Writing a Resume
CREATE YOUR RESUME
Create your Employers often receive many resumes and someone inevitably has the task of reading them all. It is highly likely that someone reading your resume will have developed an impression of you within the first 60 seconds. Therefore, getting their attention and creating an effective first impression is very important.
You can help an employer to choose your resume by making it concise (no more than four pages) and directly relating it to your skills and ability to do the job. Dot points may make your resume easier to read. Your resume is your marketing tool. Place your best selling points early in the resume. Your contact details are important, but leave space to highlight your achievements. Employers are interested in how you can assist their business operations to grow.
Be prepared to spend several hours drafting and refining your details so that the final results clearly demonstrate and market your skills and suitability for a position. By preparing your resume with care and making it stand out from the crowd, you can make a great first impression with a prospective employer.
The resume writing process:
gather information about yourself ;
select the occupational and industry target;
decide what is relevant;
select section headings;
draft the content of the resume;
allow an 'incubation' period (to create and review your work);
revise the draft;
review it again with others ... revise again; and
ensure your presentation is first class.
RESUME FORMATS
All resume formats include information about personal details, education, work experience and relevant skills/achievements; as well as information about interests (hobbies, sports, community service etc).
Typical formats for resumes are listed below:
Chronological format -emphasises your previous work experience and is written in order of the positions beginning with the most recent job and working backwards.
Functional format - describes functions or areas of skill with a lesser emphasis on positions previously held.
Targeted format - aims at a specific job or work opportunity and organises the information in terms of what is needed for the job rather than what you have done in the past.
DECIDING WHO THE RESUME IS FOR
The key when writing your resume is to design it for a particular audience. If you are not applying for a specific position at the time of preparing your resume, think of the type of job you would most like to apply for and construct the resume to suit that field/organisation. Some students want to create the ultimate resume that they can send off to any prospective employer.
However, students generally have a range of potential areas that they could pursue, therefore the emphasis they need to place on particular skills and experiences will vary from employer to employer. Once you have produced a quality resume, customising for a particular employer is straightforward.
PLANNING YOUR RESUME FORMAT
After selecting an appropriate resume style you can make decisions about the information you will include and how to present it clearly. Select the information that you think the particular employer will be interested in.
As your resume is your promotional document, you may choose to leave out information about your age, marital status and health, unless the employer particularly requests these details or you believe this information will add value to your application.
You now need to decide how to group the information and which will be the most appropriate headings. There are no set headings that you have to use. Select headings that will portray the information in the most powerful way possible.
EXAMPLES OF RESUME HEADINGS
Accomplishments/Key Achievements;
Career Objective;
Community Service;
Computer Skills;
Educational Background;
Qualifications/training;
Language Skills;
Membership of Groups/societies;
Previous employment/part-time Work;
Recreational Interests;
Relevant Skills/Experience;
Sporting Achievements;
Vacation Work/Work Experience;
Voluntary Work; and
Referees.
Under each heading, use an action word to describe your role, your achievements or a measurable outcome. Put the most impressive information first.
If you are creating a general resume, you may choose to omit the names of referees and add the line "referees available on request". This allows you to select appropriate referees for each position you apply for.
Writing an Application Letter
Your application letter is a very important part of your communication with potential employers. It is the first document they read about you and as you probably know, first impressions are vital when forming opinions.
In today's competitive employment environment you should use every opportunity to market your skills professionally. An application letter should highlight your interest in the position and your strengths - this will help you stand out as an impressive candidate.
Your application letter should give the employer a 'snapshot' of all the reasons why they should employ you. It should introduce you in a clear and focused way and encourage the employer to read the rest of your application with interest.
WHAT SHOULD AN APPLICATION LETTER FOCUS ON?
Application letters should focus on:
the position you are applying for;
why you are applying to the organisation;
what you have to offer; and
what action you want from the organisation.
Remember, no negative statements such as “although I haven't ...''.
Given that your application letter is designed to summarise the highlights of your resume and statement addressing selection criteria (if required), it should not be written until you have completed these documents.
