Writing Resumes

Writing Resumes

Writing resumes is an art. Most companies have professional people dedicated to the task.

Years ago, I worked at a printing press company where we designed resumes. What astonished me then, and does now, are the poorly written resumes some people use.

I’ve decided to create a page to help explain how to write a quality resume. First I’ll talk about making your own resume, and next I’ll mention software, and finally professional services. It's important to remember when writing resumes that they should be neat. Keep them easy to read, and no longer than two pages. You should target your resume to whatever specific job you are applying for.

Building Your Resume:

Writing resumes can be intimidating if you don't know what you're doing. I've tried to break it out in steps along with examples to make it easier.

My first step is writing an objective followed by a summary of qualifications.

An Example:

Career Objectives: To be employed in the accounting field while pursuing my goal towards becoming a CGA.

Summary of Qualifications:

Energetic, hardworking, willing to learn, and accept constructive criticism
Enjoy contributing to a team effort, and creating a good working environment
Quick to learn, and love to be continuously challenged
Multi-task worker, able to work well in a high stress environment
Can type over 70 wpm and learn computer programs easily
Can work well independently

When writing resumes, it's important to include computer skills. In today's society they're essential. It's important to always be upgrading your skills. Stay on top in your industry.

I've attached an example of what mine might look like:

Summary of Computer Skills:

Advanced Skills:	Intermediate Skills:
Microsoft Office ’00	Microsoft Publisher ’00
ADP PaySpecialist	GEAC SmartScreen
Peoplesoft Finance&HR	Quickbooks
AccPac Simply Accounting	Macromedia Dreamweaver 3.0
ETime	Adobe Acrobat

Next I list employment history. I usually do it in chronological order, putting my most recent job first.

If you do have more than six jobs on your resume, I suggest narrowing it down. Target a specific job. Include the jobs that are most relevant to the position you are applying for. Make sure under each position you put one to five different points about your responsibilities. Your more recent position can have more detail than the older jobs on your list.

See example below:

Payroll & Accounts Receivable Coordinator Sept 06 – July 08
ZZZZZZ Company.
Ontario

Responsible for biweekly payroll for 135 employees and payroll duties
Responsible for updating and maintaining ABC Life and Industrial Alliance Benefits
Responsible for all cash receipts and deposits and USD and CAD bank reconciliations
Responsible for source deductions, WSIB, union dues, Pension dues, RRSP
Responsible for PST, GST
Responsible for A/R collection and processing
Perform journal entries and provide information for auditors

The next section would be education. Again list this in chronological order, your most recent education first. I’ve attached an example below:

Academic History:

Pursuing CGA Part-time through XXXX College - Ongoing
Level 3

Accounting and Financial Management Certificate - May 2005
XXXXXXX, Alberta

Ontario Secondary School Diploma - June 1997
XXXXXX Collegiate and Vocational School, XXXXX, Ontario
Also received my O.A.C.’s

My second last step for writing resumes, is listing any special skills, certificates and interests. Here is an example

Special Skills / Certificates:

Alberta Commissioner for Oaths - Exp. Mar 2008
First Aid and Heart Saver – C.P.R. & First Aid Certificate - Exp. Sept 2009

And lastly, to finish off the resume, at the very bottom I have:

References available upon request

There are many templates available online to use. I make my own resume and keep it simple. My only suggestion is make the font easy to read, and keep it clean.

I highly suggest checking out these articles on resume dos and don'ts. Next, if you're interested in looking at resume styles, check out these free resume templates.

Resume Software:

You now know what a proper resume should contain. But what if you want to use a program to do it? For a professional, affordable program to use, I recommend this writing resumes software.

Professional Services:

If you're worried about cost, software is probably more affordable than hiring a professional to design your resume. But if you don't have time, and want to hire a professional - Get a resume that gets you hired. Click here for more information.

Once your resume is complete you should post it on Monster to attract top employers!

**Tip - Remember to proofread, and spell check your work. Always write a cover letter with the job you’re applying for.