Are you ready to apply for jobs? How does your resume look?

Your resume is an important representation of your skills, experience and education that will assist you to stand out and communicate to a potential employer that you are the best person for the job.

Here are some resume tips from TAFE SA Student Services.

What is a resume?

• A resume is basically a picture of your life in words, written and presented in a certain way to get an interview for a specific type of job.
• A resume is a short, professional account of your career, qualifications and accomplishments. Its purpose is primarily to get you a job interview.
• A resume can also be referred to as CV – Curriculum Vitae.

Why do I need a resume?

• The times of walking into a business premises asking to see the boss and saying, ‘I’m looking for a job, when do I start?’ are over. These days employers don’t have the time for this type of approach. They want to see a written record of your skills, experience and education.

How does a resume work?

• A resume is a personal branding document which tells a potential employer about you and what you have to offer them. But, it’s only words on a piece of paper, if you don’t know how to use it to sell yourself.
• Taking the time to get your resume right can dramatically improve your chances of getting an interview and winning a job.

What’s the best format for a resume?

• There isn’t really any one correct way, or template for preparing a resume, choose a format which suits your purpose.
• The most important two pieces of information in your resume are your capabilities (skills, knowledge, attitude, etc.) and what you have accomplished or achieved in the various positions you have held in your career.

Quick Tips

• A resume is a living, breathing, working representation of you.
  The resume must be structured in such a way that it is easy to read, says what you want to say without waffling on and paints you in the best possible way.

• KIS – Keep it Simple.
  Remember that whoever is reading your resume only has limited time and potentially hundreds of others to read through. If it’s too fancy or hard to read it may be overlooked.

• Keep your resume to a maximum of four pages and easy to read.
  Use fonts like Arial, Calibri, Verdana, Garamond or Tahoma. Font size no smaller than 10 or bigger than 12.

• Make sure your resume is tailored for each job you apply for. 
  Match your skills and abilities to the job.

• List education and work experience with most recent on top. 
  If you don’t have that much experience, list other jobs you have performed or volunteer work that you have undertaken.

• Choose referees carefully and always ask referees before listing them. 
  Tell them about any job you have applied for so they are aware they may be contacted. List at least two people who can say good things about you.

• Always proofread your resume and ask someone else to check it.
  Ensure spelling and grammar are correct.

• Use a standard structured format for your resume. 
  This makes it easy for employers to read and find the information they are looking for.

• Use action and key words in your resume.
  To describe the impact and level of involvement in relation to your achievements, activities and employment history.

• It’s not necessary to include:
  Date of birth, marital status, gender, health status or address – it’s completely up to you to decide what to include.

• Only include hobbies and extra-curricular activities if:
  They link directly to the industry or position you are applying for.

• Bullet points are a good way to capture information.
  In as few words as possible whilst capturing the reader’s attention.

• Look up industry associations and websites.
  Check those associated with the job you are applying for to see what tips they provide, specific to your industry.

Want more information?  Student Services staff provide career information, guidance and education through self-help and online tools, as well as face-to-face and telephone support. You can phone them on 1800 882 661 between 9am–5pm, Monday–Friday, visit your nearest campus or book an appointment.