An applicant can mask limited work experience by focusing on education and activities in this resume.
Free to download and print.
Click Here To Download this Free Resume Template
Free to download and print.
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How to Choose the Right College or University in India - Tips To Choose the Right College or University in India in Hindi कैसे करें श्रेष्ठ शिक्षण संस्था का चयन ? कैरियर निर्माण की राह में एक ही परेशानी नहीं है...
Career Change Free Resume Template
Free Career Change Resume Template - People looking to find a job in a different field can use this career change resume to highlight their transferable skills.
Click Here to Download this Free Resume Template.
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| Template by Instant Resume |
Career Change Resume -- Letter Size
Fields: your name, phone number, email, address, city, state, zip, objective, skills, experience, education
Fields: your name, phone number, email, address, city, state, zip, objective, skills, experience, education
Professional Resume Template Free Download
Titles are centered and professional achievements take center stage on this printable resume template.
Free to download and print.
(This resume template is for letter-sized paper)
Click Here to Download This Free Resume Template
Free to download and print.
(This resume template is for letter-sized paper)
 | |
| Template by Instant Resume |
Professional Resume 2 -- Letter Size
Fields: your name, address, city, state, zip, phone, email, objective, describe your career goal, professional achievements, field or area of accomplishment, achievement, skills, professional or technical skill, work history, job title, company name, dates of employment, education, degree, school name, date of graduation, references, references are available on request
Fields: your name, address, city, state, zip, phone, email, objective, describe your career goal, professional achievements, field or area of accomplishment, achievement, skills, professional or technical skill, work history, job title, company name, dates of employment, education, degree, school name, date of graduation, references, references are available on request
Free Microsoft Resume Templates for Word
Free Microsoft resume templates are available as a download for
Microsoft Word users to use to create a resume or CV. Using a template
can reduce the amount of time you have to spend formatting, allowing you
to focus on ensuring that the content of your resume shines.
Microsoft Word resume options include basic resumes, job-specific resumes (i.e. banker, computer technician, journeyman electrician) and career-specific resumes (i.e. career change, advanced degree, return to workforce).
There is also a smaller selection of resumes stored in the Templates section of Microsoft Word.
Microsoft Word resume options include basic resumes, job-specific resumes (i.e. banker, computer technician, journeyman electrician) and career-specific resumes (i.e. career change, advanced degree, return to workforce).
There is also a smaller selection of resumes stored in the Templates section of Microsoft Word.
Free Resume Templates
According to a large survey by Gallup published in 2013, analyzing answers from 230,000 full-time and part-time workers in 142 countries, only about 30% of employees worldwide are satisfied with their jobs. What’s even worse, approximately 25% of people hate their jobs. That raises a very important question. Why do so many people stay in a job where they are not happy? While the answer to that question is multifaceted, we all know that the process of applying for new jobs can be both time consuming and daunting.
Start by putting together the content: work experience, summary of qualifications, achievements, education, keywords and any other important information that makes a powerful resume.
Building your resume – where to start?
Your resume represents you as a professional on a piece of paper – it is your first impression with your future boss. Interestingly, resume writing is not a skill that is generally taught in school so once you are ready to start looking for a job, you are left to fend for yourself. In this age of technology, most people search the internet. There is an overabundance of information available online, yet very little of it is helpful and if you decide to take matters into your own hands, it is difficult to figure out where to start.Start by putting together the content: work experience, summary of qualifications, achievements, education, keywords and any other important information that makes a powerful resume.
How to Write A Cover Letter
Free Resume Templates - A cover letter is a single-page letter that should be part of any job application.
The only time a cover letter should not be included is when a job ad clearly says to NOT include one. At all other times you should include a cover letter.
The only time a cover letter should not be included is when a job ad clearly says to NOT include one. At all other times you should include a cover letter.
Topics on this page include:
> The Purpose of a Cover Letter
> How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?
> Customise Your Cover Letter
> What To Include in Your Cover Letter
> What NOT To Include in Your Cover Letter
> Cover Letters When No Job Has Been Advertised
> Email Cover Letters
> When Only A Cover Letter is Requested
> Cover Letter Templates The Purpose of a Cover Letter
You might be applying for a specific, advertised job, or you might be contacting a potential employer to see if they have any vacancies. Either way, your cover letter needs to:
You might be applying for a specific, advertised job, or you might be contacting a potential employer to see if they have any vacancies. Either way, your cover letter needs to:
- Introduce you Mention the job (or kind of job) you're applying for (or looking for)
- Match your skills and experiences with the skills and experiences required by the job
- Encourage the reader to read your resume
- Finish with a call to action (e.g., requesting an interview or asking to meet)
For more about each of these steps, check out "What to Include on Your Cover Letter", below.
