Career Services services update

Everyone coming onto USask campuses must follow USask vaccination measures and mask requirements. If you are unable or unwilling to follow these measures and requirements, please choose Career Services' virtual service options. If you are feeling sick (even if it isn’t COVID-19 or you are not sure) please stay home and do not come to campus until you are symptom free for 48 hours.

ResumeTalks

ResumeTalks are 30 minute, on-one-one appointments. Attend a ResumeTalk to receive advice and feedback on your resume, CV, cover letter, or LinkedIn profile. Book a ResumeTalk to:

  • Have your job search documents reviewed for content and formatting
  • Get answers to your questions related to your resume, CV, cover letter, or LinkedIn profile
  • Hear suggestions to help you stand out during your job search

Before attending a ResumeTalk, you should read through our Resume info below, find a job posting to which you wish to apply if possible and create a draft of your document(s) to the best of your ability. When registered in CareerLink, please upload a PDF file containing the documents you wish to review during your appointment.

ResumeTalks are available free of charge to all newly admitted and current students, and alumni of USask.

Note: If you have two session no-shows, without canceling, you may be prevented from registering for future Career Services programs or services; please remember to cancel if you find that you are no longer able to attend.

If you cannot find an appointment time that works with your schedule, please email career.services@usask.ca to inquire about booking.

Cover Letter

Every resume you send should be accompanied by a cover letter - a powerful tool in communicating your uniqueness and personal qualifications. Our Cover Letter Guide walks you through the process, step-by-step, and offers some great samples to get you started.

Curriculum Vitaes

In Canada, a curriculum vitae (CV) is simply a specific type of resume commonly used to apply to graduate school, a medical position, an academic position (post-secondary teaching and/or research focused) and some performing and studio art positions. Read the job posting carefully and be sure to use the document that they say they need - which is most often a resume.

LinkedIn

Consider creating a LinkedIn profile which allows you to upload your resume content and connect with professionals locally and around the world. LinkedIn is a great tool for giving potential employers more information on your experience, education and skills sets, and for building your professional network. For many companies, LinkedIn is is an essential recruitment tool. 

Creating your Resume

Before you begin

Make a list of your skills, abilities and accomplishments

  • Include your post-secondary education and relevant certifications
  • What skills did you develop in previous work, volunteer and extracurricular activities?
  • What evidence can you provide for having demonstrated Career Readiness Competencies?
  • What were your major accomplishments?

Choose the Resume Format that best highlights your skills and accomplishments

  • Chronological format (showcases work history and experience) or Functional format (highlights skills over work history) or Combination format (highlights skills and work history) 
    View Resume format samples at bottom of page

Creating your content

Tailor your resume to the job you are applying for

  • It is not necessary to list all your work experience, especially if it is not related. If anything, having a lengthy resume that is not tailored to the specific job might actually decrease your chances of getting selected for an interview.
  • Put the most relevant information on the first page – employers often spend as little as 6 seconds reviewing a resume!
  • Perform an adequate amount of research on the prospective employer and job position so you can tailor your resume to the job you are applying for – showcase your skills and experience that are transferable to those listed in the job posting

Highlighting skills

  • Skills should be incorporated throughout your resume - underneath the jobs you list, do not merely give a description of the duties you performed, but rather highlight the transferable skills you learnt and how you acquired them. Use the formula Verb+Skill+How (e.g. Developed + exceptional communication skills + by writing monthly reports).
  • Skills come from a wide variety of places- work, school, volunteer activities, etc., and all of these experiences are valid activities to include on your resume.
  • Use Action Words (verbs) to begin your achievement  statements – they’ll help you create a more powerful case for how you’ve developed the key skills the employer is looking for in a more concise way. Be consistent with verb tense.
  • Highlights of Qualifications or a Summary of Skills - people with more experience in the field will usually use a Highlights of Qualifications section as their experience speaks more to their capability to do the specific work required in that field. Recent grads and students are often better off using a Summary of Skills section as they can better articulate how their university education and other experiences have equipped them to qualify for the job in addition to previous work experience.

References

  • Have at least three references (if possible) who can attest to your work style, academic profile, and/or personal qualifications?
  • Choose references  who reflect a cross-section of individuals who can attest to your strengths
  • If you choose not to include your references in your resume, be sure to bring your list of references and their contact information to the interview
  • Be sure to connect with your references to make sure they are still available and that you have the correct contact information for them.
  • Provide your references with your updated resume and let them know what types of jobs you are applying for.

