The resumé and job interview are the two tools you have to sell yourself and your skills to a prospective employer. Here's how you can ace both.
5 resume-writing tips
Goal: To concisely present your training, qualifications and accomplishments so that recruiters can easily assess your experience and see how you will be of benefit to them and their company.
1. Customize your cover letter
"There is a lot of value in having a cover letter," says Jenny Pruegger, human resources expert with Canadian Living's publisher, Transcontinental Media. "But it shouldn't be generic. Tailor it to the job you are applying for and your own experience and use it to tell the employer why you are interested in the particular position you are applying for."
2. Keep it concise
Pruegger says two pages is a good length for a resume; anything shorter doesn't provide the employer with enough detail about your work history and accomplishments, and anything longer is cumbersome and could discourage a recruiter from reading your resume.
3. Account for any absence from the workplace
Prugger says it's best to list your work history using months and years, such as November 2009 to April 2012, instead of simply stating 2009 to 2012. "This way an employer can easily identify any gaps in employment and discuss them with you," she says.
Be proactive in addressing absences from the workforce, whether you were out of work for a few months due to a layoff or chose to stay home with children for several years. You can account for these absences on your resume or note them in your cover letter. "As long as you are able to explain the gap and why it occurred, you will be fine in the interview. The most important thing is to be honest about it and account for it," says Pruegger.
4. State key accomplishments
In addition to spelling out your responsibilities for each position you've held, Pruegger also advises job-seekers to state their accomplishments. Don't be afraid to celebrate yourself. For example, if you surpassed your sales goal by 15 per cent or introduced a new procedure that made the organization more efficient or successful, say so on your resume.
5. Make no mistakes
One of the quickest ways to get your resume in the garbage is to make sloppy mistakes such as typos. Take the time to proofread your resumé and cover letter carefully before you send them out.
Bonus: Regard your resume as an advertisement for yourself that tells recruiters what you can do for the organization.
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