Recommended Resume Format

To download the .doc example, click on the image or here. For a brief overview, here are some points to consider when creating a resume:

  • resumeformatNever Lie! - Lying or 'padding' your resume is a lose/lose situation. You may get an interview for a position, but when they are digging more into depth about the position, or if you get the job and are asked to perform those duties, the truth will come out. Not only will you have disappointed them in their expectations, but you may have affected your chance for future opportunities with that organization.
  • Responsibilities - This should be done in point form, but have enough detail that it is clear on what you did in your last contract/employment positions.
  • Accomplishments - Not only is it important to say what your role was, but it is also important to explain some of your accomplishments. These points can be more descriptive, but make sure to point out what the accomplishment was (more efficiency, saved money, increased revenue, etc.)
  • Technical Environment - The technical environment is to help non-technical recruiters, as well as the systems that are used, to help increase the awareness that you have worked with specific technologies.
  • Details - The more detailed, the better. Always keep in relevant points of information that can help you land a new position at a company that you are applying for.
  • Resume Length- There are some people that have told people to keep their resumes down to a maximum of two (2) pages. This is NOT so. When working within an industry such as retail or clerical work, this may be true however in the Information Technology field, as long as the information in your resume is relevant, then your resume can be longer.  If you have an extraordinary amount of experience, perhaps it would be good to focus on the past 5-10 years of your experience, and list the jobs after that in a short format.
  • Multiple Resumes - If you have a skill-set where you are focusing on more than one type of role, it is recommended that you have more than one format of your resume. Perhaps one could focus on your Business Analysis skills, and the other can focus on the Project Management skills.
  • Word Format (.doc) - Whenever possible, please send your resume in .DOC format. While .pdf and .docx formats are common, it is easier for organizations to work with .doc format. With .pdf format, some agencies and organizations like to put their headers on your resume before sending it to their clients or managers. With .docx, some companies do not have Word 2007 and some applications that are used cannot import the .docx format.

All in all, it is very important to have a strong resume, as it is your first point of contact for many of the opportunities that you will be approached for, or that you are applying for. Hope this information helps!

 

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