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Resumés and References - alis
A well written resumé and good references are both key to your work search. Find out how to craft a high impact resumé and who to ask to be your references.
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Government's holiday closure runs from December 24 to January 1, 2025. For emergency supports, please visit alberta.ca or call the Income Support Contact Centre at 1-866-644-5135.

Begin By Building Your Master Resumé

Person writing in a notebook with a laptop open on the desk
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How to Create Your Master Resumé

A master resumé is a document that gathers all your skills, accomplishments, experience and training in one place making your future work search activities faster and easier.
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iStock.com/Concepts

Build Your Master Resumé

Build your master resumé with this online template that guides you through everything you need to capture your work history.

Write Your Resumé

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Look for Work

How to Write a Great Resumé

Discover a few key tips for writing a resumé that get you an interview, like how to use action words and how long your resumé should be.
A crumpled resumé in a pile of rejected resumés.
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iStock.com/nazdravie
Look for Work

Avoid Making Common Mistakes on Your Resumé

A top-notch resumé is your ticket to a good job, and if you want to get hired, you can’t afford any mistakes! These tips can help you get it right.
Hands typing on a laptop with the screen showing a resume
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iStock.com/Tero Vesalainen
Look for Work

Which Resumé Type Fits You Best?

A good resumé calls attention to the skills and achievements that best fit the job you’re applying for. A well-written resumé can get you an interview.
Person taking notes for a resume with pen and paper
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iStock.com/Prostock-Studio
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Choose Power Words to Make Your Resumé Stand Out

Power words are the specific, descriptive words you use to tell employers about your skills and accomplishments. Power words will help your application form, resumé and job interview stand out.
Person looking at an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot page on a laptop.
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iStock.com/tolgart
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The Pros and Cons of Using AI to Write Your Cover Letter and Resumé

Thinking of using artificial intelligence (AI) for your cover letter and resumé? Using this technology can save you time. But you need to use it wisely. Learn how to make the most of it.
Quick Links
Look for Work

Canada Job Bank Resumé Builder

Easily build a professional-looking resumé that showcases your goals and qualifications with this Resumé Builder from the Government of Canada. Requires a free account.
Inspire and Motivate

Employment Services

Check out various programs and workshops about career planning, job search, resumé, cover letter, and interview preparation, entrepreneurial spirit, labour market trends, and more.
Resume Types
Video
Job seeker interviewing with employer in an office

How Do I Write an Effective Resumé? (2:27)

Finish Your Resumé

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Resumé Checklists

Use these checklists to make sure your resumé includes all your relevant information and presents your information clearly and professionally.
Person looking at a resumé
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How to Send Your Resumé Package in Multiple Formats

You’ve completed your resumé and cover letter. Now it’s time to decide how to send them to the employer.
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Sample ASCII or Plain Text Resumé

See an example of a plain text or ASCII resumé. Use this type of resumé to help you fill out online job application forms.

References

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How to Choose the Best Job References

When you’re being considered for a job, having effective references can increase your chances of being hired. Knowing who to ask and how to ask for a reference is one key to your job search.
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iStock.com/Kerkez
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Unavailable or Problem References? What You Can Do

Follow these suggestions to make the most of your references and reassure employers that you can do the job.
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How to Give a Reference

Use the questions and suggestions in this article to ensure that you provide an effective and appropriate reference.
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Sample Character Reference Letter
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Sample Employment Reference Letter

More Resources

Woman waiting politely while an interviewer reviews her resumé.
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iStock.com/SDI Productions
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How to Address Gaps in Your Career

Re-entering the workforce after a career gap can be hard. Here are some simple tips to help you make a smooth transition back to employment.
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iStock.com/kate_sept2004
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What Employers Are Looking for in a Job Application

Find out how to submit a job application that gets through applicant tracking software screening and impresses employers.
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iStock.com/SDI Productions
Look for Work

How to Build a Job Portfolio

A growing number of job seekers in a range of fields are using portfolios to support the claims they make in their resumés. Using portfolios and create a positive impression in job interviews.
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Shutterstock/weerachat
Q&A
Explore Education, Look for Work
“How do I relate my university experience to the jobs I’m applying for?”
Tools & Resources

Skills for Success: Writing (1:02)

Writing helps you communicate ideas and information to other people. In today’s world, your writing skills must be adaptable for many different situations—including digital platforms. Knowing what to write and how much to write is important. It’s also important to know what writing style is suitable for your purpose and your intended reader.

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • communicate ideas and information to other people. In today’s world, your writing skills must be adaptable for many different situations—including digital platforms. Knowing what to write and how much to write is important. It’s also important to know what writing style is suitable for your purpose and your intended reader.

    &source=ALIS">LinkedIn
  • communicate ideas and information to other people. In today’s world, your writing skills must be adaptable for many different situations—including digital platforms. Knowing what to write and how much to write is important. It’s also important to know what writing style is suitable for your purpose and your intended reader.

    : https://alis.alberta.ca/tools-and-resources/videos/skills-for-success-writing-102/">Email
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iStock.com/skynesher
Q&A
Look for Work
“How do I stand out when there are thousands of graduates from my program?”
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iStock.com/Pranithan Chorruangsak
Tools and Resources

Job-Smart Strategies for LGBTQ2S+ Youth

As a gender or sexual minority, finding a great job where you feel you’ll succeed can be easier with these tips in mind.