Include your name at the top of every page in case one comes loose.
Make sure your contact details are up to date.
Never handwrite your resume – use a computer to type up and print a fresh copy.
Print your resume in black ink on white paper (don’t decorate it with clip art or graphics).
Make sure it has no creases, folds or marks and only print on one side of the paper.
Use bullet points rather than writing long paragraphs.
Don’t cramp the information – make sure there is plenty of white space.
Format your resume consistently – consider your bullets, underlining, font type and size.
Make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors (your computer’s spellcheck can help!).
Always use A4 paper and staple any cover letters so they don’t get lost.
There is no need for a title sheet stating it is a ‘Resume’.
Want to see a sample resume, or find a resume template on which to base your own? The internet is full of such things. Talk to one of our Consultants and they can help point you in the right direction.

How to Structure your Resume

There are many ways to structure your resume and your Jobfind Consultant can help you find the format that’s right for you. The following is a basic resume structure or resume template as some call it (with some more helpful hints along the way):

Contact Details

Include your name, address, phone number and email address.
If you don’t have a phone ask a friend or relative if you can use their number as your ‘contact number’.
It’s not necessary to incorporate details relating to your age, nationality, race, religion, gender or marital status. So don’t include these.

Education and Training

Include a list of the schools, colleges or TAFEs you have attended or any other training you have done applicable to the job.

For example:

2003 – Bundaberg TAFE
Certificate II in Hospitality Operations

2000 – Albany Ville High School
Higher School Certificate

Employment / Work History

List any previous jobs in chronological order starting with the most recent, as well as all casual, volunteer work and/or Work Experience you’ve had. Include:

Company name
Job title / position
Dates of employment
A few key responsibilities
Any significant achievements

For example:

Joe's Hardware Store May 2003 - June 2007

Sales Assistant

Demonstrated high levels of customer service
Handled cash, accounts and EFTPOS transactions
Managed inventories and stock-take
Coordinated incoming and outgoing deliveries
Increased paint sales by 21% in first 6 months
Awarded "Employee of the Month" – July 2004 and December 2005

Personal Skills

List any skills not already highlighted in your resume. These may be skills you have gained during employment, work experience, training, sports or clubs.

For example:

Additional Skills:

Store merchandising
Complaints handling
Working with power tools and the safe storage of chemicals
Mixing paints and cleaning painting equipment
Supervising others
Occupational Health and Safety
Public speaking
Coaching of Under 12s Rugby League Team

Hobbies and Interests

Leave your hobbies and interests out of your resume unless they are relevant and positive for the job.

For example:

If applying for a job as a Landscape Gardener, you can mention that you: Enjoy the outdoors, gardening.
If applying for a job as a Kitchen Hand, you may mention that you: Enjoy cooking.

Referees

Include 2-3 people who can be contacted as work and/or character references. Always ask permission first and confirm up-to-date contact details. State your referees’ name, position, organisation and daytime contact number.

For example:

Mary Jones – General Manager, Hammer & Nails Hardware
(02) 9876 1234

Joe Smith – Owner/Manager, Hungry’s Takeaway
(02) 9123 4567