Easy Guide to Writing Resumes

Creating a resume can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure where to start. But don’t worry! This easy guide to writing resumes from Prairie Skills Employment Services will help you craft a resume that showcases your strengths and experiences, no matter your background.

What Info is Needed on a Resume?

Before we get into the nitty gritty and details of a resume, it's a good idea to get a general idea of the kind of information that is needed. I'm sure you know to include your work history and education, but did you know it may also be useful to include a section on your skills and abilities or a section where you list other experience such as volunteering or life experience,especially if you have very little work experience.

Knowing what is included in a resume can help you gather your thoughts and compile the information beforehand so you have all the details when you get ready to write.

Here is a list of what is normally included in a resume:

1. Professional Summary: A brief paragraph stating who you are and what you are good at.

2. Skills & Abilities Section: Listing skills, traits, accomplishments, and relevant training.

3. Work History: Starting with your last job and only going back 10 years.

4. Other Experience: Volunteering, unpaid work, or life experience.

5. Education: Including any additional on-site training or certificates.

6. 3 References: Must include at least two professional references from supervisors or co-workers and one reference can be personal (friend, neighbour).

   
   

Jot down dates and details from previous work experience

What is a Professional Summary?

A professional summary is a brief introduction at the top of your resume. It should highlight your key skills, accomplishments and experiences in just a few sentences. It's also the only opportunity in a resume where you get to say a bit about who you are as a person and your personality.

Don't be shy! It may feel uncomfortable talking about yourself but this is your time to shine! An easy trick is to ask a friend or co-worker how they would describe you or what you are like to work with.

You may decide to create a general summary that you use every time you submit your resume or you could edit this section of your resume to tailor it to each job you are applying for. When tailoring it, make sure to add relevant skills or experience that you know they are asking for from studying the job posting or job description.

Tips for Writing a Strong Professional Summary:

• Keep it concise: Aim for no more than 5 sentences.

• Focus on your strengths: Mention your best skills and what you bring to the table. If tailoring your summary to a specific job make sure to include a skill, training, or experience that is relevant to that position.

• Quantify: It adds strength if you can add numbers to your highlights eg. "10 years of retail experience" or "Experience managing teams of over 20 people"

• Accomplishments: You can also use this section to mention any specific accomplishment, awards or education you have. eg. "Awarded employee of the month, three months in a row" or "Graduated top of my class in Business Administration from Brandon University"

• Tell them a bit about yourself and your work style: How would your friends and family or co-workers describe you? eg. People person, compassionate, active member of the community, team player, creative, enthusiastic, etc.

Example:

“Reliable tradesperson with over 10 years of experience in electrical work and over 200 five star reviews on Google. Known for strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to safety on-site. Works well with others and always willing to lend a helping hand. I pride myself in quality work but also getting to know my customers and providing fast and friendly services."

What do I Include in a Skills and Abilities Section?

This section is where you list your relevant skills and abilities. Think about what you’re good at and what you’ve learned from your experiences. Don't forget to include specific technical abilties related to your past job experience.

Types of Skills to Include in a Resume:

• Technical/Practical Abilities (Hard Skills): Specific trade skills or abilities related to your previous job experience e.g., carpentry, plumbing, data entry, staff management, proficient in SAGE accounting software.

• Soft Skills: Traits that comment on your workplace style and skills eg. Communication, multi-tasking, problem-solving.

• Certifications: Any relevant licenses or certifications.

  
  

Think about what makes you a great employee

Having a combination of soft skills and hard skills further highlights your potential to employers. You may want to simply use a bullet point list of skills or you may want a shorter list but add details.

If adding details to your skills section try and be specific and not just list the obvious. Everyone will say they are a team player, but HOW are you a team player? eg. "Team Player: Takes initiative to help co-workders when needed." Also, using numbers to quantify your skills can further improve your resume eg. "Managed a budget of over 500K" or "Sales: Increased company sales by 40% implementing a new sales technique"

Example Short:

• Technical Skills:

  • Carpentry

  • Electrical Installation

  • Fork Lift Operation

• Soft Skills:

  • Detail orientated

  • Reliable and punctual

• Certifications:

  • OSHA Safety Certification

Example Detailed:

• Staff Management: Positive team leader handling all hiring, training, sheduling of a department of over 20 people.

• Computer Skills: Proficient in MS Office suite as well as Quickbooks accounting software.

• Clerical Skills: Filing, faxing, mailing, as well as typing up to 50 rpm.

