If a job is the gateway to financial independence, the resume is the key. Regardless of your qualifications, titles, degrees, you will most likely have to distribute your resume for a job. An unprofessional, hard to read, or too long CV could close the door before the adventure even begins.

So, what’s important to remember when writing your resume to ensure it doesn’t end up in the trash of potential employers?

The essential sections

There are certain sections that must be in a CV for it to be considered good.

• Personal information
  In this section, it is important to put your full name, address, email address, phone number where you can be easily reached and your personal website (if you have one).
  It is not recommended to post a photo of yourself in Quebec unless you are applying for an offer where it is relevant (model, actor, photo model, etc.).
  Obviously, your Social Insurance Number is confidential and shouldn’t be on your resume.

• Training
  In this section, you must disclose the different schools where you have attended training. You will indicate the name of the establishments, the certificate obtained and the date obtained. If you have not completed the training, you can indicate the number of credits obtained.

  Other courses relevant to the offer you are applying to should be included. Be careful, if you apply for a job as an engineer, adding your cooking class risks damaging your CV more than the other way around.

  If you have received scholarships, won competitions or even won distinctions, it may be interesting to include them in this section as well : for example, if you finished your studies with the mention “Honor”. Obviously, we are not talking about registering the certificate for good behavior that you received in third grade.

• Work experience

  This section is one of the most important, and employers often look at it first. It should contain your previous or current jobs with the hire and end dates. You will find there the name of the companies, your titles and your functions.

  It can be interesting to add accomplishments to it, while keeping in mind that it must be relevant and benefit you. You should also write them with action verbs: lead such project, complete such program on schedule, produce such documents.

  Also, you should not hesitate to register your internships and volunteer experiences that you have had.

• Additional skills or information

  In this section goes all information relevant to your application and which may help your application. For example, you speak Spanish? You’ll add it in this section. You are a member of a professional order? It goes here too. You are a Photoshop expert? And so on.

• Interests

  Your interests illustrate your personality and some of your character traits. You can put in it whatever you like to do. Chess, reading, sports, photography, fishing, etc. Be honest with what you put there and try to show yourself in your best light.

  CV quality: What to do?

  You should always be sure to proofread your resume. You might find errors in the dates or spelling mistakes. If spelling isn’t your thing, don’t hesitate to ask a friend for help or hire a professional writing professional to correct the resume.

  Be brief and make sure the information is clear. Employers read resumes very quickly. If the information is not immediately obvious, your resume will not be studied. Likewise, your resume should be two pages long. Beyond that number of pages, your document will probably not even be viewed.

  Also, a common mistake is to send the same letter of recommendation and the same resume to employers. It is understandable that your experience remains the same no matter where you apply, but your motivations and relevant skills will inevitably differ. In addition, companies sometimes do business with human resources agencies to manage the hiring of staff. So seeing your identical letters and generic resumes, these agencies will see a lack of professionalism or authenticity.
  Quantify your results. Numbers are concrete and often speak for themselves. Obviously, keep it honest : numbers are just as verifiable.

  CV quality: What to avoid?

  Too specific details about yourself should be forgotten. Thus, do not put your height, your weight, your religion or your political opinions for example. Also, as we wrote above, only post a photo if it is necessary for the job offer. Otherwise, avoid doing it.

  Conversely, do not be too general when writing your responsibilities. Information should not be vague and should be unique to you.

  Be professional in your writing. For example, don’t be humorous. You should retain the humor for the interview if it is appropriate, but in a CV, it should be avoided. Also, if you’ve been using the same email address you created jokingly in high school, it’s best to create a new one with just your name.

  Finally, do not put your references in your CV. References are very important when it is time for your potential employer to contact your previous bosses, colleagues or teachers. But this information should not be in the CV. Give your references on request and, out of respect, ask the people who refer you for their consent before giving their information.

The post What makes a good resume? first appeared on Doussou Emplois.

Step 1

The first step in finding a job is to look around to find out about all the possibilities available to you. We recommend that you list your areas of interest and be able to recognize your strengths. At this step, also determine your goals and expectations for the job you are looking for. Obviously, your expectations and needs must be compatible with your job searches. Note that you may have to adjust your choices or criteria. Take time to think things through so that you can get all the information you need to make informed choices. 

Step 2

Finding job openings can seem more complicated than it sounds. At this stage, you fill your toolbox. You prepare your CV, your portfolio and a personalized letter of introduction. For starters, your resume is your essential tool in the job search. It is, in fact, a written portrait of you. This tool allows the employer to know, among other things, your previous work experiences, your training, your fields of interest, etc. Often, the information listed on a resume is broken down into categories. Certain categories are essential, for example, your contact details and personal information (name, address, email, telephone number), your training (studies or schooling) by entering the establishments attended and the dates of your training. Also, write down all your work experience, that is to say all the positions you have held and specify the start and end dates of your duties.

Very important to update your profile on social networks, especially on Linkedin.
LinkedIn will be your online tool, it is a social media intended for the professional world. In fact, it’s a bit like your CV, but available to everyone on the web. Many job offers are posted on this platform. It is therefore a tool to be used, both for finding a job and for companies looking for employees.

The key to success is staying professional, so having a social media presence, but not overdoing it.

Step 3

At this step, you start the search.

Of course, in 2021 the best tool for finding job offers is the internet.
There are a multitude of sites for posting job offers. Each platform works in their own way : you can either directly upload your CV and your introduction letter on the site, and send, from the platform, all your information to apply for the offer, or you must contact the employer yourself by email to apply.

Some sites allow you to find offers that match all of your pre-selected criteria, and you can receive email alerts when new jobs enter the site. It is recommended to take a tour of all job sites to not miss an opportunity.

Step 4

Preparing your interview. This step is very important, because it is the moment to showcase your skills and your qualities. Once you have an interview confirmation, be sure to note the date, place and time of the interview. Try to prepare for all kinds of interviews: aptitude tests, personality tests, scenario, etc.). Always learn about the company and the position. Prepare a list of questions to ask the employer. In return, prepare yourself for certain questions that will be asked to you, such as: Why do you want to work with us?, What are your weak points?, What is your salary expectation?, etc. Plan on appropriate clothing, and plan your itinerary to arrive a little early to the interview.

At the time of the interview, make a good impression. Stay calm and confident. Listen and ask questions, it helps to show that you are involved and interested. No matter how the interview went, thank the person interviewing you for their time.

When it is over, follow up on your interview: ask yourself what are the strengths of your meeting, the difficulties encountered, did you forget anything? In short, take stock, while hoping for a positive return.

The post Job research – A practical guide first appeared on Doussou Emplois.