A resume is a brief account of employment history, work experience, education and further training, skills, interests, and personal qualities.
It is also a marketing tool and should create a desire for the employer to speak with you.
What is the Purpose of a Resume?
1. Communication Document
Your resume should communicate effectively your work-related skills and abilities to a prospective employer.
Your resume can be used as a guide for interviews. So, if it’s well organised, you can keep them on the main road and focus on strengths and weaknesses.
4. Post Interview Comparison Document
When a team meets later to make their decision, it could be the basis for comparing you with others.
Things to include are your:
Personal Details
• Name
• Address
• Contact phone numbers
• Contact fax number (if applicable)
• Email address (if applicable)
• Licences and transport
• Date of birth (optional)
Career Objective (optional but strongly advisable)
• If putting in a career objective make sure that it is specific to the job you are applying for. If you are applying for
a variety of different jobs either in the same field or different fields then create a new Career Objective for each job reusing previous ones where applicable.
Skills & Personal Attributes
• This is the first thing a reader will spot. This is where the resume is sold!
• Summarise all your skills and attributes (making them focused to the work
you are applying for)
• This is where you list the benefits you have to offer the employer
Employment History
• Time spent in previous roles
• Title
• Company Name
• Duties and responsibilities of job
Education & Further Training
• Certificates and qualifications
• Detail year completed
• Institution
• Certificate/Qualification/Course title
Hobbies
• List at least 3 hobbies showing both team orientated hobbies & individual
References
• Name
• Position
• Company
• Contact details (phone numbers, address, email)
• If it is a personal reference then indicate this
Other information you should include if it is relevant to the position/industry you
are seeking:
• Membership of professional organisations
• Community activities and other interests (hobbies)
• Knowledge of other languages
References
• “Don't burn your Bridges”
It is very important to leave on amicable terms when you change jobs, because what your last boss says about you will determine whether you get your next job.
• Written References
Make sure the person writing the letter tells the positive things about you:
-How long have they known you
-What kind of person you are
-Your honesty and that you are trustworthy
-What kind of worker you are; and
-What you like to do
• Verbal References
These are vital to you obtaining your next job, so you will need to brief your referees on the type of job you are applying for and make sure you only give out their details when absolutely necessary.
