Preparing a resume can be a daunting task so it’s very important that you put some time and thought into it. Remember you need to make your resume stand out. Sell yourself and establish yourself as a professional.
Often the reader will have hundreds of resumes to read though. If you don’t catch the reader’s attention within 10 seconds, you may be overlooked!
A resume needs to be easy to read, concise, with NO spelling mistakes! The content needs to be relevant and to the point.
Try to keep your resume to a maximum of three pages in length.
Below is a guide on how to layout your resume:
Personal Details – contact details
Qualifications (start with your most recent)
Employment History (starting with your most recent job and working backwards) Keep it relevant and current. Make reference to any gaps in employment eg. Overseas travel.
- Company Name
- Job Title
- Dates of employment (include Month and Year)
- Key Responsibilities of each position
Achievements – List any key achievements or sales figures relevant to each role underneath that specific job. Really think about what you have achieved in each job and what you have brought to each company specifically. This is your chance to really sell yourself. You want the reader to finish reading your resume and think “I must have this employee working for me!”
Example:
Rainbow Travel Feb 09- Oct 13
Travel Consultant
- Quote, book and ticket both international and domestic airfares on Galileo CRS
- Arrange accommodation, transfers & tours for independent travellers
Achievements – Achieved Sales person of the year 2012
Personal Interests/Hobbies- keep it short, these can help emphasise qualities you have which may be relevant to the job you are applying for.
Referees- You do not have to disclose these on your resume but have them ready at an interview. Always ask your referee’s permission before providing their contact details.
When constructing your resume consider the role you are applying for and note any of the key selection criteria. Highlight where you may have used some of these skills in your previous positions.
Make sure you proof read your final draft and have someone else look over it as well. If you are having trouble with your resume there are many professional services that can assist you to put together a professional resume.
Your resume is a representation of you and it needs to stand out to secure that all important job interview – then you can sell yourself in person and land that perfect job!