible. (ie. saved the company over $30,000, managed a caseload of 150 clients, supervised 3 staff)
• begin sentences with action verbs.
• make sure your contact information is correct.
• if you are putting your e-mail address on your résumé, be sure to check your e-mail every day.
• make sure your answering machine is in good working order and that the message on the machine is somewhat professional (save the X-rated or bizarre messages for another time).
• make sure roommates or family members who answer the phone take proper messages. If your roommate or family members will not or cannot take messages (ie. they don't speak English) consider getting your own phone line or if possible ask them not to answer the phone.
• individuals with a limited income can sign up for the Metro Voice Mail Project which provides a private phone number to retrieve messages from any touch tone phone (a small fee is charged).

You can sign up for the The Metro Voice Mail Project at the following agencies:

Agincourt Community Services Association
416.321.6912

Albion Neighbourhood Services
416.741.1553

Central Neighbourhood House
416.925.4363 ext. 103

Central Toronto Community Health Centres
416.703.8482 ext. 329

Stop Community Food Centre
416.652.7867

sample résumés:

• sample résumés from JobStar Central
• University of Waterloo résumé tips

plain text résumés:

Many businesses are now using on-line recruitment methods. A Plain Text version will allow you to insert your résumé into an e-mail or to cut and paste it into on-line application forms.

do

• do keep the layout or formatting simple
• do create a keyword section
• do use all-caps or extra spaces to set subheads apart instead of bold
• do use asterisks * or plus signs + to replace bullets
• do use the space bar to indent text

don't

• don't use columns
• don't use tab keys
• don't use too many abbreviations or acronyms
• don't use bullets
• don't use shading, bolding, underlining, italics, graphics or special characters
• don't put degree initials following your name, such as M.A or B.A

converting a document to plain text:

To convert your resumé to a plain text select "File," then "Save As."
Move the cursor to the "File name" box, type in the document name and, in the drop-down box titled "Save as type," choose "Text Only" or "MSDOS TEXT". Then, click on "Save."

Consider using some of these sites to post your résumé:

• Workopolis
• Monster
• ActiJob (now JobWings)
• Career Owl

scannable résumés:

Many large employers are now using a database to select prospective candidates through a process that involves scanning all résumés submitted into a résumé management system database. They will then run a search of all résumés that use keywords that are related to the position they are recruiting for.

tips for preparing a "scannable" résumé:

• use white paper
• use a basic font and font size ranging from 10-14 points
• do not use underlining, italics or graphics
• avoid using columns
• create a keyword section
• list your name at the top, followed by your contact information on a separate line
• place your name at the top of subsequent pages
• leave sufficient spacing
• do not fold or staple your résumé - send it in a large envelope
• send an original laser copy of your résumé rather that a photocopy or faxed version

more

download:
Scarborough Village community needs analysis report (may 2008)
2008 career assessment & planning (CAP) flyer
2008 career assessment & planning (CAP) flyer (alternative)
2008 career assessment & planning (CAP) services

skills development centre
employment focus
YWCA SOAR (Seek, Obtain, Advance, Retain)
LEAP
Scarborough Village employment resource centre
(formerly morningside employment resource centre or MERC)
career assessment & planning
YWCA REACH
resources for your job search

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