Careers Corner
Job Seeking Resources
Resumes
A Resume or “Curriculum Vitae” (CV) is a professional document that summarises your personal details, experiences and skills, qualifications, and career/employment history to prospective employers.
In most cases, your resume is the first document that an employer sees.
Having a well written, effective resume at one's disposal is an excellent tool in today's ever changing job market. A strong resume may be the sole difference in getting a call for a job interview or having your resume rejected.
Resume Writing
Process:
- Gather information on yourself;
- Select an occupation & industry target;
- Decide what is relevant;
- Select Section headings;
- Draft Resume content;
- Review the Resume with others;
- Not more than 3 pages;
- Font - Arial / Calibri / TNR;
- Font Size - 11 or 12;
- Employers / Recruiters generally scan resumes in the first instance for key skills, attributes and / or qualifications.
Resume Types
Today, there are three main resume types used to accommodate specific job requirements.
- Chronological Resume
- Skills Based or Functional Resume
- Cosmetic Resume
Resumes need to be interactive and tailored to the industry / occupation type. It helps you feel in control and commit to specific career goals.
A professionally written resume “stands out from the crowd”. It will ensure that you will get “a foot in the door”.
Commonly Used Resume Formats
Chronological Resume
A chronological resume is the most familiar format recognised by many employers.
Chronological is a term that means something that is arranged or put in order of period of time of when it happened.
The main part of the Chronological Resume revolves around professional work experience and expertise from the most recent to the least recent including listing all your positions and employers along with related accomplishments. Educational information is included along with certifications and special skills.
Chronological resumes are most commonly used by those who have the previous experience required of the position they are applying for.
Skills Based or Functional Resume
A skills based or functional resume highlights your skills, qualities, attributes and abilities on the first page rather than your chronological work / employment history.
You'll still need to summarise your work history, but this is usually done on Page 2 and 3.
Who should use a skills based or functional resume? This resume format is particularly useful for people who:
- Have gaps in their work history.
- Are re-entering the workforce.
- Have frequently changed jobs.
- Are looking to transition into new careers.
- Are unemployed
It is advisable to have various versions of your chronological and skills based or functional resume to match the position that you are applying for.
Resume Tips
- Ensure your resume, uses correct grammar; correct spelling; is well laid out; is easy to read; is in detailed point form; and is no longer that 3 pages maximum.
- Ensure that your resume highlights your skills. You must describe your skills that you can offer to the employer. Direct your data in terms of benefits to the company / employer.
- Make sure your employment history is recent & relevant for the work you are seeking. Start with the most recent job you have had and then work backwards. Ensure to include the main duties / tasks performed and achievements.
- Include any academic qualifications or Certificates completed.
- Include any training courses you have completed or licences that you may have, for example, Forklift Licence, Heavy Rigid Truck Licence, etc.
- Don’t forget to market your resume in the most effective professional way. Resumes are about advertising and marketing the best resource you have – YOU !!
- Words such as deferred, resigned, only, just or but – this is negative language.
- Referees are an extremely important part of your resume. You must make sure your contacts are current and are aware that they are included in your resume. Two referees from your previous employer(s) would be ideal, otherwise you can use one personal referee.
Employers do Check!
If a prospective employer or recruiter is interested in you, they will check the information you provided on your resume is correct and they will also view social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter to ensure you have the appropriate character, personality and attributes for the job.
Employers are also social media Savvy!
Resume Tips – Personal Attributes
It is advisable to include your personal attributes in your resume as they highlight your personal branding. Examples of personal attributes include:
- Professional high work ethic
- Able to work autonomously or as part of a team
- Highly organised
- Desire to be hands on to achieve results
- High level of personal presentation
- Pleasant, friendly and considerate manner
- Enthusiastic
- Reliable and flexible
- High level of motivation with a “can do” attitude
- Able to follow instructions
- Ability to acquire knowledge quickly
Free Resume Templates
https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/article/free-resume-template
https://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au
Resume Checklist
- Overall Appearance - Is it easy to read quickly?
- Layout - Does it look professional
- Length - Is your Resume at least 3 pages long?
- Relevance - Has irrelevant information been deleted?
- Writing Style - Is it easy to get a picture of me from the contents?
- Action Orientation - Do most sentences and paragraphs begin with action verbs?
- Precision - Does it avoid generalities and focuses on specific information about my experience, projects, and results?
- Achievements - Are my skills and achievements highlighted?
- Completeness - Is all the important information included?
- Effectiveness - How well does my resume accomplish its purpose of getting the employer to invite me for a job interview?
What Employers look for in a Resume?
Employers scan your resume before making a quick decision about whether to consider you further. It is essential that your resume doesn't contain the red flags that will turn them off during that short initial scan.
Employers look for the following in a Resume:
- A history of job-hopping;
- Grammatical or spelling mistakes;
- Bad writing / Poor written communication;
- Lack of evidence of achievements;
- No clear career pattern;
- Lack of professionalism if your resume includes irrelevant information.
- Large gaps between jobs. What did you do? When employers see gaps of unemployment, they wonder what happened during that time.
What to leave out of your Resume
Each individual needs to decide the extent to which they want to share and disclose personal information with an employer.
It is recommended that you consider leaving out the following information.
- Reasons for leaving previous employer(s)
- Place of birth
- Religion
- Weight
- Date of birth (unless you are a junior)
- Height
- Health including any disability
- Photographs
- Untruths
- Weaknesses
Resume Rules
- You don’t have to list everything on your resume
- Only include information that will help you get to an interview
- Employers are interested in the last 5 – 10 years of your employment history
- Always tell the truth on your resume
- Include skills that you have acquired through volunteer or work experience
- Highlight Key Achievements
- A Resume reader spends approximately 15 to 30 seconds per resume
Cover Letters
A cover letter is a formal document that introduces you to potential employers and hiring managers. It's usually a prerequisite for job applications.
Purpose
- Show how you're a good fit for the role
- Highlight your relevant skills and experience
- Demonstrate your motivation and enthusiasm for the role
- Provide context for your resume
Process
How to address a Job Advertisement?
- Read ad x 3 times
- Underline KEY words: For Example: Reception, Accounts, Data Entry, Customer Service, Administration,
Repeat KEY words in your cover letter.
- What do certain words mean? eg. desirable; …. mandatory; …encouraged to apply;
- Draft Letter
- Check letter (spelling & grammar)
A Good Cover Letter will provide a summary of:
- Skills, Experience, Expertise and Knowledge. (“I have experience, knowledge and expertise in performing ……. duties within a ……environment. My skills are as follows:”)
- Personal Attributes ( “can do” attitude, reliable, able to follow instructions, able to multi task)
- Qualifications / Certificates
- Your Contact Details
- Statements should be no more than 2 – 3 paragraphs
Cover Letters and Resumes are a vehicle to get you to the Job Interview. The Job Interview gets you the JOB!
Please do not hesitate to contact the Careers and Pathways Coordinator for assistance.
Chris Kotsonis
Careers and Pathways Coordinator