How to Create a Resume: A Practical Guide for First Nations Job Seekers

Author: AboriginalHire Editorial Team A resume is often the first impression an employer has of a job seeker. For many First Nations job seekers, creating a resume can feel challenging — especially when access to career guidance, mentorship, or resume-writing support is limited. This guide is designed to provide clear, practical, and culturally respectful resume advice, helping First Nations candidates confidently apply for jobs across Canada. Why a Resume Matters A resume is not about showing perfection. It is about clearly explaining: • What skills you have • What experience you bring • How you can contribute to a job Employers use resumes to quickly understand whether a candidate may be a good fit. A well-structured resume increases the chance of getting an interview. Step 1: Choose the Right Resume Format For most First Nations job seekers, a simple chronological or skills-based resume works best. Recommended Format: 1. Contact Information 2. Short Professional Summary 3. Skills Section 4. Work Experience 5. Education and Training 6. Certifications (if any) Keep the resume to 1–2 pages and use a clean, readable font. Step 2: Write a Strong Professional Summary This is a short paragraph (3–4 lines) at the top of your resume. Example: Reliable and motivated worker with experience in customer service and teamwork. Strong communication skills and a willingness to learn. Seeking stable employment with opportunities for growth. This section helps employers quickly understand who you are. Step 3: Highlight Your Skills (Very Important) Many First Nations job seekers underestimate their skills. Skills can come from: • Paid work • Community roles • Volunteering • Family responsibilities • Traditional and land-based knowledge Examples of Skills: • Teamwork and collaboration • Time management • Customer service • Physical labour and safety awareness • Problem-solving • Communication and reliability Always match your skills to the job you are applying for. Step 4: List Work Experience Clearly Include: • Job title • Employer or organization • Location • Dates of employment • 2–4 bullet points describing what you did Example: Customer Service Assistant Local Community Store – Alberta June 2022 – March 2024 • Assisted customers and handled payments • Maintained clean and organized work areas • Worked flexible shifts including weekends If you have gaps in employment, that is okay. Focus on what you learned and contributed. Step 5: Education, Training, and Certifications Include any: • High school completion • College or trade training • Safety certificates (WHMIS, First Aid, Food Safety) • On-the-job training If formal education is limited, include training programs or workshops you completed. Step 6: Keep It Simple and Honest Avoid: • Long paragraphs • Unclear job descriptions • Fancy designs that are hard to read • False information Use bullet points and clear language. Employers value honesty and clarity. Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid • Leaving the resume blank or incomplete • Using slang or informal language • Forgetting contact details • Submitting the same resume for every job • Spelling and grammar errors Always review your resume before submitting. Cultural Strengths Are Valuable First Nations job seekers bring unique strengths to the workplace, including: • Strong sense of responsibility • Community values • Adaptability • Resilience • Respect and teamwork These strengths are valuable in many industries and should be confidently presented. How AboriginalHire Supports Resume Building AboriginalHire helps First Nations job seekers by: • Connecting candidates with inclusive employers • Sharing employment resources and guidance • Promoting fair and respectful hiring practices • Highlighting real job opportunities across Canada A strong resume is a tool - not a barrier. With the right guidance, every job seeker can present their skills with confidence.