Top 10 Questions About Resume Writing

By Monster Contributor

By Mark Swartz
Monster Senior Contributing Writer

The good ol’ resume has been around for decades. It started out simply enough – as a page or two of your background info, either hand-written or typed on a (gasp) typewriter.

Resumes have evolved quite a bit since then. Today employers have expectations of not only what a resume should contain, but also how long it should be, what must be included, and how it should be sent.

We thought it would be helpful to gather in one article some of the most frequently asked questions Monster.ca gets about resumes. We’ve done so below. See our brief answers to the top 10 resume questions. You’ll also find links to our related articles that give in-depth details.

Top 10 Questions About Resume Writing

10. What’s The Real Purpose Of A Resume?

If you’re fairly new to job searching, you might have been led to believe that a resume is the document that gets you hired. That’s not precisely how it works. Your resume is indeed the document you use to apply for jobs (along with a customized Cover Letter where appropriate). However the real function of your resume is to impress employers you contact so that they’ll bring you in for a job interview. Read more about Resume 101 fundamentals.

9. Is It Better To Position Yourself As a Generalist Or Specialist On Your Resume?

Employers hire people for specific jobs. Each job comes with its own duties and responsibilities. An employer needs to know that you are qualified to do the specific job properly. Some jobs need people who are generalists, such as General Labourer or Handyman. But most jobs are best suited to workers who are specially trained and have the necessary credentials in that line of work. Read more about Resume Strategy: Specialist or Generalist.

8. What Exactly Should I Put On My Resume, And What Should I Leave Out?

Your work history, educational background and earned credentials, career summary/objective, and contact information are must-haves on your resume. So are a few other relevant details. However certain information should not be revealed to employers, on the grounds you might be exposing yourself to potential discrimination. Your age and marital status should be left off. Also your religion (and country of origin if it happens to be other than Canada). Read more about What You Should (and Shouldn't) Include in Your Resume.

7. Why Do I Need To List My Work Achievements, Not Just My Duties And Responsibilities?

On the old style of resume it was enough to describe the duties and responsibilities you’ve held as an employee. Not so anymore. An employer is looking to see how you have actually added value as a worker. In most cases you’ll want to Create Accomplishment Statements on Your Resume. It’s competitive out there and you want to stand out from the crowd.

6. Which Resume Format Is Best To Use: Chronological, Functional, Mixed, Or CV?

Confused by the possible variations in resume styles? No need to be. Our articles can help you figure out which format to use under different circumstances. In brief: a reverse chronological resume is the typical style most employers expect to see. The functional resume is popular with career changers, people with little work experience (like students and recent grads), or those who’ve been out of the work force for an extended leave. Mixed (combined format) resumes combine the chronological and functional formats. And a Curriculum Vitae (CV) is mainly for professors, teachers, lawyers, scientists and related professionals.

5. What’s The Worst Resume Mistake Ever?

The biggest error of all in putting your resume together is simply this: being sloppy. A careless spelling mistake here. Sending it out in the wrong format. Small bits of sloppiness add up quickly. They can end up getting your resume tossed into the “don’t call us, we’ll call you” pile. Here are three tips to avoid making the worst resume mistake ever.

4. Are There Resume Samples For Different Occupations I Can Access For Free?

There sure are. Monster.ca has a number of resume samples for positions ranging from Administrative Assistant to Investment Banker.

3. Who Can I Get To Review My Resume For Errors Before I Start Sending It To Employers?

You may be a terrific employee but a lousy proofreader. It’s easy to get so close to your own resume that you fail to see that it may not be as effective as it could be. That’s why people decide to reach out for a second opinion, or even a third. You can get others to review your resume for free (trusted friends, recruiters and local career centers), though it may pay dividends to hire a professional resume writer for an experienced opinion.

2. My Resume Is Too Long And Wordy. How Do I Cut It Down Efficiently?

If you try to stuff too much info onto your resume, it will get cluttered and lengthy. Two pages maximum is the generally accepted rule for Canadian resumes (although CV’s may run much longer). Trimming your resume means cutting out the excess wording and unimportant information. Here’s how to Declutter Your Resume in Five Steps.

1. What are “Keywords” And How Do I Use Them In My Resume?

Have you heard about keywords and resume scanning? Now that many employers sift through resumes electronically, you’ve got to know how to adapt your document. Add words and use phrasing that scanners will be looking for. With a bit of research and sound judgment calls, you can maximize your resume's keyword density and improve your chances of getting noticed.

Have More Questions About Resume Writing?

Writing a strong resume isn’t the easiest task in the world, but it’s important to get it right if you want to get selected for job interviews. Need some help making an awesome resume? The experts at Monster’s Resume Writing Service are certified to do exactly that. They’ll customize your resume to make sure your relevant skills and accomplishments align with the job description, plus they’ll use the relevant keywords to help you get past screening software.