Cover Letter

  •  Every resume you should be accompanied by a cover letter

Organization and design

  • Keep job title on the left and date on the right
  • Present all relevant information in reverse chronological order (most recent to oldest)
  • Present the most targeted information on the left side first (ie. job title on the left, date on the right)?
  • Limit your resume to 2 pages. Listing references on a third page is acceptable; if applying to other countries, check their resume standards. If you are having trouble keeping your resume to 2 pages, consider using narrower margins or choosing smaller line spacing
  • Use a consistent common font style (Calibri, Times New Roman, 11 or 12 point size, throughout your document)
  • Begin your achievement statements with bullets
  • Infographic resumes are best suited for creative industries such as communications, graphic design or social media, and includes visuals that catch the eye

When you are done

Review your resume

  • Review your document for spelling and grammatical errors

Get feedback

  • Consider registering for a ResumeTalk session with someone from the Career Services team to review your resume

Social Media

  • Review all of your social media accounts and privacy settings. Remember that most employers will do a google search and check the social media accounts of potential candidates
  • Update your LinkedIn profile

Formats and Samples

Chronological format sample

Showcases work history and experience.

Choose the Chronological format if:

  • you have a logical, progressive work history that you want to showcase to the employer
  • your past employment experiences are your selling feature and are relevant to the job you are applying for.

Emphasize job titles and organizations and describe accomplishments and responsibilities in detail.

Sample of Chronological Format

ANITA CAREER

Hope, SK S7N 2C4
(306) 876-8879
abc123@mail.usask.ca
linkedin.com/in/anitacare

HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS

  • Successfully exercised leadership for over two years by motivating employees to incorporate company’s strategic plan, by being able to identify and integrate key issues affecting the organization, and by communicating in a way that allowed for change and new ideas
  • Assisted project managers with all stages of the project life cycle, from the development of using a mind map to capture ideas, a process map to understand the work flow, a team chart to delegate assignments, and a project chart to manage the work
  • Strong interpersonal, communication and group skills including team building, confl ict management, strong community collaboration and program building capacity, human resource management and budget allocation
  • Possess all required certifi cations, including: Emergency First Aid, CPR C and WHMIS, in addition to studies at the Master’s level and a degree in Kinesiology
  • Excel working in a team environment where collaborative initiatives such as team building drives the team spirit

EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION

Sept 2017 – present
Master of Science Candidate – Kinesiology
University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK
 •  Expected date of defense: May 2019

May 2017
Masters Certificate in Project Management
Edwards School of Business – KW Nasser Centre, Saskatoon, SK
 • Eligible to take the Project Management Institute (PMI), Project Management Professional (PMP) exam

May 2016
Bachelor of Science – Kinesiology
University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
 •  Exercise and Sport Studies – Fitness and Lifestyle Professional Stream

WORK EXPERIENCE

Sept. 2016 - Aug. 2017

Saskatchewan Health Quality Board (SHQB), Saskatoon, SK

Health Improvement Consultant, May–August 2017
  • Assuming the leadership consultant role while collaboratively working with internal and external teams to facilitate quality improvement initiatives across Saskatchewan
  • Building, maintaining and monitoring relationships within Saskatchewan’s health care system
  • Facilitating presentations to the various health districts in Saskatchewan based on understanding the research methods used to analyze the statistical data on the Saskatchewan Health population
Health Projects Management Specialist, Sept. 2016 – April 2017
  • Aligned with three project managers, to spearhead and coordinate nine health projects from implementation to closure; while continuing to support project management best practices and tools
  • Created and maintained a knowledge base of project experiences that was used to assist future projects

ANITA CAREER
Page 2

WORK EXPERIENCE CONT.

Apr-August 2016
Temporary

YMCA of Greater Toronto, Toronto, ON
Athletic Director

  • Recruited and supervised a staff of 32 camp counselors, 48 aquatic staff, and 53 part time athletic trainers while overseeing training and setting work schedules
  • Lead, assigned, and evaluated athletic coaches and staff members
  • Prepared and administered the athletic program budget, requisitioned program supplies and equipment, while monitoring revenue and expenses

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

May 2018

Volunteer
Make it Right
New Orleans, LA
  • Assisted with with creating four raised flower beds made up of local perennials reliant on composting in the Lower 9th Ward

June 2017

Habitat for Humanity Project– Women Build 2017
Saskatoon, SK
  • Helped to build one home in Saskatoon, by installing vinyl siding
Memberships
  • Brainsport Running Club, Saskatoon, SK
    Sept. 2016 – present
  • YMCA of Greater Toronto and Saskatoon, Toronto, ON and Saskatoon, SK
    2012 – present
  • Toronto Rowing Club, Toronto, ON
    Summer 2012
Interests
  • Active participant in the University of Saskatchewan Recreational Volleyball League
  • Take pleasure in maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle
  • Running enthusiast – currently training for the Regina Queen City Marathon
  • Avid alpine skier and snowboarder

REFERENCES

Jonathon Doe Board Member Saskatchewan Health Quality Board 306.555.0123 (B) Jonathon.doe@shqb.com
Dr. Steve Smith Professor of Kinesiology University of Saskatchewan 306.555.2345 (H) Steve.smith@usask.ca
Debbie Reynolds Business Manager Campus Recreation University of Saskatchewan 306.555.8798 (C) Debbie.reynolds@usask.ca

Functional format

Highlights skills over work history

Choose the Functional format if:

  • your formal experience is lacking or in a different field than the position you’re applying for, but you have the skills necessary to succeed in the role

Highlight skills you have acquired and how well you accomplish tasks.