FORMATING YOUR APPLICATION LETTER
Your name and contact details
Date
Name of Contact person for the job
Position Title
Address
Dear (Ms, Mr etc.) Surname,
Paragraph 1
If replying to an advertisement, state the position you are applying for (if it's a Government position, include the Position Classification and Number) and where you found out about it.
OR
If cold canvassing, state the reason for writing and describe the type of work you are seeking, then why you are interested in working for the organisation. This sentence/s should combine your knowledge of the organisation with your experience and skills, your goals for the future, or your professional philosophy.
Paragraph 2
Your qualifications for the position - academic and any other relevant facts and figures.
Paragraphs 3-5
Choose your three main selling points relevant to the Selection Criteria (if there are any) or advertised job description; or general skills if you have no leads about what is required for the position. Dedicate a paragraph to each skill as follows:
what the skill is;
how you have demonstrated it; and
how it would be useful to the organisation.
Paragraph 6
List the documents you have included in your application package. State the action you require - an opportunity to discuss your application in more detail, when you're available for interview and how you can be contacted.
Yours sincerely,
Signature
Type name
In the past, application letters were used just as a covering page for the rest of the documents and may have been very brief and uninformative about the candidate.
HELP! WHERE CAN I FIND IT?
Self-help information is available on many websites including:
Borrow books or videos from the school /TAFE library or contact a career /course counsellor.
Ask your training provider for further Information.
Using the Internet to find a Job
BENEFITS OF THE INTERNET
The Internet is a wealth of information and a great place to find a job.
Did you know that almost 80% of jobs advertised in Australia can be found online - that's 4 out of 5 jobs!
You can access current information 24 hours a day and if you check job sites regularly you can often find jobs that have just been posted and be one of their first applicants;
You can do more detailed job searches rather than being limited by the sections in the newspaper;
You are able to search for jobs not only in your local area, but around the world;
You can apply for jobs from any location;
Using the Internet in your search demonstrates you are confident in using technology; and
The Internet can help you explore career alternatives and options you may not have considered (or even heard of before).
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Gaining Information About Careers
You can find out more about the career you are interested in by looking for information provided by professional associations, government websites, such as myfuture, or by hearing about the role from someone who already does it. Some of these sites can also contain links to other useful sites or contain job listings.
Gaining Information About Employers
Employers often have their own website where you can find additional information about what they do and what the job you are interested in involves. It is valuable to utilise some of the information in your application and interview. This shows you have made an effort to find out more about your future employer. Many job search websites also have information on employers.
Finding Vacancies Online
There are a number of job search engines - there will often be jobs you will find in the paper, but also many others you won't. Be aware of how old the ad is though as some remain listed online even after the closing date. Some employers also have jobs listed on their site and allow you to apply through an online process from their website.
Using Online Recruitment Agencies
A large number of recruitment agencies have websites and list their positions on their website. There are often places on these sites where you can submit your resume for them to consider for future positions. It is important firstly to find out the industry the agency works with and whether the positions they advertise are similar to the one you are interested in. Once you have linked in with an agency contact them frequently to check on opportunities available.
Using Social Networking Sites
Don't discount the power of Facebook, Twitter, LinkIn, etc in helping you find a job. Update your profile information and status and let all your friends know you are looking for work. If there are particular friends you know in the industry you are looking to link into then contact them directly.
They can let their networks know you are looking for a job. If you are uploading your resume on a site be aware of the information in it and who may be able to read it. (Even If friends are not able to assist with finding a job they can provide support to keep you motivated).
Create Your Own Website
You can promote yourself on the web through your own website, whether it is a free one or one you have paid some money for. Ask your Internet provider if there are any deals worth considering. With a website you have the opportunity to sell yourself.
Consider using video feed to let potential employers know your skills and experience and why you are looking for a role in their industry. You could have an interactive resume online, photos of you doing roles or activities relevant to the job - you will only be limited by your imagination. Once you have a website up and running you can add the link into emails, profiles, letters, etc to direct employers to view it. Just be aware though the web is accessible to everyone so monitor the information you want everyone to see.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Whether you are registering on sites, emailing employers or just updating your Facebook page consider what impressions you are making through:
Your email or web address (create a new one if yours doesn't sound professional enough);
Your email with a resume (use full sentences rather than txt talk and write in a similar fashion to a cover letter if it is being forwarded on or being sent to a potential employer);
The other content on your page (eg are the groups you 'like' conflicting with presenting a good image to others?); and
The format of documents (be aware of the program you use as some employers may be unable to open it - if in doubt, save it as a pdf).
