Make a statement with a great resume 

Your resume should provide a brief but functional overview of your career and professional experience. Key to creating a strong resume is making sure the content, style and formatting is tailored to the position you are applying for. With limited space, it’s crucial only essential information is included to ensure the document is generally no more than two pages long – three if necessary.

Download our resume example

TIPS FOR GETTING YOUR RESUME ON THE RADAR

• • If you haven’t updated your resume for years, make sure you give the entire document a makeover. Check your information is up-to-date, past companies you have worked for still exist and the information accurately captures your current skill set as it relates to the job you are applying for.
    
  • Tailor as much of the content as possible to the position you are applying for.
  • There is no need to include a section on your hobbies. Space is at a premium in resume land, so use it wisely. Consider adding in graphics to showcase your skill set by listing your top five skills and rating each one on a score of 1 – 5 or as a percentage.
  • Include educational milestones or achievements, key certifications and if you have space, any volunteer work you have undertaken.
  • Incorporate your technical skills either as a separate item or in the Employment History. Explain what online platforms or programs you are proficient in that relate to the job you’re applying for.
  • Quantify any statements you make about your success or responsibilities with numbers, percentages or results.
  • Keep the design clean and simple, unless you’re applying for a creative role. The top third of your resume needs to grab the reader’s attention either through the copy or the design.
  • Proofread and check for spelling and grammatical errors numerous times. Attention to detail has never been so important!

HOW TO STRUCTURE YOUR RESUME

1. 1. 1. Include your contact information:

• • • • Phone number
      • Email address
      • LinkedIn profile

1. 1. 2. Ensure your name stands out and is accompanied by few words about your professional self.
      3. Introduce yourself with an overarching statement about your career and experience to date. Include either a sentence or two with dot points of your key skills to summarise the scope of your experience.
      4. If you have won awards or generated standout results in past roles, consider including a ‘Career Highlights’ section to showcase your achievements.
      5. Configure your ‘Employment History’ in chronological order, with the most recent job first. Ensure your dates of employment make sense. Bullet point your responsibilities and start each sentence with a verb eg increased, decreased, managed, contributed ect
      6. Keep your Employment History short and sharp with an introductory sentence about each role followed by a few dot points about the key responsibilities of each role.
      7. Items such as education and skill set can be displayed on page one.
      8. Page two and three should include the continuation of your Employment History, any volunteer work and your referees.
      9. Check the phone number, company name and role details for your referees to ensure they are still up-to-date.

Download a resume example