Sample of Functional Format

ANITA CAREER

Saskatoon, SK
306.555.0989
abc123@mail.usask.ca
linkedin.com/in/anitacareer

Education

2014 – present
College of Arts and Science — Psychology (Honours Program)
University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK
  • Certificate in Criminology & Addictions, 2016
  • University of Newcastle, Australia, Term Abroad, September–December 2015
  • Dean’s Honour Roll (in the top 7% for my college)
  • Invited for membership into Golden Key (in the top 15% for my field of study)

Certifications and Training

  • First Aid and CPR: Emergency First Aid and CPR C; valid until Mar. 2020
  • Suicide Prevention: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), June 2017
  • Health and Safety: Confl ict Resolution Training, Feb. 2016; WHMIS, Mar. 2017
  • Self Defense for Women: Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) System, Oct. 2016

Summary of Skills

Community Service

  • Commit to making positive changes in agency settings by providing accessible services and programming
  • Able to educate volunteers, staff, clients, customers, and service users by providing the necessary training and mentorship supports to employees in their roles
  • Building effective collaborative relations with all stakeholders to ensure that many different behaviours, attitudes and policies work effectively in cross-cultural settings
  • Refined written, listening and oral communication skills through academic writing, group projects and community service experience
  • Appreciate and understand the importance of confidentiality around contact information, program statistics and services

Leadership

  • Led the University of Saskatchewan, Huskie Athletics, Women’s Cross Country Team roster for the 2015 – 2016 year
  • Chosen by the Arts and Science Peer Learning Community to prepare and present a poster board at the 2016 SK Youth Symposium on a 20 year longitudinal study on the effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in children ranging in ages from birth – four, in Saskatchewan communities
  • Competent in initiating, promoting and maintaining positive rapport and collaboration with campus student groups and their interim leaders
  • Organized staffi ng schedules and managed production capacity for 50 employees at McDonalds; balancing the needs of parents, high school and post-secondary students, and workers with multiple jobs

Work Experience

May 2014 - present

Supervisor and Team Leader
McDonalds Restaurant, Saskatoon, SK

ANITA CAREER
Page 2

Campus Involvement

September 2016 – July 2017

Athletics

Women’s Cross Country Team
Huskie Athletics, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK

  • Competed in national interuniversity competitions at the following sporting events: the Stewart Cup (Oct.); Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) /Canada West Championship (Nov.); Downtown Lions Sled Dog and K of C Indoor Games (Jan.); Alberta Indoor Games (Feb.) Saskatoon Kinsmen Indoor Champs (March); and SK Summer Games (July)
  • Organized the annual fundraiser for the Cross-Country Team called Brainsport BrainFreeze; 10 km run held on March 6, 2016

2015 - current (Sept. - April)

Memberships

Golden Key International Honour Society
University of Saskatchewan Chapter, Saskatoon, SK

  • Involved in the SPARK a Change program; working with at-risk youth ages 14 – 17, in a group literacy program, held at the Saskatoon International High School Program within Saskatoon Public Schools at Evan Hardy Collegiate
  • Organized a local Saskatoon event for Global Youth Service Day, held on Oct. 15, 2016, to donate the harvest of Saskatoon’s Community Garden to the Friendship Inn

2015 - current (Sept. - April)

Saskatoon Psychology Students’ Association
University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK

  • Use social media platforms (Facebook and Twitter) to supply the membership with timely information around association events, answer questions and provide contacts as needed
  • Understand the importance of digital branding and reputation management as one of three social

Undergraduate Awards

2017

Huskie Women’s Cross Country Award
$1,000 award for athletic ability and contributions to the Huskie Women’s Cross Country team

2015

Huskie Women’s Cross Country Award
Awarded to a College of Arts and Science student who has been approved to participate in a University of Saskatchewan exchange or student abroad program, for academic credit

References

Joni Campbell
Former Supervior
VP Consumer Research
McDonalds Canada

Bus: (306) 555-8666
joni.campbell@mhra.ca

Dr. Andrew O’Neill
Professor
Department of Psychology
University of Saskatchewan

Res: (306) 555-0876
Bus: (306) 555-8734
aoneill@usask.ca

Jennifer Weiss
Program Coordinator
Saskatoon Open Door Society

Bus: (306) 555-7892
Res: (306) 555-6397
j.weiss@sods.ca

Combination format sample

Highlights skills and work history

Choose the Combination format if:

  • you possess both the experience and skills necessary to fill the position and want to highlight both areas to the employer

Stress your skills and accomplishments, yet briefly lists responsibilities and achievements from the chronological work history.

