Resources
What is a Resume?
A resume is your personal marketing tool. It acts as a written summary of your skills, abilities, experiences and accomplishments to create a snapshot that captures the information needed to secure an interview.
Types of Resumes
There are several types of resumes, each format is designed to highlight different pieces of your experience, skills, and qualifications.
The 2 most common types of resumes are:
- Chronological
- Skills-Based or Functional
Which Resume is Right for You?
Deciding between a chronological resume and a skills-based resume depends on your unique circumstances, employment goals, and the specific job you’re applying for.
Consider the following:
Work History: A strong, consistent work history aligning with the job makes a chronological resume ideal for showcasing career progression and skill evolution.
Career Change or Gaps in Employment: For career changers or those with employment gaps, a skills-based resume focuses on transferable skills and achievements, rather than chronological work history.
Emphasis on Skills: Jobs emphasizing specific skills or competencies benefit from a skills-based resume, allowing those skills to be prominently showcased.
Job Requirements: Tailoring the resume to match job requirements is crucial; a chronological resume suits roles emphasizing experience, while a skills-based one is fitting for positions prioritizing skills and competencies.
Resume Tips
- Use an appropriate email address
- Double check that all contact information is correct
- Use the same font and formatting on your cover letter and references as you used for your resume
- Ensure you have used the correct tense and that you are consistent throughout the resume
- Use spacing between sections to help separate different sets of information
- Add bold and underlining to your headings and subheadings to make sections stand out
- Tailor your resume to the job posting to show that you’ve taken the time to understand the role and the company’s needs
- Focus on achievements rather than duties; achievements show the measurable impact and value you bring to a company
How Can EPC Help?
Employment Planning & Counselling has the resources you need to create a winning resume. Our employment counsellors can work one-on-one with clients, providing support with phrasing, formatting, and capturing your skills and experience. Connect with us to book an appointment to craft the perfect resume!
How to Format Your Resume
Depending on the job you’re applying for, there are a few ways to format chronological and skills-based resumes.
Chronological
Skills-Based
Are you getting ready to ace your next interview?
Interviews can come with feelings of nervousness and uncertainty. Whether you’ve just booked an interview or you’re preparing for the future, EPC has a variety of tips, tricks and resources to help you be successful.
Preparing for an Interview
Good interview performance starts with good preparation.
Research
- Always look at the website
- Research the company, job description and what relevant and transferable skills you have
- Prepare at least 2 positive things to say about the company
Rehearse
- Write down your answers to common interview questions and review them
- Practice with friends and family
- Record yourself answering questions
Relax
- Remember, at the end of the day, an interview is just a conversation
- Take some time to do an activity that helps you to relax
Review
- Take a moment to reflect on your performance after the interview
- Celebrate what you did well
- Take note of areas you could improve upon
But What do I Bring?
- Extra copies of your resume and cover letter
- A pen and notebook to write down the interviewers’ names and any notes
- Copies of your references
- Water
- Drinks other than water
- Your friends and family
- A cell phone (or keep it on silent and out of sight)
- Extra personal items
What do I wear?
Try and dress one level nicer than you would if you were an employee for that company.
Consider options like:
- Khakis
- Dress Pants
- Below the Knee Skirts
- Polo Shirts
- Button Down Shirts
- Blouses
- Cardigans
Avoid things like ripped jeans, graphic t-shirts, shorts, and revealing clothing.
What do I say?
Q: Tell me about yourself
A: Pick 5 points that highlight your most relevant skills or experience. Finish off your answer by saying you’re the right fit for the role. Your answer should be approximately 30-90 seconds.
Pro Tip – You have 5 fingers on your hand, and 5 points to your answer. You can discreetly count off your fingers during the interview to help stay on track if you get nervous and lose your place.
Q: What is your greatest strength?
A: Speak positively about yourself and connect your strengths to the needs of the employer
For example – My greatest strength would probably be my ____. In the past this has allowed me to excel with ____. I feel that this strength would be an asset to this role.
Q: What is your biggest weakness?
A: Pick a weakness unrelated to the position that you are applying for and talk about how you are working to overcome it.
For example – In the past I’ve had some difficulty with ________________, but I’ve been working on overcoming it. I have ___________ (talk about what you have done to work on this weakness). By using these strategies, when I am at work, I am able to get through it and do a good job.
