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Resume Tips
Your resume is a very important tool in your job search. The following tips can be used in either an Executive or an Information Technology resume.
If you would like feedback on your resume please ask for same when you are emailing resume to our web site (jobs@kma.ns.ca).
- Put the important information first!
Career objective, skills (technologies) and experience should be on the first page. If you are a recent graduate with limited work experience, Education should be on the first page. However if you have been in the work force for ten years your education is not as relevant as your Experience.
- Ignore the rule about limiting your resume to two pages.
For the experienced IT professional it is important to describe in detail technology experience.
- Keep it clear.
List projects/ employment history chronologically with the most recent first. Include pertinent information and the technology on each one.
- Make it accomplishment driven.
Whether you are an IT professional or a Marketing Manager your resume should be well balanced. Every responsibility should have a corresponding accomplishment. For example,
1995-present Marketing Manager ABC & DEF CO.LTD.
Key accountability: Develop and deliver a campaign to introduce new Internet product to retail clients.
Accomplishments: Introduced the first on-line bonus program in NS. Increased overall sales by 82% in first quarter.
- Take nothing for granted.
Never assume that the reader will try and interpret your resume. When describing technical knowledge, do not assume the reader will know that if you worked with X technology you must have used Y technology. Some recruiters and HR staff prescribe to the theory that if it is not on the page then you do not have it.
- Check spelling and grammar.
Do not leave it to the spell checker. If you have used Novell NetWare but your resume reads Novel NetWareÖyou look like a goof. One of the most common errors "looking for a senior or executive level manger position". If you cannot manage to proof your own resume can we be confident that you can manage?
- Include a skills and experience summary.
This is particularly key for IT resumes but is also applicable for other disciplines. The summary will give prospective employers a clear understanding of technical experience.
See example:
| Skill Set |
Years Experience |
Level |
Last Used |
MS Visual Basic
3.0/4.0/5.0, OLE, COM, ODBC, DAC, RDO |
5 years |
Expert |
Present |
| MS SQL Server 6.0/6.5 |
4 years |
Intermediate |
Present |
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