Writing a resume
A resume is a one to two page summary of how you meet the employer’s needs and is designed to get you an interview.

Today’s job market is as competitive as ever, which means you can’t afford to have a run of the mill resume that will get lost in the shuffle. Yours must stand out from the crowd!

Marketing yourself: on paper

A paper-based job application – including cover letters, application forms and resumes – is the most common tool used in job searching. To help you make your job search more effective, these tools must work for you in the best way possible. Make sure you stand out from the rest of the paper-based crowd.

Always remember these tips when preparing your application:

Use good quality paper
Address the application to a specific person. If you do not know who to address the application to, call the business and ask.
Be neat, clear and brief (one page for a cover letter and not more than a few pages for your resume)
Use language you feel comfortable with – be yourself
Use bullet points to list your top five selling points
List skills that directly relate to the position and industry
List all relevant paid and unpaid experience
List educational qualifications, certificates, seminars, etc.
Proof read for spelling, clarity, grammar and punctuation (ideally, get someone else to check it for you)
Update your resume as you gain new skills and experience

If you are applying for multiple jobs, it is a good idea to create a model application. This should be adjusted to suit the requirements of each specific position you are applying for.

Handy hint
Prepare at least one question that shows your prospective employer that you’ve done your research into the role.

10 quick hints on developing an effective resume

1. Identify your target job or position. A resume hoping to please everyone will probably not fully please anyone.
2. Identify the employer’s needs – List the employer’s top 6 needs for the position you want.
3. Read each need you listed. Can you meet each need?
4. Think about ways in which you can prove to the employer you can meet their needs.
5. Add any other related skills you have that meet the employer’s needs. Remember: It doesn’t have to be from a paid job. Look at your volunteer work, hobbies, sport, and everyday responsibilities.
6. List your experience – Include all paid experience and any related non-paid experience.
7. List your education – Include only related courses or degrees.
8. Type the resume in an effective format. Remember: There is no right or wrong way to present your resume, there are simply degrees of effectiveness. Format your resume so that the employer you are contacting can clearly see why you are the best person for the position.
9. Have someone proofread it.
10. Test it – Does it get you interviews?  The whole idea of a resume is not to get you a job but an interview. If you find that you are continually sending out your resume and you are still not invited in for interviews then review you resume to determine why you are being “screened out”, reassess, and then test it again.

Taking the time and effort to prepare a thoughtful, well-organised resume is sure to have major payoffs for your job search efforts.

Sample resumes

	Chronological resume
	Functional resume
	Combination resume