Format & Editing
1. Design Format
Once you have the content for your resume, it is time to format the information into a legible and comprehensive document- one that promotes your fit for the position.
Acceptable lengths for resumes are 1 or 2 pages in Canada. In the US one page resumes are preferred but you can always alter the length if you are crossing the border.
There are many methods of laying out and organizing your content but the three most common formats are Modified Chronological, Chronological and Functional (or Skills):
Modified Chronological (This is the recommended style) - sample:
- Divides chronological list into Relevant Experience vs. Other Experience so that you can highlight your related skills etc by placing them near the beginning and within a separate section
- Very effective for tailoring your experience and accomplishments to the requirements of the position
- Works best for students who have some related experience or required skills from either previous work, extracurricular/volunteering or academic projects
Chronological - sample:
- Traditional and most commonly used
- A chronological list of job titles and accomplishments are listed in reverse order starting with the most recent. List can include university projects and volunteer /extracurricular work
- Shows a career progression very well; is not effective for students with varied work, academic and/ or extracurricular/volunteer experience
Functional (Skills) - sample:
- Focuses on the skills you have acquired and not the context in which you acquired them
- Presents skills under specific categories without dates or places A list of dates and previous positions is provided at the end
- May work effectively for students with little or no paid work experience
- Employers/recruiters do not generally like this format since they can’t readily see where and when you acquired your skills
2. Select Font
Use basic common language font such as Times New Roman or Arial. Also do not use graphics. This eliminates technical problems with scanning your resume or with employers receiving them on potentially incompatible programs or printers
Font size of 11 or 12 points
Italics, underlining, shading and sometimes bolding can be a problem as these do not always look the same on other operating systems and /or printers.
3. Edit for Action Words, Spelling, Grammar, & Professionalism
Use as many key words as possible to ensure a match of your qualifications with the employer’s needs. Electronic scanners, if used, will select resumes by keyword match.
Make sure words from the ad or posting are used in your resume and cover letter. See our list of Action Words.
Use the spell check (grammar too) and then -just to be sure- ask a friend or relative to read it over. Typos, spelling and grammatical errors look unprofessional and can send an otherwise effective resume into the “no thank you” file!
If delivering by hand use a typed or laser quality original on 8 1/2 by 11” white paper or light coloured paper. Coloured paper and font may get you attention but it may not be positive if it doesn’t appeal to the recipient or makes the document difficult to read.
Get a critique from our professionals at the Career Centre.