The following information may be useful to you as you begin your career search and the recruitment process with CN.

How to Create a CV or Resume

What is a CV or resume and what can it do for you?

1. A CV or resume is a document:
   • that will pique the interest of a potential employer
   • that emphasizes your skills, strengths, and experience
   • that highlights what you have to offer
2. A "calling card" you can leave with someone after talking to him or her
3. A tool that may help you land a job interview
4. An excellent way to prepare yourself for an interview (CV or resume writing)

CV or resume Content

See Also

• see sample résumé (PDF 17.8KB)

The first page of the CV or resume is the most important one; all critical information should appear on this page. Its purpose is to highlight those features and characteristics that distinguish you as a unique person worthy of further consideration.

1. Heading: Include your name, address, and phone number(s).
2. Career Objective: Write a clear, concise, and specific career objective that sets out what you want to do and/or what you are looking for.
3. Summary: Describe yourself in a short paragraph of 3 to 4 lines, by outlining your:
   • key competencies
   • technical skills
   • experience
   • qualities
4. Work History: Describe the last 10 to 15 years of your work history.
   In reverse chronological order (starting with your most recent job), indicate:
   • company name
   • job title
   • dates of employment (years only)
   • Include your responsibilities (indicate no more than three or four per job)
   • Provide one or two special accomplishments per job using the Problem - Action - Results format
5. Education: Your educational background should be stated briefly in reverse chronological order. Normally, only college or university schooling is included.
6. Career Development: List courses or seminars taken.
7. Other Information: If relevant to your career objective, you might want to include a section describing your:
   • interests
   • professional memberships
   • publications
   • awards and honours

How to Write Accomplishments

Describe your key accomplishments in no more than 3 or 4 lines, focusing on:

Problem (P): Describe the problem or situation.
Actions (A): Make a list of the actions taken in a logical sequence.
Results (R): Quantify or qualify the results.

Examples:

• Resolved chronic payment difficulties with an account. Initiated new procedures, which improved customer relations and resulted in an increase in advertising activity of more than 50%.
• Designed the development and oversaw implementation of a quality program in a mid-sized financial institution. This approach contributed to the improvement of overall corporate productivity by 50%.

Tips on How to Write a CV or Resume

1. Be brief: 2 to 3 pages maximum
2. Use simple words:
   • Define acronyms
   • Use industry jargon only if you are sure your reader will understand it; if in doubt, leave the jargon out
   • Use words that reflect your personality
3. Use action verbs (see list) to describe your:
   • responsibilities
   • accomplishments (write in the past tense)
4. Ensure accuracy: There should be no spelling or grammar errors
5. Use facts or figures to emphasize your demonstrated competencies:
   • How much money did you save the company?
   • How many employees did you supervise?
6. Your CV or resume should be visually appealing:
   • Use paragraphs which are concise and well spaced and positioned on the page
   • Use a paper stock that connotes quality and professionalism; paper colour should be conservative, such as white, off-white or ivory

CV or Résumés: what to avoid

1. First-person references: e.g.: "I," "me," "my," etc
2. Personal data: e.g.: age, marital status, number of dependents, etc.
3. Your present salary or salary requirements: Should you feel it necessary to indicate your salary requirements or expectations, you should always identify a range, e.g.: $35,000 - $40,000 range.
4. Reasons for leaving previous positions: Do not mention that you are leaving or have left your company. Wait until you are interviewed to offer any explanations.
5. References: It is not necessary to include a statement such as "References provided upon request." You can prepare a separate list of two or three references, with their titles, business addresses, and telephone numbers. Do not attach this list to your CV or resume. Wait until you are asked to provide them, usually at the interview.
6. Cover page, or the word "CV" or "Resume" at the top: It is not necessary to include a cover page or write "CV" or "Resume" at the top of each page. Only include your name and the page number at the top of each page.
7. Other activities: If not relevant to your job objective, they are best omitted. However, if, for example, you are applying for a job as a skiing instructor, it would be important to mention that you enjoy this sport and that you often go skiing.

Cover Letter Content

See Also

• see sample cover letter (PDF 6.9KB)

Your cover letter should not exceed 1 page.

Introduction: Introduce yourself.

• Identify who referred you or how you heard of the advertised job.

Development: Should contain one or two paragraphs.

• Show your interest for the position or company.
• Link your skills, abilities, and experience to the job requirements (do not rewrite your CV or resume).

Conclusion: Indicate your willingness to meet with the employer and say how or when you may be contacted. Remember to provide your telephone number and sign the letter.