Resume Tips

A good resume supports details discussed in the preceding cover letter. It is important to carefully prepare your resume to highlight skills and qualifications you developed at each of your previous places of employment. 

Generally, there are three types of resumes: Chronological, Functional, and Combination.

  • Chronological -- most frequently used format-begins with most recent position and proceeding in reverse order
  • Functional -- this type emphasizes skills and accomplishments before you list your actual employment experience. This format allows you to highlight talents and abilities that are directly related to the job opening
  • Combination -- combining the chronological and functional styles

If you have gaps in your work history, changing careers or you have had many jobs, you may be tempted to organize your resume in a functional format. Be cautious though, many employers prefer chronological resumes. They are used to seeing resumes formatted by career growth and development with few gaps in work history. A functional resume could bring unnecessary negative attention to your application.

Key components of building a professional resume:

  • Contact Information (current address, e-mail address, direct phone number)
  • Include the PGA of Canada logo if permissible. Only Class 'A' members are permitted to use the PGA of Canada logo. Candidates for Membership are not permitted until they have successfully completed the PACE education program. For more information, please visit the PGA of Canada Logo Guidelines page here.
  • Skills
  • Formal Education
  • Professional Education & Certifications
  • Professional Accomplishments & Awards
  • Professional Experience
    • Support experience with personal features developed that will help you excel in the new role
  • Activities and Volunteer Service
  • Technological Skills
    • Make sure to include Microsoft Office experience as well as any other computer program (photoshop, publisher etc.) that could separate you from other candidates
  • References and Portfolio (on a separate page, or by request)

Critical Points: There are many ways to impress an employer, there are also many ways to cause concern for them. Follow these helpful tips to avoid bringing any unwanted negative attention to your application. 

  • Review and update your resume as required. Each new application should feature a new way of presenting your resume
  • Decide on the format that best highlights your abilities
  • Include the same contact information and format used for your cover letter
  • Consider using "bullets" to call attention to special responsibilities
  • Support your claims by using actual numbers from your previous work places, such as cost reductions, revenue increases and profitability
  • Highlight significant events and achievements in your career, separate them from your “Professional Experience” listings so they stand out
  • Pay attention to details, margins, overall appearance. Make sure it's consistent with your cover letter, references and portfolio (if necessary)
  • Insert a page number on every page but the first page
  • Have someone proofread your resume. A second set of eyes will definitely help you ensure there are no misspelled words or grammatical mistakes

Avoid making the following mistakes. Any of these mistakes could lead to the employer moving on to the next resume and over looking you. 

  • Misspelled words and poor grammar or punctuation
  • No objective stated
  • Poor organization and layout
  • Too long or short
  • Adding age specific dates (date of birth, graduation years, etc.)
  • Including marital status
  • Dishonesty
  • Irrelevant information
  • Redundant statements
  • Failure to describe accomplishments and achievements
  • Use of "I"
  • Including negative statements
  • Failure to number pages