"Let's Work" Resources

Here are a few examples to help start you on your way.  These materials were prepared for the "Steps to Employment" Workbook, organized by a number of groups led by Marjorie Edwards  and Wendy Kent in Fredericton, Andrew Brown and Paullette Marshall in Toronto, Bev Goodwin and Brenda Atwood in Thunder Bay and Bonnie Thiessen and Luke Sander in Alberta South.  This workbook is a great tool for anyone who has experienced mental health problems and is looking for employment - you can find it online here.  You can also visit our Links page to find more tips on preparing for your job search.

Resumes: 

Most employers use resumes as a screening tool when looking at those who have applied for a job.  While it may take some work to put one together, a resume is an essential tool for anyone seeking employment.  A basic resume should include your name, address and telephone number, as well as an e-mail address if you have one.  You can include a work objective, which should relate to the job you're applying for.  List your education, your work experience, and any volunteer experience you may have.  Finally, unless the job application has asked for a number of references, you should include the phrase "References will be provided upon request."

Here are a number of sample resumes to give you a head start.  You can look at the pictures, or download the resumes to your computer and edit them with Microsoft Word or Windows Notepad (good for e-mailing a basic resume). 

The Chronological Resume - This is the most popular resume type.  It lists your work and education experience in the order that you got that experience, starting from your last job and working backwards. 

The Functional Resume - These use various categories to tell people what you can do for their workplace, without including dates on when you learned those skills.

The Combination Resume - This is a mix of the first two, and allows you to point out your skills and training with specific details on your experiences.

Cover letter: 

No resume is complete without a personalized cover letter.  It introduces you to your future employers and helps to explain things your resume doesn't cover, like your interest in a specific job.  It should be no more than a page long, specifically addressing the job you're applying for.