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A Resume (pronounced REZ-ew-may ) is a document used by individuals to present their background and skillsets. Resumes can be used for a variety of reasons but most often to secure new employment.
A typical resume contains a summary of relevant job experience and education. The resume is usually one of the first items, along with a cover letter and sometimes job application package, that a potential employer encounters regarding the job seeker and is typically used to screen applicants.
A resume is a marketing document that sells a product, in this case, the school leaver and so it is important that it includes skills, attributes and strengths as well as previous experience that will appeal to a future employer.
There are different sections of a Resume
Contact Details - A resume should have a full name, address and contact number, usually a mobile so that the person can be traced fast, and an email address.
Skills & Abilities (Employability Skills) - Employers are interested in the qualities of people. Counting cash at the footy club shows you're trustworthy and honest and would be good experience for retail. Bring up skills such as writing minutes, allocating tasks or correspondence you had to undertake for a club or group.
Qualifications/Certificates - There are a limited number of qualifications or certificates that a School Student can possess. Here are a few examples
- First Aid (What Level is yours?)
- Safe@Work OH&S Certificate – General
- Safe@Work OH&S Certificate – Industry Specific (eg Plumbing or Hospitality)
- General Construction Induction Training (Formerly known as White Card)
- Probationary/Learner’s Drivers Permit
- Food Handlers Certificate
- Barista – coffee making course
- RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol)
- Active After School Qualification
- Umpiring or Coaching Qualifications
Note that the qualifications are listed from the most recently acquired (ie 2016 first, then 2015, then 2014).
Qualifications and Certificates
2016 General Construction Induction Training
2016 Safe@Work OH&S Certificate – General
2015 Learner’s Drivers Permit (working towards Provisional Licence)
2015 Senior First Aid
Education & Training - include the dates you started and finished school as well as the names of the schools you attended. Make sure you put down any important exams or subjects you have taken and awards you may have received.
Work History/Work Experience - List any work experience including jobs like babysitting and any community work, volunteer work or club involvement. With bullet points highlight what the position entailed and what was learned or gained from doing it.
Other Achievements - Document your extra curricular activities and hobbies. Whether you were a member of a school team, part of an acting group or in the orchestra it is all evidence of being able to work as part of a team or your creativity, dedication and reliability.
Referees - should be the last thing on the resume and should be listed with a mobile number. If they are not from another part time job they will be "personal" referees such as people you know well in the community, someone who can assess your character.
Finally make sure the resume is no longer than two pages, does not contain a ridiculous email address that might put off an employer and most importantly there are no spelling mistakes.
Click HERE to view 4 Sample Resumes