Resume Tips

Build an effective Resume:

A Resume is an important document for self-marketing your skills and qualities that makes you most suitable for the position. Its primarily important that your Resume should be well-written as its forms the first step in the selection process and can set you apart from candidates with similar skills and backgrounds.

It must be taken into account that the Resume should not simply be a list of your credentials, but should reflect the things about you that will interest your prospective employer and should be targeted to the particular role you are applying for. To make your Resume more target-focused, you have to do the hard work of finding out the nature of the job and what the employer is looking into. Complete information of these can help you to analyse your Resume and tailor your Resume according to it. Keep in mind the person who will be reading your Resume.


Layout and Style:

Always remember that an employer will probably have a number of Resumes to read and may only dedicate 30 seconds to each one.

  • Use headings such as Education or Work Experience to break the document into relevant sections
  • Information is normally presented in reverse chronological order (the most recent first)
  • Length should be no more than two pages
  • Avoid using more than two font styles
  • Bold can be used to highlight important points - but use it unless and until not required
  • Use good quality writing paper
  • Avoid using Resume templates you find on the web

Tips for Content:

The words you choose to focus on in your Resume should reflect the areas of your experience that suit mostly to the position being applied for.

  • Use simple, concise and positive language
  • Put the information that is most relevant on the first page
  • Allocate space according to importance
  • Avoid writing great reams of text - short paragraphs or bullet points are much more effective
  • Demonstrate your skills through your achievements rather than your duties
  • Use active verbs to describe each point - see Careers handout on Action Words

Demonstrating your skills:

Writing an effective Resume is also the capability to demonstrate your skills effectively. Remember that an employer is looking for evidence that you have the potential to carry out the duties of the role successfully. Think carefully about everything you have done including academic study, voluntary, casual, part-time work and placements. The following examples illustrate some ways you can demonstrate particular skills.


Finally:

Don't forget that a Resume is your document and you must feel happy with how it looks and what you have included in it. Always review your CV before sending it to an employer to make sure that you have expressed yourself in the best possible manner. Wherever possible always compare what you have written with the job description.

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