Resume Basics- The Region of Halton

Name, full mailing address, home phone, cell-phone, e-mail.
Career Objective: What do you want to do? Be specific for each position applied to.
Summary of Qualifications
Key Skills: Place at the start of your resumé. Be clear and brief. Highlight your transferable skills and competencies.
Professional Experience: Don’t know when to use functional or reverse chronological format? Hint: If you are seeking a job in a field which you have no prior experience, use a functional or skills oriented format.
Education/Training: include college/university or training relevant to your career objective.
Computer Skills
Additional Skills
Languages
Voluntary Work
Affiliations, Memberships, Associations
Awards and Achievements
References: names, address, title and telephone number of employer. An alternative is to state “References will be given at time of interview”.

Ensure there are no spelling or grammar mistakes - Check and re-check for typos and grammatical errors. Use spell check!
Use point form to be concise and enough “white space” to ensure easy reading.
Be careful not to use too many words. A resumé that rambles on may cause the reader to become disinterested.
Use size 12 for Times fonts and 10 for Arial.
Keep it to no more than 2 pages in length.
Do not use abbreviations or slang, or overuse professional jargon or abbreviations.
Don't include personal information such as sex, marital status, or age.
It's not necessary to Include copies of transcripts, awards or letters of recommendation with your application. If you are invited for an interview, then bring these along.
Do not provide reasons for termination or leaving a job.
Do not include salary information
It's not necessary to use exact dates (month and year) when listing professional experience.
Be honest - Do not exaggerate or lie about your past experience.

Ensure every statement demonstrates your skills, knowledge and abilities.
Use action words when listing points e.g., developed, prepared, maintained, negotiated.
Allow for goals, strengths and achievements to stand out. Don’t just list responsibilities.
Customize the resumé according to the position applied to. Don’t focus on experiences that aren’t relevant to the position.