Applying for a Job

Information, which includes your suitability to the job, should be highlighted. This information is called a resume. If you have had previous experience in various phases of employment, it may be to your advantage to have two-three different resumes, each emphasizing a different area of competence.

1. It is a standard practice to begin the resume with personal data. Essentials such as your name, address, social insurance number, home phone number and business phone number (recommended only if your present employer is aware of your job search). Facts, such as your date of birth, marital status, and number of dependents, may also be included.

2. An option, which may be included in your resume, is a brief explanation of your career objective or goals. This usually includes the following personal data. If you have only one version of your resume, it may be best to include this section in a covering letter so that you can tailor it to the specific position for which you are applying.

3. The structure of the next portion of your resume will depend a great deal on the extent of your work history. If you are a recent graduate with limited business experience, begin with your education first. Highlight achievements and honours, and note extracurricular activities. Expand on any courses you took which are relevant to the position you desire, or specialized training you may have participated in. Progress to your part-time or summer employment, and indicate responsibility and achievements.

4. If you posses a strong background in the work, you should begin with your work experience first. Information provided here will include a job title, name of employer, address, date of employment, and a brief summary of duties. Emphasize responsibilities and highlight personal achievements, advancement and recognition. Your list of positions should be in reverse chronological order, so begin with your current employer.

Next, your resume could include a brief section designed to give employers an insight into your leisure and non-work activities. You might include:

clubs or professional associations

community volunteer work

sports and hobbies

5. Finally you could list references. It has become acceptable practice to write “References: Available upon request” since addresses, titles, phone numbers are subject to change. Choose references carefully and always get permission to use their names as references.

Thus, a resume must contain a summary of essential facts about your background:

1. Personal details. 2. Career objective. 3. Work experience. 4. Education. 5. References.

HERE IS A SAMPLE OF A RESUME IN TWO LANGUAGES:

RESUME