How Long Should A Cover Letter Be?
A cover letter shouldn't be more than one page. It's only meant to be a
summary of the information you put in your resume, so remember to keep
things short.
Customise Your Cover Letter
You should never use one cover for lots of different job applications.
Your cover letter needs to show that you know what the job involves and what the organisation requires. To do this you need to be as specific as you can about your skills and qualities and how they match the job or organisation's needs.
Here are three simple ways to make your cover letter as specific as possible:
Your cover letter needs to show that you know what the job involves and what the organisation requires. To do this you need to be as specific as you can about your skills and qualities and how they match the job or organisation's needs.
Here are three simple ways to make your cover letter as specific as possible:
1. Find Out Who to Address it To
Never address your letter "To Whom It May Concern". Finding out who to address your application to takes a little bit of effort, but it's worth it.
If you found the job in an ad, the ad will probably name a person to send the application to. If not, call the employer or recruitment agency (don't email them) and ask who to send the application to.
When addressing a letter, don't use the person's first name. Use either "Mr." or "Ms.".
Never address your letter "To Whom It May Concern". Finding out who to address your application to takes a little bit of effort, but it's worth it.
If you found the job in an ad, the ad will probably name a person to send the application to. If not, call the employer or recruitment agency (don't email them) and ask who to send the application to.
When addressing a letter, don't use the person's first name. Use either "Mr." or "Ms.".
2. Find Out More About the Job
When finding out who to address your application to, you should also try to speak to that person so you can ask questions that will help you tailor your cover letter (and resume).
When finding out who to address your application to, you should also try to speak to that person so you can ask questions that will help you tailor your cover letter (and resume).
Questions you might consider asking include:
What can you tell me about the job?
What can you tell me about the ideal candidate for the job?
Is there a position description I can look at? (only ask this if the job ad didn't mention a position description)
The answers to these questions will give you an idea of what you should mention in your cover letter. 3. Find Out More About the Company
Finding out more about a company is also a good way to work out how to tailor your cover letter. Here's some tips:
If you know the name of the company, look for information online If they have their own website, check it out, especially their About Us page If the company name isn't in the ad, call the recruitment agency and ask who the employer is
The answers to these questions will give you an idea of what you should mention in your cover letter. 3. Find Out More About the Company
Finding out more about a company is also a good way to work out how to tailor your cover letter. Here's some tips:
If you know the name of the company, look for information online If they have their own website, check it out, especially their About Us page If the company name isn't in the ad, call the recruitment agency and ask who the employer is
What to Include in a Cover Letter
Here's a list of things that you should include when you write a cover
letter. For examples of these things in action, check out our Sample
Resumes and Cover Letters page. Your Name and Contact Details
Put your name and contact details at the top of your cover letter. You don't have to give your postal address, but you do need to include your email and phone number.
Make sure you'll be able to answer the number you give - no sense giving your home phone if you're not going to be home to answer it.
Make sure your email address is a professional sounding one. An email address like yolo@zapbangpowdude.co.uk doesn't create the right impression. Their Name and Contact Details
Under your own name and contact details you should include:
The name of the person you're writing to Their position or the name of their company Their contact details
If you're having trouble finding this information you can call the company to ask who you should address your application to. You can also use "To Whom It May Concern" - but try to only use this as a last resort. The Name of the Job You're Going For
At the start of your cover letter explain which job you're applying for. You can either do this on a line by itself (e.g., "Re: Application for Stock Controller position") or in the opening paragraph (e.g., "I am writing to apply for the recently advertised Stock Controller position.")
Your letter should Include a brief summary of your skills and experiences that match the job description. A short bullet-pointed list is fine.
If you're answering a job ad, either the ad or the position description may provide a list of skills and experiences that are essential for doing the job. It may also provide a list of "desirable" skills and experience. Your cover letter needs to respond to all of the items on the "essential" list and as many items as possible on the "desirable" list in as short a way as possible.
