What To Include In Your Resume

You may need to send a resume (sometimes called a CV) when applying for a job. No matter what type of job you are going for, or what previous experience you have, your resume can be the difference in you getting the job or not.
It’s important to take your time writing your resume and include the right information. Read through the following list to help make your resume the best it can be.

1. Your Contact Details

Your contact information should be clearly visible at the top of your resume. Include your name, contact phone number, email and if you have one, a URL to your LinkedIn profile.
TIP: you may want to create a new email address if your private one is not appropriate – remember a silly email address may be funny to your friends but it may be a turnoff to employers

2. Your work experience

List your previous work experience with a summary of the tasks and jobs you were responsible for. Be sure to include any skills or experience that are particularly relevant to the role you are applying for.
Be sure to list:

  • Job title
  • Name and address of employer
  • Dates you worked for the eg. February 2011 – July 2016
  • Responsibilities

Also include any volunteer or charity work as it can show many personal and business attributes an employer may be looking for.
TIP: many places now have a resume scanning system which look for specific keywords, so it’s a good idea to include some of the keywords and phrases that the job advertisement includes. This will also make sure that your resume is tailored and presents you well for the job available.

3. Include your Education and study

Add your schooling and tertiary education. Remember to include any certificates or diplomas you may have. List the subjects or units you completed with your study and if your results are good, include those too.

4. Skills

List any skills that you have, especially if they are relevant for the job you are applying for.
Skills such as:

  • Languages
  • Technology skills
  • Computer skills
  • Computer programs

5. Interest

Listing your interests lets the employer know something about you as an individual. Again highlight those interests that may be important to the job you are going for, e.g. Running in fun runs if you are going for a job in a sporting retail shop.

6. Referees

A referee is a person who will speak in support of you. These referees can be personal or professional.

  • Personal referees will vouch for the type of person you are. These could be a teacher, family friend or sporting coach.
  • Professional referee will vouch for the work you have previously completed. These could be a previous manager or work colleagues.

Include the full name of your referee, their relationship to you as well as a contact phone number.
TIP: make sure that you have asked permission when using someone as a referee. Also let your referees know if they are likely to be contacted following a job interview.

6. Be concise.

Include as much information as you can in a concise way. Don’t ramble and add any information that is not relevant for the job you’re applying for. Employers often receive many job applications and don’t have time to wade through multiple pages trying to find out if an applicant is suitable – having the right information clear and easy to find is a must.

7. CHECK CHECK CHECK

Be sure to check your resume for spelling and grammar mistakes before you send it. If you can, get someone else to check it too!

 

Good luck!

Chris Southall

 

Author: Chris Southall

Chris knows what works and doesn’t work when it comes to recruitment. With years of experience and knowledge, Chris finds the right people for the job every time!

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