Resumé Writing: Honing the Best Tool in Your Job Seeking Toolkit

You can’t draw without a pencil, or split wood without an axe. In short, you need the right tools to get the work done. Without a doubt, the #1 tool in your job seeking toolshed is your resumé. While building a resumé may seem like a daunting task, it doesn’t have to be. Let’s look at some of the resources available to help build the best resumé for you.

Before you start, organize yourself. Write down your education, volunteer and work history, including dates and institutions. Collect the tickets and certificates you’ve earned for training, upgrading, safety and other employment skills. To keep you on track, read ALIS Alberta’s page on building a Master Resumé for step-by-step drafting guidance and excellent advice.

When you’re done, head over to our Job Seekers page for resumé drafting help for all skill levels. We have links to resumé templates that are best for people confident with writing and document processing. Brainfuse JobNow has annotated templates that give your task a bit more structure.

Not confident with your drafting or document processing skills? With your EPL card, you can access Brainfuse JobNow's resumé and cover letter builder that has extensive choices for style and content, but requires a higher skill level and so is well suited to people comfortable using computers.

The above might sound easy, but don’t be alarmed or discouraged if the do-it-yourself method doesn’t work for you. Resumé writing is a skill that requires practice, and for your first couple of times you might want more guidance and coaching. Learning Express Library has a great resumé tutorial that walks you through each step of the resumé creation process. With LinkedIn Learning, you can take various resumé workshops at your own convenience. If you have the time for an immersive experience, Gale Courses runs an instructor-led Resumé Writing Workshop you can complete over six weeks.

Still have questions about your resumé and don’t know who to ask? With Brainfuse JobNow you have access to live expert coaches every day from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Don’t have time to chat with someone? Upload your resumé to their Resumé Lab and get feedback from their resumé experts within one business day.

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