Your electronic resume is an important document for CESO. Our database searches its contents to match resume skills with skills that our partners/clients need. The resume is also presented to partners as part of the process for selecting volunteers for assignment. Please keep in mind that our recruiters enter keywords into our database and the better the match with the text of your resume, the better the search result.
Overall, please keep the following in mind:
- readability and presentation make the best first impression (simple formatting is best, with font size no smaller than 10 point; also, avoid colour or graphics that cause large file size);
- keep it clear and concise (two or three pages ideally, no more than four);
- focus on your strengths by providing greater detail related to professional experience that is current and applicable to assignments where you would be most successful;
- in addition to your technical expertise, include any applicable cross-cultural and adult education/mentorship experience (highlighting any international experience, and/or experience with Aboriginal communities);
- avoid jargon and spell out acronyms at least once (e.g., “IT” should be written as “Information Technology”).
N.B. Please note that by submitting your resumé, you certify that the information provided accurately represents your qualifications and educational background, is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge, and may be subject to verification by CESO.
1. Your resume should include:
Personal Details First and last name
Street Address, City, Province, Postal Code
Phone number
Email
2. Professional Experience
Often presented in chronological order, beginning with the most recent, providing a brief description of each position you have held. Include and indicate any small business or self-employment experience. Be sure to include the following for each position mentioned:
- Start and end dates
- Employer name
- Location (city, province/state, country)
- Job title
- Related duties and responsibilities
3. Education
Starting from the most recent, list higher education, such as degrees, diplomas and certificates. This doesn’t have to be exhaustive; don’t include elementary or secondary school details, for example. Please include:
- Name of institution
- Name of degree/diploma
- Year received
- City, province/state, country
4. Complementary Training
Any relevant courses/workshops/seminars that you didn’t include in the Education section:
- Name of institution
- Name of course
- Year completed
- City, province/state, country
5. Volunteer Experience
Details of any volunteer positions/experience you may have. Please include:
- Start and end dates
- Organization name
- Location (city, province/state, country)
- Position title
- Duties and responsibilities
6. Languages
List languages indicating:
- Fluent, functional or basic
- Speak, read, write
7. Professional Associations
List the relevant professional associations of which you are a current member. Please include:
- Association name
- Abbreviation/acronym
- Your role there
8. Awards
List the full name of the award, the date it was given to you, the name of the organization that presented you with the award, and, in a sentence or two, the reason you received it.