Career resources
Resume tips
A resume is primarily a tool to market yourself. It provides a summary of your skills, achievements, employment history and personal interests. There is no right or wrong way of developing a resume, however the following information should be included.
Career objective
- A brief statement that enables us to quickly understand what you are looking for in your next role
Contact information
- Full name
- Postal address
- Contact phone number (preferably one where we can leave a message)
- Email address
Employment history
- List your most recent role first
- Position title
- Start and end dates
- Focus on specific achievements rather than duties and responsibilities
- Quantify your achievements where possible by using numbers, dollars and percentages
- Match your skills and experience to the requirements of the position
Education
- Qualifications (list most recent qualifications first)
- Institutions
- Month/Year of attendance
Skills
- List technical skills. For example, computer skills, licences, foreign languages etc.
Professional memberships
- Organisation
- Affiliation role
- Length of membership
Additional information
- Include additional information if it adds to your skills, knowledge, competencies and achievements. For example, awards, community or sporting interests.
Important points:
- Be concise;
- Resumes should be no more than five pages;
- Layout and design should be clear, easy to read and consistent;
- Use bullet points to allow people to quickly note your achievements;
- Proof read your resume. Ensure that there are no spelling or grammatical errors and that the format is consistent; and
- Customise and adapt your resume to each position that you apply for as this will allow you to address specific selection criteria.
