Resume Tips

Career Tips and Advice1. What is a resume?

A resume is a document used to market you! It is used to display to others your skills and experience in the workforce. An employer will use it to calculate how you may perform in a future job.

2. Should I include my career objectives?

It is important to include your career objectives. This allows people viewing your resume to quickly know your career aspirations and long-term intentions. A short paragraph at the beginning of your resume will usually suffice.

3. Don't overdo the design of the resume

Unnecessary formatting, borders, pictures and complex style sheets can detract from the content of your resume. Employers are simply interested in learning about your skills and experience, not your ability to play with all the graphics functions of Microsoft Word (unless that is a requirement for the job).

4. How far back should my work history cover?

Your work history should cover a maximum of 10 to 15 years, unless your best work was before this period. Ensure you include a detailed description of your main achievements for each employer.

5. What if you don't have any experience in the kind of work you want to do?

Aim to gain some experience in your field of interest, even if it is volunteer work. Always remember to include volunteer work as it will show you have some experience in your chosen field.

6. What should I do if I have gaps in my work experience?

List anything of importance during the gap and include a description of this. This may include being a full-time student or parent.

7. What if I have only worked for one employer for 20+ years?

If you have worked for only one company, list the changes in the roles you have worked in and detail any promotions you have received. Demonstrate how you have grown your skills and experience and outline your progression through the company.

8. What if my work history is split-up, with many of short-term jobs?

Try to combine similar positions even if you worked at different companies.

For example: Receptionist 1999-2002: Bob's call centre, SJMBTKH CO.

9. What should I do if I have only been a student?

Try and avoid including the dates of holiday work and simply state the holiday.

For example: Summer 2002: Bob's Call Centre.

10. What if my degree is from a different country?

Be sure to add some relevance to Australia after listing the degree: eg "my degree is equivalent to an Australian Bachelor's Degree".

11. What should I do if I don't have my degree or credentials yet?

Simply state what you are eligible for or what you are currently studying.

12. Should hobbies or interests be included in my resume?

Yes, especially if they are related to your job objective. Your hobbies and interests shows your employer that you have a life outside work and demonstrates you maintain a healthy work/life balance.

13. How can I impress an employer?

Add "PAR" statements to your resume. A PAR statement is a statement showing a Problem - the Action you took - and the Results you achieved.

For example: "Increased productivity in an inefficient warehouse by implementing a new initiative which resulted in the company earning an additional $50,000 per year."

14. What should I do if I have only worked for myself?

Include work you have done yourself. Be sure to include a job title for this work and a brief description of the tasks completed.