Action words are used on resumes to describe the skills you have used on the job, while volunteering, at school and in life that are relevant to the job you are applying for.  Use action words at the beginning of your job description (chronological resume) or each skill description (functional resume). Some examples of action words or statements are:

• Strengthened reputation of customer service department by providing accurate responses and post-sale follow up to customers
• Created over 25 marketing advertisements to meet clients' demands
• Increased product sales by 80% over a 2 month period
• Decreased operating budget finances by 5% annually, despite rising raw-material costs
• Coordinated large-scale volunteer event to connect youth with global citizenship

For a list of action words, please click here.

Remember to think about and include all the relevant work and volunteer experience you have had within the last 3 years. 

What if you have no work or volunteer experience? Everyone has some related experience that you can tie in, but it doesn’t hurt to get more hands on experience. Employers really do value volunteer work and the skills you learn. Check out the volunteer options at RYSA to build up your resume. Volunteering can give you examples of how you mastered skills, how you applied them and also give you references from people who will speak to your skills, abilities and suitability for a job.

Remember you can also think of some school/academic projects that you have worked on and describe the teamwork, research, communication and presentation skills you have acquired from completing the project.  You may also want to phone the Connections Youth Resource Centre at (604) 271-7600 to discuss if you are eligible for paid skill building programs and internships funded by Service Canada.

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1. Introduction
2. 3 Different Types of Resumes
3. Contact Information
4. Objective
5. Skills/Highlights of Qualifications
6. Work Experience/Volunteer Experience
7. Education and Training/Certificates
8. References
9. Samples
10. Help