HOW TO GET THAT JOB!

Resume Hints

The Curriculum Vitae or Resume - a "marketing" document.

You don't write a resume to get a job - you write it to get an interview.

Overview - A resume is a "marketing statement" presenting your qualifications, background and work strengths in a logical, practical and positive manner. A well presented resume should be easy to read and designed to convince the reader of your claims for further consideration. A resume provides the structure for a successful job interview at a later date.

"The bridge to employment can be achieved through the use of a well constructed resume"

There are a number of different ways to construct a resume and varying opinions can be provided. The following is a version by David Sladden & Associates but you are the important factor - you must feel confident with your resume.

General points to remember:

• It is a statement of fact - not to be disputed
• Does not contain the words "I" or "he/she" or "Mr/Ms.."
• As it is usually general and not specific, it can be used for a variety of positions
• It should be easy to read and designed to convince the reader of your claims for an interview
• Don't crowd it - use white space effectively
• Avoid putting in "objective" or "strengths". Most objectives are general in nature and not read or, if specific, may conflict with the position applying for

Your strengths are more appropriately left for your letter which is the "selling" document. A skilled interviewer may have doubts if, at interview, you highlight other strengths not in the resume or even not mentioned. An "objective" can be included for school leavers, graduates and persons making a significant career change if the resume is being sent to specific employers for a specific role and a promotional letter is sent with the resume.

• Spacing, clearly defined headings, neat presentation, good grammar and perfect spelling are all very important. Use A4 paper and one side only
• Avoid gimmicks, photographs (unless called for or occupational specific) and cartoon characters - they rarely influence anybody
• Do not write a book - a resume is a concise factual document - a summary of your personal profile, education and training along with a career profile

We believe candidates should be open and honest in their resume. Accordingly, the following guidelines allow you to represent your particulars in an open format.

1. PERSONAL PROFILE

(Sample)

2. EDUCATION & TRAINING

1. Secondary - should detail year completed eg 1986, name of school, level reached, achievements
2. Trade - should detail employer, training instruction, years of apprenticeship eg 1987 - 1990, qualification received (& awards), post trade studies
3. Tertiary - should detail years studies eg 1987 - 1989, qualifications received, awards/prizes for achievement, post graduate studies
4. Development Training - only list relevant courses, course title, conducted by, year & duration of training course

3. CAREER PROFILE

This is where most people go astray - too little or too much information is provided. Start with your current or most recent position and work backwards. Detail is required with recent history (say past 8 years) but the information provided reduces as we go back into the past - it is less relevant to today's needs.

Follow the following headings and you will not go astray and repeat for each employer:

Employer: XYZ Publishing Pty Ltd

Duration: February 1990 - current

Position: . Assistant Accountant

Duties: Use bullet points to describe the role and start each phrase with a key descriptive word eg prepared, calculated, administered. It is only necessary to describe your duties on the most recent or most senior role held with any one employer unless that role significantly changed.

Achievements - It is important to highlight your significant achievements but remember, they are reference checkable, must be your achievements and significant - remember, a job done well is not necessarily an achievement because it is expected of you and you are paid to do it. An achievement can be where acknowledgement, promotion or reward is given. Your achievements will never be a longer list than your duties.

Repeat this process for each employer. In the event of numerous early employers, a summary or grouping of employment history can be provided. It is important to account for your time in the workplace.

IN SUMMARY: We are taught throughout our lives that it is wrong to "boast" - it is easier to think we are not talented or to be reticent about the special skills and talents we all possess. Modesty wins no points when a potential job is on the line - it will not pay the bills. Be positive - talk your resume over with a trusted friend or relative. The recipient of your resume will most likely be looking for evidence of a progressive career. If a person has accepted increased responsibility with each position or change, a favourable impression can be readily made. Do not exaggerate - statements must able to be confirmed.

REMEMBER - IT IS NOT A LIFE HISTORY BUT A CAREER SUMMARY

DAVID SLADDEN CONSULTING - ABN:  84 737845 845

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