Remember that if you say you have a skill or experience, you need to show how you've used it or how you got it (e.g., if you say you've got child-minding skills, mention some jobs where you've used them).
For examples of how to do this, check out the cover letter templates on our Sample Resumes and Cover Letters page. A Summary of Why You're Right for the Job
After listing your skills and experience you should explain why this means you're suited to the job (e.g., "The combination of my interest in AFL and my experience with book-keeping makes me ideally suited for this job.")
For examples of how to do this, check out the cover letter templates on our Sample Resumes and Cover Letters page. Speak Their Language
Using the same language as people who do a particular job is a good way to convince people you're suited to the job.
Getting familiar with what a company does and how it talks about itself can give you ideas about things to mention in your cover letter, and how to talk about them.
For example, if there's a tool or software or skill the job requires - like machining tools or cash handling - mention it in your cover letter (but make sure you mention it correctly!).
Check out the "Customise Your Cover Letter" section on this page for tips on finding out more about a company. Ask Them to Check out Your Resume & Contact You
Your cover letter should finish by asking the reader to look at your resume. It should also ask them to contact you about an interview.
Try something simple like, "I have attached a copy of my resume for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you about this application."
For more examples of ways to finish a cover letter, check out the cover letter templates on our Samples Resumes and Cover Letters page
Put your name and contact details at the top of your cover letter. You don't have to give your postal address, but you do need to include your email and phone number.
Make sure you'll be able to answer the number you give - no sense giving your home phone if you're not going to be home to answer it.
Make sure your email address is a professional sounding one. An email address like yolo@zapbangpowdude.co.uk doesn't create the right impression. Their Name and Contact Details
Under your own name and contact details you should include:
The name of the person you're writing to Their position or the name of their company Their contact details
If you're having trouble finding this information you can call the company to ask who you should address your application to. You can also use "To Whom It May Concern" - but try to only use this as a last resort. The Name of the Job You're Going For
At the start of your cover letter explain which job you're applying for. You can either do this on a line by itself (e.g., "Re: Application for Stock Controller position") or in the opening paragraph (e.g., "I am writing to apply for the recently advertised Stock Controller position.")
Your letter should Include a brief summary of your skills and experiences that match the job description. A short bullet-pointed list is fine.
If you're answering a job ad, either the ad or the position description may provide a list of skills and experiences that are essential for doing the job. It may also provide a list of "desirable" skills and experience. Your cover letter needs to respond to all of the items on the "essential" list and as many items as possible on the "desirable" list in as short a way as possible.
Remember that if you say you have a skill or experience, you need to show how you've used it or how you got it (e.g., if you say you've got child-minding skills, mention some jobs where you've used them).
For examples of how to do this, check out the cover letter templates on our Sample Resumes and Cover Letters page. A Summary of Why You're Right for the Job
After listing your skills and experience you should explain why this means you're suited to the job (e.g., "The combination of my interest in AFL and my experience with book-keeping makes me ideally suited for this job.")
For examples of how to do this, check out the cover letter templates on our Sample Resumes and Cover Letters page. Speak Their Language
Using the same language as people who do a particular job is a good way to convince people you're suited to the job.
Getting familiar with what a company does and how it talks about itself can give you ideas about things to mention in your cover letter, and how to talk about them.
For example, if there's a tool or software or skill the job requires - like machining tools or cash handling - mention it in your cover letter (but make sure you mention it correctly!).
Check out the "Customise Your Cover Letter" section on this page for tips on finding out more about a company. Ask Them to Check out Your Resume & Contact You
Your cover letter should finish by asking the reader to look at your resume. It should also ask them to contact you about an interview.
Try something simple like, "I have attached a copy of my resume for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you about this application."
For more examples of ways to finish a cover letter, check out the cover letter templates on our Samples Resumes and Cover Letters page
What NOT to Include in a Cover Letter
Here is a list of things that you should NOT include in your cover letter: Typos or Factual Errors
You should always spellcheck your cover letter. It's even better to get someone else to read it and point out any mistakes or confusing things. People you can ask include friends, family members, your careers teacher or a careers counsellor at your university or TAFE.
