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Mastering the Art of Resume Writing: Do's and Don'ts for Newcomers to Canada

Your resume is your first chance to make a great impression on potential employers. But what exactly are they looking for? And how can you present yourself in the best light? Don't worry; I've provided you with some key do's and don'ts of resume writing to help you stand out. Let's dive in!



Resume Writing: Two diverse women sitting together and brainstorming writing their resume.

1. Relevant Experience: Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

  • List Specific Experience: Highlight skills and accomplishments directly related to the job you’re targeting. Showcase relevant positions and responsibilities.

  • Include Certifications: Mention any professional courses or certifications you’ve taken or earned. Specify their expiration dates to show they’re still valid.


Don’t:

  • Include Irrelevant Experiences: Avoid listing unrelated jobs. For instance, if you’re applying for a position that requires scheduling software expertise, focus on experiences when and where you’ve used that software.

  • Overlook Limited Experience: If your work history is limited, relate seemingly unrelated jobs to the desired position. Emphasize transferable skills.


2. Education: What to Do and Avoid

Do:

  • Relevant Education: Include degrees relevant to the job. For entry-level positions, mention your associate's or bachelor’s degree. High school diplomas or GEDs can also be applicable.

  • Related Courses: List industry-specific or technical courses you’ve taken (e.g., marketing, finance, or computer programming).


Don’t:

  • Obsess Over GPA: Most resumes don’t need your GPA. Focus on the degree level, study area, institution, and completion date.

  • Include Generic Objective Statements: Employers rarely read them. Instead, personalize your resume for each job.

 

3. Personal Information: What Matters

Do:

  • Contact Details: Include your name, phone number, your email address should be professional and straightforward, ideally just your name. Avoid using nicknames or overly casual addresses like "partygirl123@…" Make it easy for employers to reach you.

  • Address (if needed): Some positions require your home address to assess commute feasibility.


Don’t:

  • Add a Photo: While common in some countries, it’s inappropriate in North America.

  • Exaggerate or Mislead: Be honest about your qualifications.


4. Making Your Resume Stand Out

  • Personalize: Tailor your resume to each job application.

  • Quantify Accomplishments: Use numbers to demonstrate impact (e.g., “Increased sales by 20%”).

  • Avoid Buzzwords: Skip trendy jargon; focus on clarity.

  • Proofread: Typos can hurt your chances.


Crafting a stellar resume is an art. By following these dos and don’ts, you’ll create a compelling resume that showcases your skills and helps you succeed in the Canadian job market. Remember, your resume is more than a list of experiences—it’s your gateway to exciting opportunities!


Do you have any questions or need further advice? Please contact me directly. And don’t forget to share this post with fellow newcomers who might find these tips helpful!


Read my next article for the best tools to help you save time when writing your resume! You're going to LOVE it as it will save you so much time.


Happy job hunting, friends!



Resume writing: Two women in an interview room one woman is smiling while shaking hands

 

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