Here are some simple tips on how to format your resume, and what information employers need to know. If you follow these simple guidelines, your resume will be more appealing to employers.

Appearance of your resume

Wording

While we want to know as much information as we can about you, try to keep your resume straight to the point, short and succinct.  A general guideline is to keep your resume 1-3 pages.

Presentation

Your resume doesn’t have to be ‘fancy’ with pictures, colours and boarders, just as long as it is easy to read and understand. If you are capable of creating a well-designed resume, that is more than ok, just remember to keep it simple.

Spelling and grammar

Spelling and grammar IS important! Having a well worded and error free resume demonstrates your determination to gain employment. Have a friend, colleague or family member proof read it for you.

Font

Use a simple, easy to read font. Arial and Calibri are great examples of a good font to use. Font size should be 11 or 12 point. Using a size any larger or smaller can be difficult to read and often looks unprofessional. Always use black font, as any other colour can be difficult to read.

Headings/ sections to include in your resume

Make sure that each heading/ section of your resume is either bolded, or underlined to make it stand out. This will make it a lot easier for recruiters to read and understand.

  • Name and CONTACT DETAILS

You should provide a phone number and email address. Listing where you live is also important. You don’t have to put your full address, but at least provide what suburb you live in, and if you are willing to relocate.

  • Objective/ opening statement

This sentence is a summary of who you are, what industry you are experienced in and what type of work you are seeking.

  • Tickets/ certificates/ licences

In this section list all of your current tickets, licences and certificates. It is best to use dot points, and to include the expiry date, or the date obtained for each qualification. It is advised not to list tickets that have expired, or are no longer current.

  • Skills

In this section use dot points to summarise your skills. More than often recruiters are looking for a specific skill and/or qualification for example; using hand power tools. Remember to be honest in this section and not to exaggerate!

  • Education

In this section, you can include what level of schooling your completed, along with any TAFE or short courses you have done. If you did not complete a course, or if you are still currently studying, please state this.

  • Employment History

When listing your work history ensure that you put your most recent employment first, and all other employment below in ascending order. In this section, for each employment you should list:

-Name of company that you worked for

-Your title/ role at the company

-Dates of employment (and if you are still currently employed)

-Duties/ responsibilities in the role

  • References

Please ensure that the references you have listed are current, and are aware that you have put them down as a reference. We recommend listing two references. Please list their name, title and company and provide a contact phone number.

 

  • Optional additional information to add

-Hobbies; this gives you the opportunity to express your personality

-Personal attributes: this section can demonstrate your work ethic and personality. Particularly for job seekers who don’t have much experience.

 

Most importantly, you must remember to be honest in your resume, and to keep your resume current!