Double-check everything in your cover letter. If you mention a company's name, make sure you get it right. If you mention places you've worked before, make sure you get their names right too. Mistakes on cover letters are worse than typos. Your Entire Resume
Don't cut and paste your resume into your cover letter. Try to re-word the information on your resume rather than just repeating it. Keep your cover letter short and let your resume tell the whole story. Using "I" Too Much
Try to make sure that you don't fill your cover letter with things like "I believe", "I have" and "I am". Once you've written your letter, look over it and see if you can take out - or rewrite - any sentences that start with "I". Don't Mention Your Other Job Applications
You'll probably have more than one job application on the go at any one time. It's important, though, not to mention other job applications. You're trying to convince people you really want the job - it's hard to do that if they know you're looking for other jobs as well.
Even though most people assume you aren't only applying for one job at a time, it's best if you act as though you are.
Here is a list of things that you should NOT include in your cover letter: Typos or Factual Errors
You should always spellcheck your cover letter. It's even better to get someone else to read it and point out any mistakes or confusing things. People you can ask include friends, family members, your careers teacher or a careers counsellor at your university or TAFE.
Double-check everything in your cover letter. If you mention a company's name, make sure you get it right. If you mention places you've worked before, make sure you get their names right too. Mistakes on cover letters are worse than typos. Your Entire Resume
Don't cut and paste your resume into your cover letter. Try to re-word the information on your resume rather than just repeating it. Keep your cover letter short and let your resume tell the whole story. Using "I" Too Much
Try to make sure that you don't fill your cover letter with things like "I believe", "I have" and "I am". Once you've written your letter, look over it and see if you can take out - or rewrite - any sentences that start with "I". Don't Mention Your Other Job Applications
You'll probably have more than one job application on the go at any one time. It's important, though, not to mention other job applications. You're trying to convince people you really want the job - it's hard to do that if they know you're looking for other jobs as well.
Even though most people assume you aren't only applying for one job at a time, it's best if you act as though you are.
Cover Letters for When There's No Job Advertised
Sometimes you might want to work for a particular business or organisation even though there haven't been any specific jobs advertised. Contacting these businesses directly to ask if they have any jobs available is a perfectly legitimate thing to do. It can show a high level of motivation and enthusiasm, and could even lead to a job.
Even if there's no job currently available, there's a chance they could keep your details on file and get in touch with you when a job does become available.
This kind of cover letter should be written in the same way as a general cover letter, but with a few differences.
Sometimes you might want to work for a particular business or organisation even though there haven't been any specific jobs advertised. Contacting these businesses directly to ask if they have any jobs available is a perfectly legitimate thing to do. It can show a high level of motivation and enthusiasm, and could even lead to a job.
Even if there's no job currently available, there's a chance they could keep your details on file and get in touch with you when a job does become available.
This kind of cover letter should be written in the same way as a general cover letter, but with a few differences.
You need to:
Show you've researched the organisation or business and know about what
it does Mention why you're interested in working for them (in terms of
what they do and your own long-term goals) Show how your skills,
experience and interest fit in with the goals of the business or
organisation Indicate what you're hoping to get out of contacting them -
do you want to know about positions currently available or to speak to
someone about what it's like to work there? Finish the letter by saying
that you'll contact them in a couple of weeks, but that you're happy to
talk to them if they want to contact you before that
If you haven't heard back in a couple of weeks, it's okay for you to contact them to ask for a response - try emailing them or calling them to discuss your letter directly.
For examples of this kind of cover letter, check out our Cold Calling Cover Letter template. For more information about approaching organisations and businesses directly, check out our Cold Calling - What Is It? page.
If you haven't heard back in a couple of weeks, it's okay for you to contact them to ask for a response - try emailing them or calling them to discuss your letter directly.
For examples of this kind of cover letter, check out our Cold Calling Cover Letter template. For more information about approaching organisations and businesses directly, check out our Cold Calling - What Is It? page.
Email Cover Letters
Sometimes you'll be asked to send your cover letter as an email instead of a separate document. If this is the case you should:
Write your name and the job title in the email subject line (e.g., " Jayani Lal - Application for Administration Assistant role") Remember you still need to use the name of the person you're writing to Avoid formatting the body of the email like a traditional letter - leave out the contact details (yours and theirs) and just go straight to the "Dear XXXX" part. End the email with a professional signature that includes your phone number Always send the email from a professional looking email address
Sometimes you'll be asked to send your cover letter as an email instead of a separate document. If this is the case you should:
Write your name and the job title in the email subject line (e.g., " Jayani Lal - Application for Administration Assistant role") Remember you still need to use the name of the person you're writing to Avoid formatting the body of the email like a traditional letter - leave out the contact details (yours and theirs) and just go straight to the "Dear XXXX" part. End the email with a professional signature that includes your phone number Always send the email from a professional looking email address
What to Do When Only A Cover Letter is Requested
Some organisations may specifically ask you to respond to requirements of the job in a one-page cover letter instead of submitting a resume.
