Resume Tips

A resume is usually the first contact that a prospective employer has with you. Make sure that your resume is clear, concise and relevant to the position you are applying for. Make sure that you include a covering letter introducing yourself and indicating exactly what you are applying for.

Remember also to include only relevant information in your resume. Know a little about the job you are applying for, so that you can tailor your resume to suit the position. Relevant information will tell the employer that you know what is required and have a serious interest in the position advertised.

Some Tips to Remember when Writing Your Resume:

You need to include some important details such as your name, address and phone number, you should also include an email address (if you have one).
State your employment goals and objectives clearly and concisely. This only needs to be a sentence or two and should be considered a summary of your intended career path.

Outline your education and show any course you have attended. It is a good idea to list these starting with the most recent course.

Do not include copies of certificates received.

Your employment history is where the reader finds out where you have been working, what you have been doing and the skills that you have gained in that position. Make sure that you list the most current job and then go backwards.

For each company you have worked at, make sure you include:

  • The name of the company
  • Your start and finish date (month and year)
  • The positions that you held at the company

Also include details of why you left the job. Don't just specify the specific tasks and duties you held in this position, list your achievements using action words such as Established, Designed, Supervised, Trained, Co-Ordinated or Used.

List any licences that you have obtained, especially if they are related to the position you are applying for.
List any hobbies, club memberships and interests you may have. These demonstrate factors such as team skills and leadership.
It is quite acceptable not to list your referees on your resume and to write "referees/references available on request". Make sure however that you do have a document that lists this information ready that you can give to a consultant at interview stage. List a referee that can be contacted, make sure that you have the correct contact details for this person and that they have prior knowledge of your intention to list them as a referee.
A good resume conveys all the above information in 2-3 pages. Try and rework your resume to this length.