Expert advice - Writing your resume

OUR TOP RESUME WRITING TIPS

TOP RESUME ADVICE FROM OUR DIRECTOR, LINDA CALLANDER

Briefer is better. Decluttering your resume will give you a succinct document that highlights your strengths. It is not essential to put in every job you have ever done – only include the relevant ones for the role you are chasing. 

Get straight to the point with examples of what your responsibilities were in your last roles. Include relevant details summarising the job tasks, outcomes and achievements – this is your chance to sell yourself so don’t be shy! But beware of handing out information about your previous employer – i.e. refrain from ‘made the budget of $1000 every day when in the city store’ – instead say ‘demonstrated strong selling skills by making the store budget daily’.

When in doubt, leave it out. Don’t include your age, marital status, religion or nationality. It’s actually illegal for a potential employer to ask you this. Sometimes it is an idea to include your interests, especially if they are relevant to the role – i.e. if you are applying for a Travel Agent position include ‘love travelling and exploring new places.’

This isn't an art project. Don’t use coloured paper, graphic or fancy text – choose one font and size of text to present your resume in. Don’t include a photo, but if you feel compelled to then make sure it's professional and not you at your high school dance hanging a friend’s arm holding onto a glass of champagne!

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