Sample of Combination Format

ANITA CAREER

Prosperity, SK • 306-555-1211 • abc123@mail.usask.ca • linkedin.com/in/anitacareer

EDUCATION

2017

Bachelor of Commerce — Management
Edwards School of Business, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK

  • Group project – Analyzing a local art dealer’s business plan in order to develop a new customer database

SUMMARY OF SKILLS

Project Management

  • Effectively engage with company stakeholders to pitch and execute a project management plan that showcases well defi ned oral, written communication and presentation skills; including the scope, costs and schedule
  • Able to implement, plan, manage and measure projects and tasks in a timely, directed manner according to well-defi ned goals and outcomes
  • Show commitment to the team’s purpose and goals by being able to change work priorities and workplace practices to guarantee the project completion date
  • Decreased employee turnover by 10%, through the effective coordination of four competing contracting crews in addition to ordering equipment and material resources ahead of crew arrivals

Collaboration

  • Able to analyze and balance the customers’ needs and expectations with the nature of the contracted work by managing costs, time, quality of work, and employee safety
  • Execute the project plan by assigning resources, setting up tracking systems, determining how to update the project schedule and modifying the project plan in collaboration with multiple stakeholders
  • Ensure that all project plans outline a communication strategy with goals, objectives, roles, methods and tools; recognize that different personalities and communication styles impact a team-based work environment
  • Able to maintain positive and productive relationships by sustaining mutually benefi cial partnerships with internal and external stakeholders

RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE

May 2017 – present

Head Sales Representative
SaskAdco, Saskatoon, SK

  • Overseeing, supporting and monitoring a team of eight sales representatives along with a sales budget of $40,000
  • Appointed to be the first point of contact for bulk contracting: managing both service and maintenance contracts
  • Supervising and evaluating performance and account expenses while providing mentorship and sales training opportunities for new employees
May – Aug. 2016

Assistant Sales and Contract Manager
CGL Industries, Grande Prairie, AB

  • Drafted, issued and finalized industrial proposals for maintenance contract services
  • Provided support during sales and contract negotiations of CGL field maintenance and construction services
  • Collaborated with the General Manager of Sales and Contracts to define and review CGL Industries’ service packages to suit the specific needs of each client

ANITA CAREER
Page 2

SUPPLEMENTARY WORK EXPERIENCE

May – August 2015

Labourer
J & R Construction, Grande Prairie, AB

  • Handled construction materials; loaded and unloaded the trucks with supplies, equipment and construction materials
  • Excavated, backfi lled and compressed the subgrade to prepare for construction of a new highway

ACADEMIC AWARDS

2016
Rotary Award
  • Awarded for community involvement and academic achievement
2014
University of Saskatchewan Entrance Scholarship
  • Awarded $1000 for academic achievement; Grade 12 average between 90% - 92.2%

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Oct. 2017 – present

Member, Board of Directors
Sarah’s House - Services for Sexual Abuse Survivors Inc. Saskatoon, SK
  • Guiding a staff of four in running the daily activities and programs for survivors and their families
  • Handling the administration and accounting of the annual budget to secure funds for agency projects

Sept. 2015-April 2016

Big Sister
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Saskatoon, Saskatoon, SK
  • Matched with an 11 year old girl to engage in meaningful social activities with others of similar age and participated in one-on-one relationship-building activities

ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS

  • Enjoy playing recreational softball
  • Captain of a co-ed volleyball team, Campus Rec, University of Saskatchewan
  • Active participation in the University of Saskatchewan Mentorship Program

REFERENCES

Carlo Pivetta
Art Dealer
Collectors Gallery
Saskatoon, SK

Bus: (306) 555-1234
Res: (306) 555-1235
cpivetta@collectorsgallery.ca
Jamie Freespirit
Buddy Match Coordinator
Big Brothers and Big Sisters
Saskatoon, SK
Bus: (306) 555-1236
Res: (306) 555-1237
freespirit@bigbrobigsis.ca
Clara Jordan
Sales and Contract Manager
CGL Industries
Grande Prairie, AB
Bus: (306) 555-1238
Cell: (306) 555-1239
clara@cgl.com

The samples used within this page are fictitious. No association with any real person, company, organization, product, e-mail address, place, or event is intended or should be inferred.

Getting Help

The Career Services team is here to assist you with all aspects of your career and job search.

Career Services offers: