WRITING THE PERFECT RESUME

Thousands of resumes have passed through the Agenda office during the last 15 years. We’ve seen a lot of good ones and some pretty terrible ones too. It goes without saying that we know what to look for in a resume.

Here’s a basic guide to help you make sure your resume ticks all the boxes.

Contact details

Make sure you include all your contact details! It might seem obvious but people do forget. You could be the best candidate we’ve ever seen but if we can’t get hold of you we can’t offer you the job. So remember to include as much information as you can:

• Home phone number
• Mobile phone number
• Home address
• Email address

 And a word of advice. If you’re still using an email address like i_rule_007@hotmail.com, it’s time for a change, if you want to be taken seriously that is.

Personal profile

It’s time to sell yourself. Here’s your opportunity to tell your future employer why they should hire you for this job.

What makes you better than every other person who’s applied for this particular job? If you saved your last company fifty grand a year by finding a more efficient way to recycle empty coke cans, then put that in here!

Education and Qualifications

Your next employer is going to want to know all about your education. So make sure you list all your qualifications in reverse chronological order (the most recent qualifications first) and include the following:

• The full name of the degree, diploma or certificate
• The names of any majors or minors
• The name of the university, tafe or other institute where you earned the qualification
• The city of the university, tafe or other institute
• The dates you were studying

 Here’s an example:
Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Pathology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 2005 - 2009

Employment history

You can guarantee your new employer is interested in your previous work experience and what you’ve achieved at your previous jobs. Make sure you include:

• The name of the employer
• Your title or position
• The city and country you were based in
• The dates you were employed there including months and years
• A brief description of your role and responsibilities
• Your achievements – anything that’ll show you were an asset to the business

Other skills (computer, language or other accomplishments)

Are you skilled at using a certain type of software, electronic equipment or do you speak a foreign language?

It doesn’t matter if you think it’s irrelevant. Let’s say for example you speak French. You may never have the opportunity to use that particular skill at your new workplace but it may show your employer that you’re a well rounded and capable person and it could just be one of the things that sets you apart from your competition.

Memberships and Affiliations

If you’re a member of a professional club or organisation make sure you mention it on your resume. If you’re a member of the Australian Marketing Institute hunting for your next marketing role, you never know, including this on your resume might just be the leg up you need.

Other dos and don’ts

Avoid using acronyms and job specific jargon. It’s best to assume the person reading your resume has no idea what a JSSTA is. It’s best to just spell it out.

If you’re new to the workforce no one expects you to have a long list of experience on your resume. Just keep it short and highlight your skills and qualities that make you suitable to the role you’re applying for.

Make sure the information you’ve provided is accurate. It’s easy to mix up a date especially if it was some time ago. And always, always, always proof read and spell check before you send you resume to a potential employer!