Answering Behavioural Questions
Behavioural questions usually fall under 5 main categories: conflict, leadership, organization, ethics, and adversity. They often begin with “Could you tell me about a time when….”.
To answer behavioural questions, try the STAR method.
Situation: Describe the situation that you were in or the task that you needed to accomplish. Provide context.
Task: Describe the challenge and expectations, what needed to be done and why.
Action: Describe the action you took and be sure to focus on you.
Results: What happened? How did the event end? What did you accomplish? What did you learn?
Common Interview Questions
- Tell me about yourself.
- What do you know about our company?
- Why do you want to work here?
- What is your greatest strength? Greatest weakness?
- Can you tell me about a time you were faced with a challenge and what you did to overcome that?
- How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively?
- What do you think will be your biggest challenge in this role if you were selected?
- Do you have any questions for us?
How Can EPC Help?
At Employment Planning & Counselling, we offer a variety of interview supports. These include as well as on-one interview preparation meetings, mock interviews, and in-person and on demand workshops. If you’re looking for help to prepare for your next interview, reach out!
What Can You Do To Be Successful in Your Job Search?
Searching for a job is more than just surfing the web and applying for positions or walking around and hanging out resumes. There are steps you can take while job searching to stay organized and give you an advantage.
Organizing your Job Search
Set clear goals: Determine what you’re looking for in a job, including industry, role, location and company culture.
Create a schedule: Treat your job search like a regular workday by setting aside dedicated times each day or week to focus on applications, networking, and researching opportunities.
Maintain a spreadsheet or tracker: Keep track of jobs you’ve applied for, including the company, position, how you applied, date you applied, and their contact information.
Customize your job search: Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job application to highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the position.
Use digital tools to your advantage: Use online tools and resources such as job search websites, email folders, and calendar reminders to keep track of application deadlines, interviews, and networking events.
Downloadable Resources
Click on a link below and a download will begin automatically.
Job Search Methods
Online job boards: Use online job searching platforms to narrow down your options.
Company websites: Utilizing company websites is often the most direct way to get your application to an employer. If you see
Employee referrals: Reach out to your connections or alumni networks who work at companies you’re interested in.
Networking: Attend industry events, conferences, and professional networking groups.
Use social media platforms: Follow companies you’re interested in, engage with their content, and connect with employers and hiring managers.
Job Fairs: Employers conduct interviews, collect resumes, and can offer pre-screening of applicants. Job Seekers can make a direct connection with hiring managers and demonstrate their qualifications.
Cold calling: Express your interest in working for the company and introduce yourself to an employer while inquiring about potential job opportunities. Be sure to explain your qualifications and the reason you’re interested in working there.
Temp agencies: These agencies screen candidates and offer temporary or short-term work for job seekers.
How Can EPC Help?
Job searching can be a daunting task. At Employment Planning & Counselling, our Employment Counsellors are equipped with the knowledge and skills to support you through your job search. Contact us to complete an intake and book your appointment.
Employment Standards Act
The Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000 is the provincial law that sets the minimum workplace standards most Ontario employers must follow. It covers things like wages, hours of work, overtime, public holidays, vacation, leaves, and termination rules.
Most employees in Ontario are covered, including many part-time, temporary, and probationary workers, but there are exceptions. Some workers in federally regulated jobs, like banks and transportation, are covered by different rules instead.
Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development is an Ontario government ministry that helps protect workers, enforce workplace standards, support labour relations, and provide programs for apprenticeships, skilled trades, employment services, and newcomer settlement. It is also responsible for workplace health and safety and employment standards enforcement in Ontario.
Canadian Human Rights Commission
The Canadian Human Rights Commission is Canada’s national human rights institution. It helps make sure people in Canada are treated fairly and protects against discrimination, harassment, accessibility barriers, and related human rights issues.
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, is Ontario law that aims to make the province accessible and barrier-free for people with disabilities. It requires organizations to identify, remove, and prevent barriers in areas like customer service, employment, information and communications, transportation, and public spaces.
Community Resources Link Library
Click on the name of the organization to be redirected to their website.
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Organization |
Phone Number |
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Call or text | 9-8-8 |
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705-748-6711 |
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705-876-5826 |
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705-743-2272 ext. 308 |
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705-876-1292 |
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Organization |
Phone Number |
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Brock Mission (For Men)
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705-748-4766 ext. 1 |
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Cameron House (For Women)
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705-748-4766 ext. 2 |
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YES Shelter for Youth and Families
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705-748-3851 |
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Trinity Community Centre – Overnight Program
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CMHA Safe Beds Crisis Program
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705-745-6484 |
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Daytime Drop-In
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For additional housing resources in Peterborough, please visit the City of Peterborough’s website.