HELP! WHERE CAN I FIND IT?
Search the web for sites such as:
Any of the Job search engines - Google 'job search engines'
The Hidden Job Market: Networking
The majority of jobs are not advertised so networking is an essential part of the process of tapping into the hidden job market to locate potential employment opportunities.
Remember to keep in touch with employment agencies as they have access to many additional Jobs, Traineeships and New Apprenticeships. Using the Internet to keep up to date on job vacancies in your field can also be beneficial. For example, visit
There is no mystery to networking. We already use networks to find out about all kinds of information; from which Indian restaurant has the best curries, to who is a good dentist, to what course is more interesting to study etc. Networking assumes that you are aware of your skills and have identified at least a general area of interest you want to explore further.
The key to being a good networker is to build good relationships with others. It often involves sharing information, undertaking research and looking for opportunities to build on your existing networks by making a contribution.
Networking can also give you insights into which firm provides the best training, challenging work and whether there is likely to be a vacancy in your area of interest.
Students have used their networking skills to gain work experience, knowledge and employment in all kinds of areas. Using your networking skills to locate work that matches your knowledge, skills and values can often feel confronting, but so often the rewards of effective networking make it worthwhile.
NETWORKING STEPS
Step 1. Construct your own story (two or three paragraphs) that highlights your training, your interest in a particular area, a specific example of your interest and a reason for contacting the person. For example "This year I will complete a Certificate or Diploma in..... and I am thinking about further study in...... to help get into the ...... field. Would it be possible to meet for a few minutes to explore a few ideas I have about this and get some feedback from you?"
Step 2. Sit down somewhere quiet with a notepad and pen and brainstorm a list of people to contact under each of the following categories:
People close to you - these will include family, friends and relatives;
Other people you know - this may include professionals you deal with on a daily basis (for example teachers), sporting colleagues or fellow club members and any contacts you may have through volunteer work etc;
People you need to know - this may include members of professional associations (become a member), small/medium business owners and/or managers etc; and
People you don't know but who could be helpful, this may include past students, people working in an area you are interested in, or leaders in the field.
Step 3. Once you have developed a list prioritise which people to contact. Do some research to help refine your story, improve your knowledge of the person or organisation and anything else that adds to your credibility, but above all be yourself and be professional (for example, vault their website if they have one) Contact your local NDCO.
Step 4. Set a goal to make contact with someone by a certain date. It is useful to start within your comfort zone, a friend, teacher, receptionist, professional association representative etc. Later, as you gain confidence, be bolder about who you contact. You will be surprised that you will often get a response from the most senior people. You can contact people by phone, email, in person or in writing - whatever you feel comfortable with.
Step 5. Information interviewing is an excellent low stress way of getting first-hand knowledge in a career field or organisation of interest to you. It involves contacting an individual in an organisation and interviewing them to find out what they like about their job, what they find frustrating, what they see as their key achievement in the role, what skills are required, what the future trends might be etc.
Step 6. Make use of what you learn and thank people for their time. The aim is to generate more contacts to add to your network and ultimately to identify job leads that relate to your area of interest and lead to employment.
POSSIBLE QUESTIONS TO ASK:
Can you describe what you do on a typical day at work?
What are the most interesting or frustrating parts of your Job?
What qualifications/skills does your organisation look for in its staff?
What specific advice would you give to a person entering this field? and
What are the growth prospects for this field in the future.
It may be appropriate to ask. Does your organisation offer flexible working hours or have policies around equity and diversity?
Addressing Job Application Selection Criteria
WORKING WITH SELECTION CRITERIA
Selection criteria are the key competencies required for a position; they include the skills, knowledge, experience, values and personal attributes required.