• Communication Skills: Able to communicate verbally in a warm and professional manner while also being able to write clear and concise reports.

What Can I list for Work Experience?

Even if you don't have a lot of work experience, listing your previous jobs is an important part of this easy guide to writing resumes because it forms the foundation of your resume and your professional career. As a rule of thumb, go back 10 years starting with your most recent employment. However, if there is a job you had earlier than that, that is highly relevant to the job you are applying for now, then include that job as well.

How to List Your Experience:

• Start with your most recent job.

• Include the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment.

• Use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements.

  
  

Example:

Plumber, XYZ Plumbing Services, City, Province March 2018 – Present

Installed and repaired plumbing systems in residential properties

Worked with customers to address their concerns

Collaborated with a team to ensure timely project completion

List all jobs within the last 10 years on your resume

What If I Don't Have A Lot of Work Experience?

Unpaid work experience or even life experience can be just as relevant as paid work experience as it still shows your skills, knowledge, and abilities. To highlight these, create a new section on your resume called "OTHER EXPERIENCE" and include:

• Include volunteer work, internships, community involvement or relevant life experiences.

• Describe what you did and the skills you gained.

Example:

Volunteer Handyman: Community Center, City, Province June 2020 – August 2020 Assisted with repairs and maintenance of the community center facilities.

Developed skills in basic electrical and plumbing tasks.

Helping Elderly: City, Province April 2020-August 2020

Did household chores for elderly neighbours including yard work and cleaning

Visited and played card games with them on a weekly basis

Developed good listening skills, patience and compassion

What Can I Include in the Education Section?

Most people know to include training such as high school or college, but did you know you should include any and all training in the Education section of a resume? You may have more "education" than you think! You could even mention self-directed learning eg. "Self-Taught Bookkeeping: Learned how to use a popular accounting program by watching online tutorials and studying forums"

Here's a list of examples of training you can include:

• Highschool (grade 12)

• College/University

• Technical/Trades Programs

• Safety Courses eg. First Aid, WHIMS

• Professional Development Courses

• On-site training/certificates eg. Forklift ticket

• Online/Virtual Courses

• Self-Directed Learning

  
  

Include any and all training in your Education section of a resume

How to Format:

• Start with your highest level of education.

• Include the degree or certification, institution name, and graduation date.

• Include any accomplishments or areas/subjects of special interest

Example:

EDUCATION:

High School Diploma, City High School, City, Province, Graduated: June 2005

• A+ Student in Technical Math and Applied Sciences

Additional Training & Certificates:

MS Office Suite Certificate: City Community Centre 2019

Safe Serve and Food Safe Handling Certificate 2018

What is ATS and How do I Format My Resume for It?

ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System. It’s software that many employers use to manage the recruitment process, including collecting, sorting, scanning, and ranking job applications and resumes. This system prefers resumes that are simple in formatting. Too many collumns, graphics, fancy fonts, etc. can glitch the system out and your resume won't make it past the initial screening.

So how do you know if your resume is ATS compliant? Follow these simple rules:

• Use simple fonts like times, arial, nova, calibri, georgia, verdana, tahoma

• Don't use collumns

• Don't include graphics or a photo of yourself

• Don't use colour blocks or other design elements

• Bold your section headlines and use common titles like Experience, Education, etc.

• Incorporate keywords from the job description/posting in your resume

• Save and send as a PDF

Any Additional Tips for Writing Resumes?

• Keep It Simple: Use clear language and avoid jargon.

• Keep it within 3 pages.

• Be Honest: Only include skills and experiences that are true.

• Proofread: Check for spelling and grammar mistakes.

• Tailor: Tweak the Summary and/or Skills section to reflect and mirror the job you are applying for

The Easy Guide to Writing Resumes Conclusion

Writing a resume doesn’t have to be difficult, but by following this easy guide to writing resumes and focusing on your strengths, skills, and experiences, you can create a resume that stands out to employers. Remember, everyone has something valuable to offer—make sure your resume reflects that!

If you feel like you've got it covered, great! Head to our next guide on How to Prepare for a Job Interview to get yourself ready for the next step. Read it here

If you still feel like this sounds overwhelming or you need some help, don't worry, we're here for you! Contact Prairie Skills Employment Services today and our advisors can help you create a winning resume or review an exisisting one to optimize your chances of being hired.

To arrange a resume workshop with one of our advisors. We offer telephone, zoom and in-person meetings.

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