When this happens it's important to link your experience to the job's requirements in your cover letter. When writing this kind of cover letter you should:
Include contact details (yours and theirs), a reference line and a brief introduction to yourself, as advised in "What to Include in Your Cover Letter", above Briefly summarise your experience Use bullet points (one bullet for each requirement of the job) to clearly outline a) each requirement and b) how you meet it (each point should be 2 lines maximum) Conclude by asking them to contact you, as advised in "What to Include in Your Cover Letter", above.
Some organisations may specifically ask you to respond to requirements of the job in a one-page cover letter instead of submitting a resume.
When this happens it's important to link your experience to the job's requirements in your cover letter. When writing this kind of cover letter you should:
Include contact details (yours and theirs), a reference line and a brief introduction to yourself, as advised in "What to Include in Your Cover Letter", above Briefly summarise your experience Use bullet points (one bullet for each requirement of the job) to clearly outline a) each requirement and b) how you meet it (each point should be 2 lines maximum) Conclude by asking them to contact you, as advised in "What to Include in Your Cover Letter", above.
How To Find Jobs Online: 6 Simple Tips
Free Resume Templates Download - Most job vacancies are advertised online. The web is also a good way to
find jobs that aren't very widely advertised, or that aren't advertised
at all.
Here's 6 tips for finding jobs online.
1. Use a job search website2. Create a jobseeker profile
3. Check out company websites
4. Visit recruitment agency websites
5. Use a government jobs website6. Search regularly
We also have advice about what to do if you find a job you want to apply for.
1. Use a Job Search Website
Job search websites are the most popular places online for job vacancies to be advertised. They're easy use - just type in the name of a job or skill and a list of current job vacancies will show up.You can also refine your search results by specifying things like whether you're looking for full-time, part-time or casual work, where you want to work, or what salary you're looking for.
Some professional networking websites also have a job search function, so it's worth widening your search beyond just the obvious big name job search sites.
Tips for Job Searching
Here's a few tips for making the most of your online job searches:Use lots of different sites - Don't limit your searches to one job search site. Some job search sites specialise in different areas. The more sites you use, the more likely it is you'll find a job (for links to some job search sites, check out the links at the bottom of this page).
Use job alerts - Set up some favourite searches to email you any new job vacancies that fit your areas of interest - see the tip below about creating a jobseeker profile for more.
Use a range of search terms - If you find a job you like the look of, check out the words used in that ad, then use those words for another search. You might turn up more of the kind of jobs you're after.
Apply as soon as you can - Most recruiters start shortlisting within a week of advertising a job. The sooner you apply, the better your chances are.
2. Create a Jobseeker Profile
Instead of advertising, sometimes employers look at resumes uploaded to
job search and professional networking sites. Creating a jobseeker
profile and uploading your resume can increase your chances of finding
work.
You can also use your jobseeker profile to set up job alerts that email you about new job vacancies that match your interests.Jobseeker profiles can be created on professional networking sites, or on most of the larger job search websites. It's a good idea to create a profile on more than one site. This increases your chances of being spotted by an employer. It also means you'll get emailed more often about more job vacancies.
For more tips on creating a jobseeker profile, check out our Professional Networking Sites page.
You can also use your jobseeker profile to set up job alerts that email you about new job vacancies that match your interests.Jobseeker profiles can be created on professional networking sites, or on most of the larger job search websites. It's a good idea to create a profile on more than one site. This increases your chances of being spotted by an employer. It also means you'll get emailed more often about more job vacancies.
For more tips on creating a jobseeker profile, check out our Professional Networking Sites page.
3. Check Out Company Websites
If you know a company you'd like to work for, check out their website
to see if they have a job vacancies page. You may even be able to submit
an application directly through their website.
Keeping an eye on company websites could mean that you find out about a job vacancy before it's advertised on other job search sites. Some organisations may only list their job vacancies on their own website.
