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Tips to Keep your Resume OUT of the No pile

Length: Your resume should not be any longer than two pages

Be Consistent! Resumes should be typed in the same format, using the same font size and type

Ideal font size: 12pt

Make sure there are no spelling, grammatical, or formatting errors. Your resume is in many cases, your first impression - make it perfect!

Be concise: No long, drawn out explanations of job descriptions are needed

Be Specific: For example saying you have 'retail experience' may not pack as much punch as '4 years customer service experience'

DO NOT include any personal information on your resume. Items such as DOB, SIN, physical description, and ethnic background should have no bearing on whether or not you get the job.

When detailing your volunteer and work history, make sure it is in reverse chronological order (in order by date, with the most recent items listed first).

If you do not have a lot of work experience, or your resume seems bare you may include hobbies and interests. However, they are generally not needed on a resume.

Be sure to tailor your resume towards the specific job you are applying for.

- Begin with an objective. If you want to become a server in a restaurant then your objective should state "to obtain part-time employment as a server in a restaurant".

- When detailing your summary of qualifications, make sure the characteristics that you list are directly related to what you feel a server would have to be able to do. The Summary of Qualifications section must answer the question WHY SHOULD I HIRE YOU?

Always include your references with your resume. If you do not include them initially, keep in mind that an invitation to participate in an interview is an unstated request for your references DON'T FORGET your references.

Make sure you have at least 3 references, although 2 should suffice. Ex-employers, teachers, and coordinators of volunteer organizations make the best references. Try to refrain from using your relatives as references.

The Do's and Don'ts of Cover Letter Writing

Many employers do not explicitly ask for a cover letter to accompany your resume unless you are applying for more professional opportunities (e.g.) A summer position with the City of Winnipeg. However, it says a lot to an employer if an applicant decides to go the extra mile and attach a cover letter to his or her application.

The addition of a cover letter is a great way to stand out from the rest of the group!

Things to remember...

  1. Always address your cover letter to a specific company or person. If at all possible, try to find out who is in charge of hiring for your department of interest and address your letter to that person.
  2. Be formal: use plain white paper, and a standard font
  3. Be sure to include all of your personal information, (name, address, phone number).You want to make it as easy as possible to be contacted for an interview
  4. Be clear on what type of job you are applying for and where you heard about the job opening
  5. Be creative - use your own words to describe why you are the ideal candidate.
  6. A cover letter is an opportunity for you to briefly describe why you are the ideal candidate for the job you are applying for. Don't sell yourself short!
  7. Keep it brief - limit to your accomplishments and achievements. Your resume will expand on your relevant qualifications and experience.
  8. Be sure to sign the letter
  9. Proofread!

~ Sample Interview Questions ~

1. Tell me about yourself?

2. Why should I hire you?

3. Why did you leave your last job?

4. Do you have any experience in this line of work?

5. What do you consider your strengths? Your weaknesses?

6. What kind of salary do you expect?

7. Why did you apply for this job?

8. Why do you want to work here?

Job Search Websites

Employment Opportunities with the City of Winnipeg

Visit www.winnipeg.ca for more information (click on careers)

STEP (Student Jobs) www.gov.mb.ca/educate/studentjobs/

Looking for work? Try these great websites www.jobbank.gc.ca , www.monster.ca , www.winnipegjobshop.ca , www.mbwin.org , www.jobs.ca