Keep your resume between two to three pages in length.
List your work experience in reverse chronological order – begin with your most recent job.
Market your strengths by explaining your accomplishments and achievements, rather than listing your duties.
Customize your resume for the job you are applying to and explain how your skills and abilities meet the key qualifications in the job description.
Summarize your work experience of more than 10 years ago, unless it is directly relevant to the job that you’re applying for.
Don’t copy and paste the exact wording from the job posting.
Use one simple font that is easily readable (e.g., Arial size 12).
Use bolding sparingly and don’t use shading.
Avoid using all capitalized letters, italics or underlining because they can be difficult to read.
Don’t use acronyms, abbreviations, clichés or jargon.
Avoid fancy graphics because they can distract the reader.
Leave plenty of white space with generous margins and indentations.
2. Things to include in your resume
Name – include your name on every page
Address
Phone number, including area code
Email
Don't include confidential information, such as your date of birth, marital status, or your social insurance number
Summary
Education
Work experience
Others:
Languages (list verbal and written skills)
Awards
Publications (list of published work)
Professional affiliations memberships
Volunteer experience/community involvement (may also include if you have minimal paid work experience)
3. Create a good cover letter
4. Before the interview
Research the position, the organization values and business plan by checking the Internet, relevant bylaws, and organizational charts.
Ensure that you ask for details about the position, location, and the duration (if temporary position).
Advise the contact person if you have a disability and need any special accommodation to participate in the interview.
5. Arriving for the interview
Arrive five to 10 minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork.
It’s okay to be nervous but try and build your confidence as that is also important.
Bring your reference names and contact information.
You will be advised whether you must take a test (where applicable) immediately before or after the interview.
6. During the interview
Interviews are usually conducted by more than one person (a panel)
Each panel member takes turns asking very specific job related and behavioral based questions.
Your answers should be specific, detailed, thoughtful, succinct, and well delivered.
Panel members will be taking notes during the interview.
You can ask for a question to be repeated or to provide an answer to a question later.
At the end of the interview, ask questions, make additional comments, or ask when you will be notified of the interview results. (As you are also interviewing them, do not be scared to ask questions).
Thank the panel members for the interview opportunity.