Keeping an eye on company websites could mean that you find out about a job vacancy before it's advertised on other job search sites. Some organisations may only list their job vacancies on their own website.
4. Visit Recruitment Agency Websites
Recruitment agencies work on behalf employers to find and shortlist job
applicants. Most recruitment agencies have their own websites that list
job vacancies and allow you to set up a jobseeker profile or search for
available jobs.
When you find a job on a job search website, check if it's been placed by the employer or a recruitment agency. If it's been placed by a recruitment agency, note down the name and visit the agency's website to see other jobs they have listed.
Some recruitment agencies specialise in particular kinds of jobs. Knowing which recruiters specialise in areas you're interested in makes it easier to find jobs in that area.
When you find a job on a job search website, check if it's been placed by the employer or a recruitment agency. If it's been placed by a recruitment agency, note down the name and visit the agency's website to see other jobs they have listed.
Some recruitment agencies specialise in particular kinds of jobs. Knowing which recruiters specialise in areas you're interested in makes it easier to find jobs in that area.
5. Use a Government Job Site
The Victorian Government's careers.vic.gov.au (new window) and the
Federal Government's Australian Jobsearch (new window) list government
job vacancies currently available. Australian Jobsearch also lists
non-government jobs. Both sites let you create a jobseeker profile.
Creating a profile on a government jobs website is another good way to find out about work you might not hear about otherwise.
Creating a profile on a government jobs website is another good way to find out about work you might not hear about otherwise.
6. Search Regularly
If you're serious about finding a job, you need to get into the habit of
searching regularly. Set yourself the goal of looking for work at least
once a week, if not more often. The more you look, the more there is to
find.
How to find a Dream Job
Free Resume Templates - How to find a Dream Job
This section has heaps of information, tips and links to help you find a job.
It looks at alternative ways to find jobs by exploring the hidden job market, and looks at ways to build up your experience.
There's also a lot of information about cold-calling, including tips on how to do it and how to psych up to it if you're unsure.
Finally,
there's information about job scams and dodgy job ads, and some helpful
information if you're seeking graduate opportunities, as well as advice
on job-seeking in rural and regional Victoria.
In this section
Best Free Resume Writing Tips - CV - Bio data
Free Resume Templates - Whether you're actively searching for a job or casually browsing, your resume is
the key to connecting you with potential employers. But sometimes
knowing how to present the best version of yourself to a recruiter or
hiring manager can leave you stumped. That’s where we can help you.
Giving you tips with a certified, professional resume writer who specializes in your desired industry free of cost.
Help your resume become keyword-rich and make your resume more relevant in employer searches.
Increase your odds of being seen for the right jobs: Our resumes average 4x more views than a standard user-submitted resume.
Resume writing is Art and Science both. Art to create eye
catching resume and science to include all information and in that. we
give you full professional resume ideas and resume templates.
Your resume is your most important tool when applying for a job.
It doesn't matter how qualified you are, or how much experience you have
- if your resume is poorly presented or badly written, you're going to
have trouble getting the job you want - or even an interview.
Taking the time to work on your resume is really important. The
information on this page offers some tips and advice on how to make your
resume the best it can be.Topics on this page include:
> The Purpose of a Resume
> How Long Your Resume Should Be
> The Order of Information on Your Resume
> Changing Your Resume for Each Application
> What Your Resume Should Include
> What Your Resume Should NOT Include
> Reviewing Your Resume
> Resume Templates
The Purpose of a Resume
- Your resume is a marketing tool. It needs to demonstrate:
- That you are employable
- How you meet the job and the organisation's requirements
- That you have the right qualifications and education
- That you have the right experience and skills
- That you have the right level of professionalism for the job
How Should I Order My Resume?
Generally it's always good to present the information on your resume in this order:
- Contact detailsOpening statementList of key skills
- List of technical/software skillsPersonal attributes/career overview
- Educational qualifications
- Employment history/volunteering/work placements
- References/referees
Not everything in this list must appear on your resume every time, and
the order can change from application to application. For more
information about each of these sections, check out "What Your Resume
Should Include", below.
The most important thing is to get the most useful information across
first. For example, if your education history is not specifically
related to the job, put it toward the end of your resume, behind the
information that is related to the job.
