Ugh. So, it's not like it is back home. I actually have to write a resume/cover letter to apply for a job as a cashier at a grocery store! Never done this before and i'm not sure what to do. Needless to say I don't have a profession and there are a lot of gaps in my work history because i've been back and forth to Canada for the past 4 1/2 years. I suppose I need to explain that i've recently landed and I have no Canadian Work Experience (which I hope won't hinder my chances of getting called for an interview) but should I simply explain also that I have in fact been back and forth which is why there are long gaps? Can anyone give me any suggestions? I'm stressed out already!!
I also found it strange that they ask for resumes for (pardon the expression) but "basic" jobs
In the US - you just fill out an application
I would probably do more of a "functional resume" highlighting what you've done in the past
As far as "gaps" - those can be explained during the interview - if asked
Here's an example of a functional resume - you can also google for examples/ideas
http://www.thepeoplebank.com/PDF/Functional_Example.pdf
MichelleA Wrote:Ugh. So, it's not like it is back home. I actually have to write a resume/cover letter to apply for a job as a cashier at a grocery store! Never done this before and i'm not sure what to do. Needless to say I don't have a profession and there are a lot of gaps in my work history because i've been back and forth to Canada for the past 4 1/2 years. I suppose I need to explain that i've recently landed and I have no Canadian Work Experience (which I hope won't hinder my chances of getting called for an interview) but should I simply explain also that I have in fact been back and forth which is why there are long gaps? Can anyone give me any suggestions? I'm stressed out already!!
I found explaining in a cover letter about the gaps worked better then not explaining them.
Many employers see lots of gaps and wont even consider interviewing you, so if they know why upfront why the gap exists it can help in your favor.
I had an employer admit, they almost did not call me because they figured a 4 year gap in employment meant I was in prison, they never thought it would be cause of immigration.
The use of resumes in Canada for basic jobs is a pain, and no clue why they do it that way.
In California here many many employers even for professional jobs will not accept a resume, has to be a signed application.
I know this is old, but have been working on hubby's first resume recently (he's American).
I'm guessing companies don't want people coming in to their offices to fill out applications... for some companies that could mean having hundred's of people filing in and out all day to pick up applications. You'd need to hire someone just to handle applications LOL.
And on the flip side, as an applicant, I would absolutely HATE going to 30 different places and have to sit in their reception office and fill out an application.
So I think the resume thing puts the onus on the applicant, once your resume is done.. it's easier for all parties in the end.
Sucks to have to make one in the first place though..
Being the Canadian spouse, I was shocked when I learned my wife had never written a resume before moving here.
All I can recommend is write the best resume you can, and then write a custom cover letter (working from a template) for the applications that matter most to you. We're a couple of underachievers, so I can only comment on low-level applications. But cover letters are often unexpected at this level and a good one should help you stand out.
The gaps are a tough one, but just deliver a solid explanation. Make note of the fact that you wish you could have worked, but that it was important to you to follow the law. Also try to have something positive (in the sense that an employer would care about it) to say about how you spent the time you couldn't work.
As for whether to include an explanation in the cover letter, AWA1979 raises a good point I wasn't aware of. You should likely at least mention an explanation on your cover letter. But I tend to think there isn't a need for much detail. You'll fill in the specifics at the interview.
Don't worry! If you're a hard worker, you'll find a job. Just be as genuine and professional as possible. Polish your resume/cover letter to the best of your ability. Remember to have others proofread!
\'MichelleA\' pid=\'48365\' dateline=\'1254945265\ Wrote:Ugh. So, it\'s not like it is back home. I actually have to write a resume/cover letter to apply for a job as a cashier at a grocery store! Never done this before and i\'m not sure what to do. Needless to say I don\'t have a profession and there are a lot of gaps in my work history because i\'ve been back and forth to Canada for the past 4 1/2 years. I suppose I need to explain that i\'ve recently landed and I have no Canadian Work Experience (which I hope won\'t hinder my chances of getting called for an interview) but should I simply explain also that I have in fact been back and forth which is why there are long gaps? Can anyone give me any suggestions? I\'m stressed out already!!
Why do you need to put bad stuff on your resume???
It is marketing, why should you advertise bad things about your self??
Resume should highlight your strength only.
You will be asked about your weaknesses during the interview.
Good luck.