Resume Tips

A resume is your Marketing tool

Capitalise and bold your name and ensure it is at the top of every page in case any pages come loose.

• Ensure that your resume and contact details are always up to date. Never handwrite on your resume! Always type up and print a fresh copy.
• Employers prefer your resume to be printed in black ink on white paper without creases, folds or marks.
• Use bullet points rather than writing long paragraphs, do not cramp the information or decorate with clip art and graphics - keep plenty of white spaces on the page.
• Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. Ask a friend or relative to do a final check for you.
• Format your resume to ensure consistency with layout, bullets, underlining, text type (font) and size.
• Always use A4 paper and staple any covering letters so they do not become lost and print on one side of the page only.
• There is no need for a title sheet stating it is a "Resume" as most employers remove them anyway.
• Folders, Binders and fancy plastic covers mean your resume doesn't always fit into document trays with other resumes, this can result in your resume becoming lost or separated when put into another pile.

CONTACT DETAILS

• Include: name, address, telephone number and email address. If you do not have a telephone connected ask a friend or relative if it is OK to use their number as your "contact number"
• It is not necessary to include details relating to your age, nationality, race, religion, gender, or marital status.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Example:
1995 Albany Ville High School
Grade 12, High School Certificate
1998 Bendigo TAFE
Certificate II in Hospitality Operations

EMPLOYMENT / WORK HISTORY

List any previous jobs you have had in order starting from the most recent.
Include Company Name, Job Title/Position, Dates of Employment and a few bullet points outlining your responsibilities. Also include significant achievements in those roles. Be as accurate as you can with the periods of employment and include casual and volunteer work and work experience.
Always begin each point with an adjective when possible:

Example:
Joe's Hardware Store May 1995 - June 1996
Sales Assistant

• Demonstrated high levels of customer service
• Handled cash, accounts and EFTPOS transactions
• Managed Inventories and Stock-takes
• Coordinated incoming and outgoing deliveries
• Increased paint sales by 21% in first six months
• Winner of "Employee of the Month" - July and December 1995

HOBBIES / INTERESTS

Leave your hobbies and interests out of a resume unless they are relevant and positive for the job that you are applying for.
Example:
Landscape Gardener: Enjoy the outdoors, gardening
Kitchen Hand: Enjoy cooking

PERSONAL SKILLS

Use this opportunity to list any skills that are not already highlighted in your resume. These can include skills you have obtained through employment, work experience, training, sports or clubs.
Example:

• Store Merchandising
• Handling Complaints
• Experienced working with power tools and the safe storage of chemicals
• Able to mix paints and cleaning of painting equipment
• Supervising others
• Experience with Occupational Health and Safety issues
• Public speaking
• Coaching of Under 12's Rugby League Team

REFEREES

Include 2-3 people who can be contacted as work and/or character references. Always ask their permission first and ensure their contact details are up-to date.

State your referees name, position, organisation and a daytime contact number.

Example:
Joe Smith Mary Smith
General Manager Manager/Owner
Joe's Hardware Store Hungry's Take Away
(02) 9876 5432 (02) 9876 5422

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What to do now

To view available jobs or to get assistance, phone or email your local Jobfind Centre and ask to speak to a Consultant.

Local hotline 1300 360 562