Check out the resume templates on our Sample Resumes and Cover Letters
page for examples of how you might want to order the information on your
resume.
Do I Need to Change My Resume for Each Application?
You need to tailor your resume to every job application so that it
responds to the specific requirements of the job you're applying for.
You might not need to change much, but you do need to make sure your
opening statement, your key skills and your personal attributes all
respond to the needs of the role, based on the job ad (if there was one)
and the research you've done into the job.
You should also tailor your resume to show how your work experience specifically meets the needs of the job you're applying for.
How to Tailor Your Resume
Ways that you can tailor your resume include:
Using your opening statement to link your experience and education to the organisation and the requirements of the job
Listing your most relevant key skills first
Including examples of achievements that meet the advertised requirements of the job
Including specifically relevant key words and phrases throughout your
resume (see "Keywords" in "What Your Resume Should Include", below)
What Your Resume Should Include
There are a number of things that every resume should have on it. Check
out the resume templates on our Sample Resumes and Cover Letters page to
get an idea of what each of these sections should look like.
Contact Details
Make sure you include your name, email address and a contact phone
number on your resume. You don't have to include your home address,
although there might be some situations when doing so would be a good
idea.
Don't include your contact details in the header of your resume.
Recruitment software sometimes has difficulty reading information in
headers or footers, so it's a good idea to avoid headers altogether.
You can put your contact details in the footer of your resume, but if
you do, you must make sure they're also in the main body of the
document.
Opening Statement
An opening statement is a summary of who you are, where you've studied
and/or worked, and what you bring to the job. It should be about six
lines long and written in first person without the personal reference
(i.e., don't say "I did this" - say “Did this" instead).
Your opening statement should start with one sentence about who you are
and what you bring to the job, then describe the skills and attributes
you have that suit you to the job.
For some examples of opening statements, check out our Sample Resumes and Cover Letters page.
Key Skills & Strengths
Your resume should include a list of between 10 and 15 skills that link your experience to the job you're applying for.
If the job you're applying for was advertised, either the ad or the
position description may provide a list of skills and experiences that
are essential for doing the job. It may also provide a list of
"desirable" skills and experience. Your list of key skills &
strengths needs to respond to all of the items on the "essential" list
and as many items as possible on the "desirable" list.
When putting together this list, think of things you've done or learned to do as part of:
- Jobs you've had
- Your studiesAny work placements you've done
- Any volunteering you've done
For examples of the kinds of skills you might list, check out our Sample resumes and Cover Letters page.
Technical/Software Skills
This is a short list of the names of software or technology you know how to use. Examples might include:
- Word processing or spreadsheet software
- Programming languages
- Tools (e.g., cash registers, EFTPOS)
Personal Attributes
If you haven't got much work experience, a list of personal attributes
can be another way to demonstrate that you're the right person for the
job.
Things you could include in this section might include ways you can
demonstrate that you are reliable, honest, trustworthy or quick to learn
new things. Check out our Employability Skills page to see a few of the
things that employers are commonly looking for.
You can include between three to five personal attributes, but make sure you don't include them instead of your key skills.
Educational History
Your Educational History only needs to show your highest level of
education. You don't need to include your results, unless showing them
proves how well
you're suited to the job.
If you can, you should also include a few bullet points listing your
academic achievements (e.g., school or class captaincies, awards you've
won, or groups you've been part of).
Employment History
When providing your employment history, start with the your most recent
job and go backwards from there. Give the position title and the dates
you worked there.
If you haven't had a job before, you can use other things to demonstrate your experience, including:
- Work experience you've done through school
- Work placements or internships that you've done through university or TAFE
- Volunteer work you've done
For
each job provide a list of the things that you achieved while in that
job, and the significant contributions you made to the organisation.
Make sure that these achievements and contributions match the key skills
and strengths listed earlier on your resume.
References/Referees
Your
resume should list two people who can positively recommend you as an
employee. Ideally your references will be people that you have worked
with before. Provide their name, their position title, and a way that
they can be contacted.
Testimonials
A testimonial is another good way to prove that your skill and experience is what the employer is looking for.
Getting
a testimonial can be as easy as asking a colleague, teacher or previous
employer to write a couple of sentences about you. Ideally the people
you get testimonials from should also be included in your references.
You
can include any testimonials you get as part of your educational
history or your employment/volunteering/work placement history.
