Resume Tips

Preparing your best resume

Your resume is an important part of the job search process. It’s the first thing potential employers will see from you and it’s often the ticket to a job interview. With so much varying advice out there, we’ve compiled the following information in categories to ensure your resume is the best it can be.

What is the best resume layout?

The layout of your resume is less important than what you put in it but a good resume outline should include:

1. Full name and contact details
2. Short summary - this is your 'elevator pitch' or a bit about you as a professional
3. Optional: include a small section listing your key skills
4. Work history/experience in reverse chronological order - starting with your most recent position
5. References

Design tips for your resume

Functionality and conciseness is the most important component of a resume. Unless you work in a creative industry, carefully designed resumes won't give you any edge, but a resume that has no spelling mistakes, is carefully curated and tells the hiring manager exactly what they need to know will! Here are our top tips for your resume design:

• Keep it tidy - don't squash text in
• Allow for white space to make the document easy to read
• Use a simple font such as Arial or similar
• Don't include a photo - it's not necessary
• Spellcheck and proof read
• No loud colours, generally black and white is preferred

What to include in your resume

A common question is how long should my resume be? The good news is, we don't believe in putting a limit on your resume. If you've got loads of experience that is relevant and needs to be included, then your resume is going to be longer. The important thing is to keep information concise and easy to read. Here's a few tips on how to write a great resume:

• Write in first person - use 'I' in sentences
• Use simple language as if you were explaining it in person
• Use keywords that were used in the job ad or selection criteria, but don't 'keyword stuff'
• List outcomes and achievements rather than simply stating job responsibilities or functions
• Show results if possible. If you're job is not numbers focused you could include specific feedback from performance reviews
• Incorporate transferable skills and soft skills
• Think about the value you could offer your employer and communicate that

What not to include in your resume

• It is not necessary to include your photo, an address or any personal information outside of what is required to do the job.

Making your resume stand out

• Add links to an online portfolio, Linkedin profile or other relevant content
• Cater each resume to a job role - slight changes can make all the difference!
• Be specific, not generic
• Add in volunteer positions or special interests that demonstrate transferrable skills

More resume tips and resources