Resume Tips

Your CV creates a lasting first impression, so it's vital that you maximise the opportunity to stand out from the other applicants and be short-listed for interview.

Preparation

If you're serious about gaining a particular role, you should prepare for creating the written application in the same way you'd prepare for an interview.

Find our more about the role, what impact it will have on the organisation and what key objectives you will be expected to achieve if successful. This information is often detailed in the job advertisement you respond to, or can be determined by speaking with the relevant contact person.

Cover Letter

If you're emailing or posting a written application, employers will see your cover letter before they even get to your CV, so make sure it's attractively laid out, well-written and contains the relevant detail to get their attention.

You should make a list of the skills, experience and personality traits detailed in the advertisement and choose one or two key areas to highlight in your cover letter. Summarise how your skills and experience will benefit the organisation and offer some insight into why the role appeals to you.

CV Format and layout

Competition is tough so your application needs to stand out. A good resume is well structured, neatly formatted and flows logically.

You should try to make your resume eye catching and easy to read through the use of point form and headings for each section.

Your resume should include:
  • Name
  • Address
  • Contact details - phone number(s), address, email
  • Education - brief summary. Please ensure that you are able to produce documentary evidence of any formal qualifications required for the job.
  • Training - any additional training not covered in education
  • Employment history - start with your most recent job and work backwards
  • Personal achievements
  • Extra-curricular activities and community involvement
  • Hobbies
  • Referees - contact details of at two to three referees who can support your claims in relation to the position. Previous supervisors/managers are preferred for the professional referee.

Pay attention to writing style, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

CV content

Rather than simply listing job duties in your employment history, try to demonstrate your achievements, which would best address the key selection criteria.

In quantifying your achievements, accomplishments and outcomes, we will get a clearer picture of what you did to develop the skills and qualities we are looking for.

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Last updated: 12 May 2011

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