Build Your Resume

A resume is a summary of your education and work experience (paid and unpaid), extra-curricular activities and individual achievements.

It should demonstrate your capabilities, responsibilities and interests. 

Basics of Resume/ CV Development 

  1. Choose which style you will use: Chronological, Functional or Combination

  2. Decide which section headings will best reflect your experiences. Examples: Education, Laboratory Skills, Work Experience, Extracurricular Activities. 

  3. Create a list of past and present skills and experiences under each heading.

  4. For each skill/ experience develop bullet points to explain your experiences and the skills you've gained. These bullet points are called "accomplishment statements".

  5. Polish your resume and have others look at it to check for typos and professionalism. 

Action Verbs 

Resume Checklist 

Resume Webinar

Working In Canada

When you're satisfied with the design of your resume, attend a drop-in appointment with a Peer Helper or Career Advisor to review the content and discuss ways to further enhance your resume. 

Curriculum Vitae

A curriculum vitae, or CV, is in some ways similar to a resume, but differs in that it is a more comprehensive document detailing your qualifications and experience.

In Canada a CV is often used when applying for:

  • Graduate studies
  • Professional programs (law school, medical school)
  • Academic positions
  • Executive or advanced level positions
  • Field specific research positions (Science, Engineering)
  • Performing and studio art positions
  • Professional association membership or designation

Like the resume, your CV needs to be concise, be logically organized and have clear headings so that information can be easily accessed by a potential employer. Depending on your experience, there are a variety of headings that may be applicable. Click here for a list of headings to consider.

Some employers use the term resume and CV interchangeably. If an employer is requesting a CV and you are not applying in one of the areas listed above, it is more than likely a resume is required of you. Ask for clarification regarding the desired format if you are unsure. 

Differences Between Resume and CV's 

Additional CV Resources:

CV or resume: A beginner's guide to non-academic applications 

Your Academic CV

The differences between CV's and resumes (videos)