How to Write Resume

On this page you will find tips on how to write a good resume for trades jobs, an example resume and some hints on how to conduct a job search on the ground.

A good resume will boost your chances of getting an interview by highlighting relevant skills, experience and value to a potential employer. There are no rights and wrongs in writing resumes but it helps to follow some basic principles.

Presentation - Ensure your resume is well presented and easy to follow. Most employers are understaffed and busy that is why they are hiring so they may have less than a minute to look at your resume.

Two page resume with a simple font and no italics are recommend. Clear headings highlighted in bold or capitals, such as WORK EXPERIENCE and EDUCATION will draw attention to the right areas of your resume.

Use a historical format of your employment history placed in chronological order beginning with what is most recent. If your career history is fragmented due to career breaks or a period of unemployment, you will need to write a skills summary of why you are qualified and you should follow it with a historical overview of the work you have done.

Content

An employer will expect to find information covering the following areas:

Personal details - include your name, address, phone numbers and email address.

Your professional qualifications - if you are Pipefitter with an Inter-provincial Steamfitter/Pipefitter certificate make sure you highlight it.

Work experience - list the most recent experience first. Describe your work experience in short sentences using straightforward, positive language. As well as describing the job, point out any general qualities that arose from the work such as ability to manage staff or trouble shoot.

Education - list brief details of qualifications - Trades certifications, Red Seal and other certification. WHMIS, First Aid, forklift and drivers licenses are all important information for employers. Include the schools full name and location.

Skills - include specific skills such as reading blue prints, instructing apprentices. Don't assume the employer will know acronyms.

References - it is usual to provide the names and contact details of three work references, one of which should be your most recent employer. Recent graduates with limited work experience should include an instructor. Be sure to speak to your references in advance, so they will be prepared.

Hobbies - (optional) By adding details of specific hobbies, you are giving an employer a more rounded picture of your personal qualities. Work related hobbies like working on hot rods, computers, landscaping, Athletic and group activities show an employer your ability to work with others and participate physically and mentally in the work place.

Do:

• Use a confident tone and positive language.
• Concentrate on your achievements not your responsibilities. This means listing things you have done - such as products launched, sales increase, awards won - not rewriting your job description. Quote figures whenever possible.
• Make your most relevant experience and skills prominent to encourage the employer to read on.
• Keep it to the point and concentrate on the quality of your achievements, not the quantity.
• Be ruthless with yourself and keep it to a maximum of two pages. Only very senior, experienced, executives have more.
• Check thoroughly for correct spelling and grammar - spotting errors is a quick and easy way of weeding out weaker candidates when faced with a mountain of resumes to read.
• Get a second opinion from someone you trust.
• Submit the resume as requested in the job- by email is often best.
• Submit your resume in Word (Doc) format. Most word processors will allow you to "save as" using the file extension ".doc"

Don't:

• Don't leave any gaps in your work record - employers may assume the worst, for example that you were fired.
• Don't lie - many employers check resume details for accuracy, including educational qualifications, places of study and the veracity of job references.
• Don't include a photo unless you know the employer wants one.
• Don't use elaborate fonts, or colours - keep it simple.
• Don't forget that your resume is just a tool for getting you an interview. It will not land you the job alone, the rest is up to you.

For more advice about your trades resume, please submit your resume and we can suggest improvements.

Job search beyond the resume!

Network, Network, Network: The best part of using Red Seal is that we are networking full time and will be able to network for you even when you are at work. As trades recruiters we spend most of our time networking with the very people that are looking for your skills.

Your network of friends, acquaintances and family can also work for you. Let everyone know that you are looking for work, ask questions about where people work if they know of companies or people who may be hiring. Ask people you meet for their business card and if you can send them and email to find out more about their company or businesses that may be hiring.

Tip : Keep your resume up to date and ready to go.

Look Good: An employer can't see how well you work when they first meet you, so they have to make some judgments on how you look. A shower, shave and haircut make a difference. Clean work pants, button down work shirt and steel toes show you know an industrial workplace and are ready to work.

Tip : Don't chew gum or wear a hat .

Be Courteous : People like to be around people who are considerate of others. Smile and be positive even if you don't get what you want. Always thank people for their time, leaving a good impression ensures your resume will be kept on file.

Tip : Ask; "Do you have a few minutes to speak with me?" if No "When would be a good time?"

Be Early, Reliable and Flexible : If you have an appointment or start time for a job, make sure you are early. It will give you a chance to go over your resume and look at how people in the company work.

Tip : Make sure you can make your self available for interview at the employers' convenience.

Be Yourself : Think about all the good traits that you have and feel good about yourself. Being positive about yourself will show. Most employers are extremely busy and it will take visits to many employers before you find one that needs your skills.

Tip : there is an employer out there for you, don't get down if you get turned down.