Resumé Techniques
You have your career path mapped out before you and you know the steps you need to take in order to get there.
However, have you really prepared yourself and your Resumé for what lies ahead? Here are some helpful hints to assist you in your preparation for the recruitment process.
Research
Speak to any person involved with recruitment and they will tell you about the huge number of resumés they receive that have no correlation with the role advertised. Before applying for any role, take a step back and review how well your skills, experience, training and interests suit that particular role. Conduct your own research into the Company and ascertain whether they are an employer of interest to you.
Preparing your Resumé
Regardless of how good your Resumé actually is, it will never land you a job all by itself. The purpose of a Resumé is to attract attention and secure yourself an interview, by providing information regarding your qualifications, skills, experience and accomplishments. By carefully reading and interpreting the key points in a job advertisement, you will be able to highlight the areas in your background that matches those your potential employer is looking for. Some quick tips are:
- Make sure you include basic information like your name and all your contact details. You will be amazed at how many applicants urge to be contacted, but don't include the necessary details! Make sure that your email address appears professional. partygirl@hotmail.com is fun, but definitely not appropriate.
- List all your education, both secondary and tertiary and additional qualifications and training
- Include a brief paragraph (3-4 lines would be suffice) outlining your 'Career Objective' or a 'Summary' outlining your history and experience'
- Never leave gaps in your Resumé. If you have taken a year off to travel for example, make sure that this is included. Gaps worry potential employers, as does just listing '2005-2007' as employment dates, as opposed to including the months
- Don't crowd the pages on your Resumé. Keep the information relevant, and don't put too much information on one page. Definitely do not include graphics, flowers or anything that might distract from the content. DON'T FORGET that this is a business document.
- Include at least two references, preferably your most recent employers. If you are a graduate or have no work history, include references such as tutors etc.
- DON'T FORGET to spell check and proof read your Resumé. A prospective employer will not be impressed if there are mistakes. If you cannot take the time to perfect your Resumé, then how will this reflect on your possible performance within the workplace?
- In most instances, it is preferable that your Resumé is sent in electronic form. Always send as an attachment and in a format such MS Word. Nothing is more frustrating than receiving a Resumé you cannot read!
- Don't send attachment such as certificates or qualifications unless otherwise specified. These are best left until interview.
Preparing your cover letter
The purpose of a covering letter is to act as an introduction and to inspire the reader to open the Resumé itself and read more. It is a selling tool, a time in which to advertise your uniqueness - the qualities that set you apart from all the other applicants. Some quick tips are:
- Keep it concise
- Make sure it is addressed correctly
- Briefly identify your skills and experience to match the keywords or elements in the role. For example words like 'hands-on' 'teamwork' and 'driven' are key words
- As with your Resumé, spell check and proof reading are vital. Read the letter, and make sure it makes sense. Then ask a friend to do the same thing.