TARGETED RESUMES Guidelines for writing an effective Co-op Resume CO-OP EDUCATION PROGRAM arts.ucalgary.ca/coop

TARGETED RESUMES

Guidelines for writing an effective Co-op Resume

CO-OP EDUCATION PROGRAM

arts.ucalgary.ca/coop/

arts.ucalgary.ca/co-op/

OVERVIEW

Resume Targeting Format Sections


WHAT IS YOUR RESUME?

Your first impressionA marketing tool to lead to an interviewHighlights how your qualifications match

the employer’s needs Details of your skills and experience that

make you a good fit for a specific jobAn honest advertisement


HOW TO TARGET

Understand employer’s specific needsResearch companyAppreciate company valuesMatch your skills with their needs


TARGETING KEYS

Critically analyze job descriptionHighlight key skillsMatch and detail these skills on your

resume and cover letterBack up skills with examples and

quantified details


FORMAT BASICSTimes New Roman and Arial fonts easiest to readName and Section Titles – 14-16 font sizeBody – 11-12 font


FORMAT BASICSTwo pagesNo templates – these are easily identified

and formats are difficult to customize Professional, positive and consistentCo-op resumes require following info on

the top left of the first page above contact info

University of CalgaryCo-operative EducationID#123456


FORMAT BASICS

Begin each bullet with an action word Use correct verb tense – watch for

inconsistencies in Experience sectionPresent for current activitiesPast tense for past activities


FORMAT BASICS

Other PointsUse round or square solid bulletsNo Periods – bullets are not complete

sentencesTypically up to five bullets per heading

with up to two lines of text per bullet


FORMAT BASICS

As your first impression and an example of your writing skills be sure to

EDIT AND PROOF READ!


FORMAT BASICS

AVOIDPersonal pronouns such as ‘I’Superlatives such as ‘excellent’Vague statements or use of ‘etc.’Acronyms or university specific details

such as ANTH 230


FORMAT BASICSAvoid

Personal Information (gender, marital status)

Exact Dates Information Over Ten Years OldReferences


RESUME SECTIONSREQUIRED

Contact InformationCo-op Status and Student IDEducationSkillsWork Experience Interests


CONTACT INFO Name Address – optional Phone – If listing more than one, identify as cell/home Email – use a professional email - preferably your ucalgary.ca address Check this address regularly


EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts, Sociology (Anticipated year of graduation)

University of Calgary

• GPA 3.4/4.0 (include if GPA above 3.0)


EDUCATIONCO-OP STATUS• Currently in third year of full time studies• Seeking first work term• Available in Winter (year) for a 4 or 8 month work term


EDUCATIONRELEVANT COURSES• Introductory Social Statistics: Developed ability to critically evaluate social research reports utilizing basic statistical analysis including regression and correlations

• Qualitative Research Methods: Understanding of research processes; problem definition, data collection and analysis, quantitative and qualitative strategies


EDUCATION

Possible Additional SubheadingsRelevant or Major Projects/PapersResearchAdditional TrainingScholarships, Honors, Awards


RELEVANT SKILLS

Match skills to job requirements to show relevanceName skill and back up with specificsList up to 5 bulletsInclude a Computer bullet and also add languages if relevant


RELEVANT SKILLS EXAMPLELeadership and/Volunteer Coordination: Experience in leading and mentoring, up 4 co-workers and 6 volunteers in a variety of situations including fund- raising events, strategic planning and project completion

Writing: Developed skills in diverse formats including community advertising, speeches, press releases, professional correspondence and formal research reports

Computer: Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint; familiar with Adobe Photoshop; some knowledge of Access


WORK EXPERIENCE

Bold position title, then company

ReceptionistStony Ridge Veterinary Clinic


WORK EXPERIENCEPoints to Remember

If you have completed co-op work terms highlight first and separately

Start each bullet with an action verb Focus on your skills and accomplishments

rather than duties Be specific and quantify examples Within each section use reverse

chronological order


CO-OP WORK EXPERIENCE SAMPLE

Human Resources Assistant Month/Year-Month/YearNational Energy Board Canada• Responsible for posting up to 15 internal positions through Intranet and 20 external positions via the Public Service Commission website• Assisted Co-op/Internship project manager with student recruitment initiatives and career fair displays, attendance and promotion


WORK EXPERIENCE EXAMPLES

Program Coordinator Month/Year-Month/Year

Glenwest Centre for Children• Created and implemented daily age-appropriate

activities for 50 children aged five to twelve• Employed behaviour modification techniques aimed at

the reduction of aggressive and inappropriate behaviour

• Developed extreme patience, effective communication skills and the ability to function well under high stress


WORK EXPERIENCE EXAMPLESMaintenance Worker

Year-YearCalgary Golf and Country Club

(Summers)• Exceptional Service Award for Summer (year)

• Operated and maintained heavy and light turf equipment

• Trained five new employees individually and in groups

• Helped develop new program for bunker maintenance resulting in enhanced playability

• Interacted with club members in a professional and courteous manner on a daily basis


VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Same format as work experienceCan be combined if relevantWork and Volunteer Experience


VOLUNTEER EXAMPLECommunity Advisor

Month/Year-PresentResidence Services, University of Calgary• Address concerns and issues for group of 50 students

providing on-call assistance from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. • Communicate clearly with residents when mediating

conflicts between roommates• Deal with violations of the community standards

professionally considering the impact on individual residents, the entire community and precedence

• Plan programs for residents of the floor, building and entire community individually and in cooperation with other Community Advisors


INTERESTS In two to three points describe current interests If possible highlight interests relevant to

academic studies or career interests Use sports, travelling or other leisure activities

but as with all resume information provide specifics to give clear picture

Interest section provides employer with some informal and personal information that may help you stand out


OTHER RESOURCES

Refer to information and samples provided in Co- op Student Handbook Co-op Coordinators are available to review resumes and cover letters Optimal Resume – online resume builder with additional samples and resources

https://ucalgary.optimalresume.ca/index.php

Documents

TARGETED RESUMES Guidelines for writing an effective Co-op Resume CO-OP EDUCATION PROGRAM arts.ucalgary.ca/coop