Peterborough City
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Organization |
Phone Number |
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Salvation Army 219 Simcoe St 10am – 11:45am and 1pm – 3:30pm
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705-742-4391 |
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Good Neighbours Care Centre 164 Sherbrooke St 10am – 2pm on Monday, Wednesday & Friday |
705-742-9800 |
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St. Vincent de Paul 256 Murray St 9am – 11:30am on Wednesday & Saturday |
705-874-3937 |
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Sacred Heart 208 Romaine St 8am – 10:45am on Wednesdays |
705-740-2071 |
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St. Luke’s Anglican Church 566 Armour Rd 10:30am – 1pm on Fridays (Closed the 1st Friday of each month) |
705-742-6202 |
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All Saints’ Anglican Church 235 Rubidge St in the Parish Hall 9am – 11am on Wednesdays |
705-876-1501 |
Peterborough County
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Organization |
Phone Number |
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Asphodel-Norwood Ministerial Association Food Bank Norwood Town Hall, 2357 County Road 45, Norwood January – October 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month from 5pm to 6pm 2nd and 4th Thursday each month from 11am to 2:30pm November – December 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month from 5pm to 6pm 1st and 3rd Thursday each month from 11am to 2:30pm |
705-639-1777 OR 705-957-4351 |
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Bridgenorth Food Bank Bridgenorth United Church, 832 Charles St., Bridgenorth 1pm – 3pm on Tuesdays Visits limited to once per month, for Selwyn residents only. |
705-292-9601 |
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Havelock-Belmont-Metheun Food Bank Havelock Town Hall, 10 Oak St. (rear entrance), Havelock 12 – 2pm on January 14, February 11, March 11, April 15, May 13, June 17, July 15, August 12, September 16, October 14, November 11, December 16. |
705-778-2356 |
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Lakefield Community Food Bank St. John the Baptist Anglican Church, 81 Queen St., Lakefield 9am – 10:30am on Tuesdays Closed between Christmas and New Years |
705-652-8302 |
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Millbrook Food Share Old Millbrook School, 1 Dufferin St., Millbrook 3pm – 5pm on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Tuesday of each month |
705-932-7066 |
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North Kawartha Food Bank 135 Burleigh St., Apsley (north end of Royal Bank ATM building) 10am – 12pm every Tuesday and Friday |
705-656-1748 |
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Otonabee-South Monaghan Food Cupboard Keene United Church, 30 North St., Keene 12pm – 2pm and 4pm – 6pm on the 2nd Thursday of each month |
249-357-7971 |
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Trent Lakes Rural Outreach Centre Lakehurst Hall, 259 Lakehurst Circle Rd. 12pm – 1pm on January 26, February 23, March 30, April 27, May 25, June 29, July 27, August 31, September 28, October 26, November 30, December 14. |
705-768-3590 |
Trent Valley Learning Association
Trent Valley Learning Association offers a variety of programming to assist job seekers in upskilling and preparing for meaningful employment.
Some of the services offered include:
- One-on-one tutoring for reading and writing, math/numeracy skills
- Employment preparation programs for skill development
- Financial Literacy workshops
- CAEC (Canadian Adult Education Credential), post secondary preparation support and more
- Digital literacy training
- Drivers Education, Smart Serve, CFAT support
- and so much more
For more information about Trent Valley Learning Association and the services they offer, visit their website.
Peterborough Native Learning Program
Adult Training Network
The Adult Training Network is a Ministry funded Get SET (Skills Education and Training) program offered through the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. We offer a variety of training options for adults in Peterborough, Northumberland and Trent Hills. If you are over 18 and looking to make a change in your life, they can help you earn a high school diploma, update your computer skills, or improve your math and reading skills. All programming is FREE and learning is customized to meet your individual needs. They also offer a variety of workshops focusing on independence, education and employment readiness.
- High school credit preparation
- Math, reading and writing skills
- Employment skills training
- Computer skills/office administration
- Financial literacy
- Workshops in soft skills, health care, study skills, personality dimensions, money matters, and more
For more information, please call 705-745-9833