Usually it's enough to include one or two testimonials in your resume. Any more than two is probably too many.
For examples of testimonials, check out our Sample Resumes and Cover Letters page.
Keywords
A
lot of recruitment agencies use software that scans applications for
key words and phrases. Applications that don't use the right keywords
tend to be automatically rejected.
Key words and phrases that this software looks for can include the names of:
- Skills
- Jobs
- Activities
- Qualifications
- Software
- Tools
To
make sure your resume has the right key words and phrases, check out
the job ad and make a list of the words and phrases it uses. If you
don't have a written job ad to refer to, you can use a job search engine
to find other ads for similar jobs and see what kind of keywords those
ads use.
Once you have a list to work from, start adding those words and phrases to your resume. Good places to add keywords include:
- Your opening statement
- Your list of key skills
- Your educational history
- Your employment history
What NOT to Put On Your Resume
Here
are a few things not to include on your resume. Note that there may be
circumstances when including some of the following information shows
that you're a good fit for the job. If that's the case, including that
information would be a good idea.
Personal Information
You
don't have to provide any personal information on your resume. There's
no benefit to be gained from providing information that could be used to
generalise about you as a potential employee.
Your resume doesn't have to include:
- Your birthdate
- Your gender
- Your address
- Any ailments or disabilities
- Your health status
A
possible exception to this might be when providing this information
would give your application an advantage (e.g., if the employer is
looking for someone young, or a female applicant). In these situations,
consider including such information if you think it would strengthen
your application.
Typos or Factual Errors
Submitting a
resume or cover letter with spelling mistakes will guarantee you don't
get an interview. You should spellcheck your resume before you send it,
but you should also get someone else to read it as well and check for
mistakes you might have missed.
Double-check everything that you
include in your resume. If you mention the company's name, make sure you
get it right. If you mention the name of places you've worked before,
make sure you get that right. Mistakes on resumes are worse than typos.
You should also consider getting your resume looked at by someone professional. Check out "Reviewing Your Resume", below.
Images and Graphics
Don't
include images or photos on your resume. Not only are images disliked
by recruiters and HR professionals, they can also create problems with
recruitment software.
Content in Headers
Many resumes only
feature the applicant's name and contact details in the header of the
document. Some recruitment software is unable to read information in
headers and footers. If you do include information in the header and
footer of your resume, make sure you include it in the body of the
document too.
Fancy Formatting
Stick to easy-to-read fonts
and formats. This makes it easier for recruiters to review your resume.
It also means any recruitment software that reviews your resume can
easily read the information. Good fonts to use include:
- Verdana
- Arial
- Century gothic
- Calibri
Don't
use large headers to break up the sections of your resume. Use a 10- or
11-point font for your main content and a 12- or 14-point maximum for
headers.
Information in Tables
Some resume templates
present information in tables to help with layout, but some recruitment
software is unable to read tables. Your resume should only be formatted
using line breaks and simple formatting (like setting multiple columns
across the page).
PDF Versions of Your Resume
Some
recruitment software can't read pdfs. Unless a job ad specifically says
to provide your resume as a .pdf, you should always only submit your
resume in word format (.doc or .docx).
Reviewing Your Resume
Having
someone else review your resume is extremely important. Make sure you
use someone who will actually tell you if they think something isn’t
right. People you could ask include:
- Co-workers
- Former employers
- Teachers
- Career guidance counsellors
- Your parents or guardians
The Career Development Association of Australia has a list of professional organisations
(new window) that can review your resume for a fee. They have also
developed a resume review checklist that can help you to make sure that
you check over everything on your resume and get it right the first
time.
Resume Templates
For examples of ways to apply all of the above advice when you put
together your resume, check out our Sample Resumes and Cover Letters
page, where you can download some resume templates to use to create your
own resume.
Good luck and happy job hunting!
FREE Resume Templates
FREE Resume Templates
Free Resume Templates will give you a place to start when writing your resume. If you are not sure about how to begin or how to set up each section our free resume templates will help. The free resume creator has many free resume templates to choose from, they are a great starting point because you will be shown how to write each part of your resume.
Our resume help and tips guide will teach you effective writing and optimization techniques. Our resume directory is another helpful resource that you can browse to see what others in your industry are writing. If you use our system you too can can be included in the directory. resume templates.
FREE Resume Templates
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