Sunday, February 28, 2021 Resume Tips Looking for that next job? Here are some tips from the CLAC Jobs Team to help you create a resume that will give you the best chance to be noticed by employers Newsletters Alberta Local 63 BC Local 68 Manitoba Local 152 Ontario Construction Saskatchewan Local 151 Sectors Construction Preparation • Keyword optimization – Research job descriptions for positions you are interested in. Look for key words under the qualifications or requirements section (e.g., High-rise, experienced, blueprint reading, troubleshoot, etc. Use these words in your resume where applicable to match keyword optimization searches by screening tools. • Research examples of resumes based on the position you are applying for. Use these for inspiration on templates and wording specific to the job you are seeking. • Short and targeted – Your resume is a highlight document of your skills, qualifications, and sector experience. • LinkedIn? Resume? Or both? – Recruiters and hiring managers will view your resume for the position and then search your social media presence for suitability. Put your best LinkedIn profile out there that supports your resume highlights and shows your committed to the industry. If you don’t include a photo on your LinkedIn profile, hiring managers may question its legitimacy. Personal Information • Contact information – Include your first and last name, a phone number (personal cell is preferred), personal email address (create an account username based on your name, not your hobbies!), and your city, province. • Make sure you regularly check your email and voicemail. Positions fill quickly. Objective • An objective is an opportunity for you to provide a brief profile on yourself and your career goal. For example, hard-working, dedicated, and experienced Red Seal carpenter with over 10 years experience • looking to obtain a position within your organization. If applicable, include any realistic professional aspirations, including apprenticeship progression or Red Seal certification. Summary of Qualifications • This section typically appears next. This is an area for you to provide a list of key hard and soft skills you’ve developed relevant to the position. • Hard skills are abilities specific to a job and are teachable. Soft skills are people skills and abilities that can be applied to any job and are typically personality traits. • Commonly used skills include active listening, communication, customer service, interpersonal skills, leadership, management skills, problem-solving, time management, transferable skills, etc. • Industry health and safety credentials or training is essential here. Work History • This section is where you list work history related to construction. You may have an extensive work history, but remember to keep it relevant and include only the previous five years. Too many listed may distract the employer from vital information. • List your most recent work history first. • Keep it brief and include more than a simple list of company names. List the company name, your job title, dates employed, and describe your work sector experience there. • List a key, or high-profile job, that is an example of the type of sector experience you worked in for each company. • Be prepared for an employer to inquire about any employment gaps. Education • List your highest level of education completed first. • Include the year(s) of completion, but remember that hiring managers will use that date (especially high school) to estimate your age/experience. Skills/Training Certificates • These should be included near the end of your resume. List any skills not mentioned above and relevant training certificates. For example, WHMIS 2015, First Aid, Elevated Work Platform, etc. • Include the date completed and applicable expiry dates. • Use proper names for your listed training. Otherwise, it shows that you are not up to speed with the relevant standards and requirements for the job. • Ensure that your training certificates are clear and are verifiable. • Consider updating any training that may seem like it would not be accepted by a reputable employer. You might be interested in Why We Work Safely 5 Jun 2026 Standing Your Ground, and Staying Steady on the Job 4 Jun 2026 CLAC Partners with Alberta Government to Advance Skilled Trades Training and Accelerate Certification 4 Jun 2026 Strathcona Mechanical Workers Ratify New Agreement Providing Wage, Scheduling Improvements 3 Jun 2026