How To Write a Resume

1) Understand Australian Resume Format

  • In Australia, resumes are typically shorter than CVs and are usually no more than two pages long.
  • Include sections such as personal details, career summary or objective, work experience, education, skills, and referees.


2) Personal Details

  • Include your full name, professional title (if applicable), contact information (phone number and email address), and location (city and state).


3) Career Summary or Objective:

  • Write a brief summary or objective statement that highlights your key skills, experiences, and career goals.
  • Tailor this section to match the specific job you're applying for and emphasise what you can bring to the role.


4) Work Experience:

  • List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job.
  • Include the name of the company, your job title, dates of employment (month and year), and location.
  • Provide concise descriptions of your responsibilities, achievements, and contributions in each role.
  • Quantify your achievements using numbers, percentages, or dollar amounts where possible.


5) Education:

  • Include details of your educational background, including the name of the institution, degree or qualification obtained, and dates of study.
  • You can also include any relevant certifications or professional development courses.


6) Skills:

  • Highlight both technical (hard) skills and interpersonal (soft) skills relevant to the job you're applying for.
  • Tailor this section to match the requirements listed in the job description.
  • Use bullet points to make your skills stand out and provide examples of how you've used them in previous roles.


7) Referees:

  • Optionally, include the names and contact details of professional referees who can vouch for your work ethic and abilities.
  • Choose referees who are familiar with your recent work and can provide a positive recommendation if contacted by potential employers.
  • You can also state that referees are available upon request.


Additional Tips:

  • Customise for Each Job Application: Tailor your resume for each job application by emphasising the most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the job requirements.
  • Use Action Verbs: Start each bullet point in your work experience section with a strong action verb to convey your accomplishments effectively.
  • Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, quantify your achievements using specific metrics or data to demonstrate the impact of your work.
  • Proofread Carefully: Proofread your resume carefully for spelling and grammatical errors. Consider asking a friend or family member to review your resume for additional feedback.
  • Use Australian Spelling and Language: Use Australian English spelling and language conventions throughout your resume to align with local norms.
  • Include Keywords Strategically: Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description into your resume to optimise it for applicant tracking systems (ATS).
  • Keep it Concise: Keep your resume concise and focused on the most relevant information. Avoid including unnecessary details or irrelevant experiences that detract from your qualifications for the job.
  • Update Regularly: Keep your resume updated with your most recent work experience, skills, and achievements. Set aside time periodically to review and revise your resume to reflect any new qualifications or accomplishments.
  • By following these guidelines and tailoring your resume to the Australian job market, you can create a strong and effective resume that showcases your qualifications and experiences to potential employers.
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