We see a lot of resumes come through our hands… these are the top tips we believe are crucial to contributing to your success in the preparation of your job specific resume!
Must Do’s
- Ensure it looks professional by using the same fonts and the same size text (perhaps slightly larger for your headings)
- Stick to a Word format – PDF can’t be edited or changed
- Ensure a clean layout with not too much ‘fuss’ or clutter
- Put your most up to date address, mobile and email contacts
- Ensure you put your D.O.B on there if you are under 20 years of age
- Create an email address for yourself just for job applications!
- Create a short profile highlighting why you want this role In particular
- In the Skills section, write skills required to excel in the role in which you are applying
- Your resume should vary for each role that you are applying for and should be tailored and targeted for that position
- Ensure you have 2-3 referees and give them the ‘heads-up’ that someone could be calling them about you. It’s really important after each interview to let your referee know the type of position and any other pertinent information that could help them ‘sell you best’ based on the role requirements.
- Make sure you proof read and proof read and proof read. Ask someone to do it for you as well
- Keep your resume length to a minimum of two pages until you have more employment experience – then it should be 3 pages max
- Keep your Facebook private
- Use ‘Australian English’ –get rid of the USA spell check
Remember that your resume is a Marketing Tool and as such should promote your strengths, your career goals, your attitude and the reasons you would be perfect for the advertised role/apprenticeship/traineeship!
Definite Don’ts!
- Don’t underline or use italics – keep it simple!
- Please – no photos of yourself!
- Don’t include an email address that is not deemed as professional (you know what they look like)
- Don’t embellish or include information that is not truthful
- Don’t abbreviate words, you aren’t texting now!
- Don’t over-use commas
- Don’t get too personal
- Don’t give reasons for leaving any part time roles you have done during school
- Don’t freak out if you have no relevant experience – more on that later
- Don’t be afraid to add in details of voluntary or community work that you have done – it shows you are proactive and keen to engage with people. You can include your sports clubs or teams, charity day involvement etc
