by Rowann

Created on: February 24, 2007   Last Updated: April 17, 2007

Your resume and cover letter are the first things potential employers see that are "you". Remember to keep your resume simple, clear and direct. Avoid using brightly coloured or distractingly patterned paper. Stick to good quality paper in white or eggshell.

Below is the CV template I'm currently using. I have modified it over the years to reflect changes in employment requirements, but generally it is solid and dependable. Keep your resume positive; accent your strengths, experiences, responsibilities, knowledge and victories. Downplay or omit negatives; remember this is your chance to really shine!

(This section in BOLD!)
First Name Last Name (In larger font than rest of this section)
Address Line 1
Address Line 2
Telephone:
Cell:
Email /web page:

Profile (underline title)
(A concise paragraph outlining your qualities, interests and skills. Employers skim resumes, so make this paragraph count. It may be the only thing they see!)

Areas of Strength (underline title)
(4 - 8 Bullets with single words describing your skill set, programs you have learned, typing speed, important Certificates)

*
*
*
*

Professional Experience (underline title)

Month, Year - Month, Year (Date can be in Bold, or Italics)
Employer Name, Employer Address. Supervisor: Telephone and/or Email:

Detail your experience: describe skills used, duties fulfilled, exact responsibilities exhibited, especially involving problem solving.

(Repeat this section for each employer, beginning your list with your most recent work experience.)

Education (Underline title)

Certificate, School Name, Location, Month, Year.
Diploma, School Name, Location, Month, Year.
Workshop/ Course, School Name, Location, Month Year.
(repeat relevant Educational experience, with either your most recent courses or your most important qualifications at the top.)

Interests and Awards (Underline title)

Award Name, Awarded By (School or Organization Name), Place, Date.
Interest (keep it concise, one sentence per interest should do it.)
(List in order of most recent at the top)

References (Underline title)

Available upon request.

*On a separate sheet of paper, prepare your list of References. The reference sheet should have a template like this:

References (2" from top margin, centered, underlined)

First & Last Name, Title (What they do, ie: Doctor, Department Head), Address, Telephone # and/or Email address.

(You should have a minimum of three References. Remember to ASK your References for permission before listing them in your CV.)

Good Luck!

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