Make Your Resume Stand Out - Advice from Tyndale University College & Seminary

How long does a potential employer take to look at your resume?

45 seconds. Maybe.

If you are applying for a summer job or internship to work in an office, a church or a charity, your resume needs to stand out from the crowd.

Diane Naduriak, from Tyndale University College & Seminary’s career centre says that there are three critical areas that students often miss when writing their resumes.

First, you need to have a specific objective statement. Tailor your resume for the job you are applying for. The employer wants to know that you want to work for them.

Second, have a profile statement. This is a combination of traits, experiences, interests, strengths, and values. It may seem like a lot, but this should be no more than six bullet points. This is so that a potential employer can see who you are. The employer wants to know that you will fit in with their team.

Third, make your accomplishments count. For every relevant job you are pointing out, make sure you have 3-4 relevant accomplishment statements. This needs to be written with an action verb describing a problem, how you solved it and the result. Don’t just state your tasks. Make it real. The employer wants to know that you can do a job well.

For more tips on writing a good resume, or perfecting your interview skills, check out Tyndale’s Career Centre.