Resume Basics
What is the main purpose of a resume?
A resume summarizes your skills, work experience, education, and qualifications for an employer.
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is a document submitted with a resume that introduces the applicant and explains why they are a good fit for the position.
A resume contains the email address 'partyguy99@email.com.' What could be improved?
Use a professional email address, preferably one based on your name.
Which document usually lists your employment history and job duties using bullet points?
Resume.
You find a job posting that interests you. What is one thing you should do before submitting your resume?
Read the job posting carefully and review the duties, qualifications, and application instructions before applying.
Name two things you should include in the contact information section of your resume.
Any two of the following: full name, phone number, and professional email address.
What should you mention in the opening paragraph of a cover letter?
State the position you're applying for, explain your interest, and mention a relevant skill or qualification.
True or false: It is okay to leave spelling mistakes in your resume if the employer can understand what you mean.
False. Spelling and grammar mistakes can make an application appear unprofessional and distract from your qualifications.
Which document explains why you are interested in a particular job?
Cover letter.
A job posting asks for teamwork and communication skills. What should you do with this information?
Highlight teamwork and communication skills in the resume and cover letter, ideally with examples demonstrating those skills.
What is the difference between hard skills and soft skills?
Hard skills are technical or teachable abilities, such as operating equipment. Soft skills include teamwork, communication, and time management.
True or false: You should send the exact same cover letter to every employer.
False. A cover letter should be tailored to the job and employer.
A cover letter is three pages long and repeats every job listed on the resume. What should the applicant do?
Shorten the letter, remove repeated resume details, and focus on relevant skills and experience that match the position.
Where would you usually list your certifications, such as First Aid or WHMIS?
Resume, usually under a certifications or training section.
You have never worked in construction, but you have experience working in a warehouse. How can you show that your experience is relevant?
Highlight transferable skills such as following safety procedures, handling materials, working with a team, meeting deadlines, and working in a fast-paced environment.
Why should you tailor your resume to each job you apply for?
To highlight the skills and experience most relevant to the specific position and show the employer you understand the job requirements.
What is one important thing to include in the body paragraph of a cover letter?
Relevant skills, experience, or a specific example that demonstrates why you're qualified for the job.
You apply to ABC Construction, but your cover letter says you want to work for XYZ Plumbing. What went wrong?
The applicant forgot to update the employer's name when reusing a previous cover letter. Always double-check company names and job titles.
Where would you explain how your previous experience makes you a good fit for a specific employer?
Cover letter. The resume should also highlight relevant experience, but the cover letter explains how that experience connects to the specific employer and job.
You are applying for a job and the employer asks for a resume and cover letter by email. What should your email include?
Include a clear subject line, a brief professional message, the correct attachments, and a polite closing.
You have five years of retail experience and are applying for a warehouse job. Name three transferable skills you could highlight.
Any three of the following: teamwork, organization, time management, customer service, inventory management, attention to detail, or problem-solving.
You have limited work experience. What are two other things you could highlight in your cover letter?
Any two of the following: education, training, certifications, volunteer experience, school projects, transferable skills, or relevant personal projects.
An applicant writes, 'I am the best worker you will ever hire.' How could they make this statement stronger?
Replace the vague claim with a specific example, such as meeting deadlines, following safety procedures, or helping a team complete its work efficiently.
An employer wants to know your work history and why you want to join their company. Which two documents could help communicate this, and what does each do?
Both. The resume summarizes work history, skills, and qualifications. The cover letter explains interest in the position and connects relevant experience to the role.
You have found your dream job, but you do not meet every qualification listed. What should you do before deciding not to apply?
Review which qualifications are essential and which are preferred. Identify transferable skills and consider applying if you meet the key requirements. Be honest about your experience.