Online resume reviews work at KPU, but not at Langara

By AMBER MONIZ

While Langara’s online resume review service has been struggling with attendance, a similar service offered at Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been successfully operating exclusively online.

Until spring 2025, the Langara program was offered both in-person and online, but because too many students did not show up for their booked times, the program has switched to in-person only. The program offers students who are entering the workforce an opportunity for an in-depth evaluation of their resumes with an experienced professional.

The student services office at KPU offers a nearly identical service, and the organizers say they have seen great success because of the online availability.

Chantal Rackley, career development services coordinator at the university, said that the KPU resume review service is “extremely busy”.

She said that they’ve offered online services since the COVID-19 pandemic started, and have kept them online since because of the success.

“The fact that it’s online does probably means that it’s way busier than the drop-in service in person would have been,” Rackley said.

High demand, low turn-out

While many see the importance of student resume review services, Langara has experienced problems with attendance.

Jennifer Reid, instructor for career centre activities at Langara, said that in-person attendance increased after the online appointments were cancelled.

“It’s in demand, I just don’t know why they’re not showing online,” she said.

Reid said the demand for resume reviews fluctuates at different points in the year, and that online appointments will likely be reintroduced in the future.

Resume Target is a Toronto based company that connects people with professional resume writers to provide advice for building resumes. Amos Tayts, founder and president of the company, said that how a resume review is held “doesn’t really matter” as long as the right tools are given to students.

“After COVID what we found is that it’s easier for people just to be comfortable wherever they are,” he said.

Tayts said there should be a system to prevent no shows from occurring. “If there’s no penalties for not showing up then people just keep doing it,” he said.

Ayla Maxfield, an administrative assistant at the Langara Kinesiology Association, said many students are not aware of Langara’s resume review program, but that there is value in offering services that are accessible to all students.

“I’m disappointed to hear that they are shutting them down because I would have liked to take advantage of that. I think online is very convenient,” Maxfield said.

Advice for students

Rowan Vriesema-Magnuson, director of experiential learning and programs at Fresh Roots Urban Farm Society, said that resume templates are a “great place to start” but encouraged students to give their resumes more thought. He also stressed that there are ways for students to communicate their academic experiences to prospective employers.

“So, imagine that you’re trying to explain your experience to, say, someone’s grandma who has no idea what your degree is. That’s kind of what you need to do for employers, especially if you’re trying to have those transferable skills,” Vriesema-Magnuson said.