How to write a resume

Crafting a Resume That Works

In today's competitive job market, your resume is your first chance to make a lasting impression on potential employers. A well-crafted resume can open doors to opportunities and set you apart from others. But what makes a resume truly effective? This guide, and your BEST Employment Advisor, will walk you through the essential steps to create a resume that not only highlights your qualifications but also demonstrates your potential to prospective employers.

The Role of a Resume in the Job Application Process

Before we jump into the specifics of writing a resume, it's crucial to understand its role in the job application process. A resume is more than just a list of your work history; it's a marketing tool that showcases your skills, accomplishments, and potential value to an employer. It's your opportunity to present yourself as the ideal candidate for the job, so understanding what employers look for is key.

When you begin thinking about updating your resume, have a chat with your BEST Advisor. They work with employers every day, and so are the ideal person to ask about what qualities employers are looking for in their staff. With this in mind, you can develop a resume that stands out from the crowd.

Structuring Your Resume

Contact Information

Begin your resume with your contact information. Ensure that your name, phone number, and email address, are easily identified. Make sure that your email address is simple, easily understood, and not silly or juvenile. Double-check these details for accuracy, as potential employers will use them to reach out to you.

Resume Summary or Objective

Your resume summary or objective acts as an introduction. For those new to the workforce or with limited experience, an objective can outline your career goals and how they align with the prospective job. This is not the space to tell a prospective employer that you want their job in 5 years, but you can talk about your passion for their industry and your willingness to learn and grow your career prospects.

Work Experience

The work experience section is the core of your resume. Start with your most recent position and work backwards. Include company names, job titles, and employment dates. Use bullet points to list responsibilities and achievements, and incorporate action verbs such as "achieved", "implemented", and "managed" to convey impact and results.

If your work experience is limited, or not directly relevant to the current role, you can include unpaid experience here as well. Perhaps you volunteered on the local Touch Football committee or school canteen. All work experience is valid, just remember to relate it to the job you are applying for.

Education

List your educational background from the most recent to the oldest. Include any special achievements that may be relevant to the current role, especially if they are relatively recent. For example, if you have just finished Year 12, and received a 1st for Industrial Technology, include that if you are light on experience and are looking for an entry level Tool Maker role or similar.

Skills

Highlight skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for. This could include technical skills, languages spoken, or soft skills like teamwork and leadership. Don't forget to include any short courses as well, such as getting your chainsaw ticket, or white card. Make sure these skills are true to your experience and align with the job description.

Additional Sections

Depending on your career, you may want to add additional sections such as certifications, awards, volunteer work, or publications. These can further demonstrate your qualifications, dedication to your field, and also provide a prospective employer with an insight to who you are as a person.

Tailoring Your Resume to Specific Job Applications

Customising your resume for each job application can significantly increase your chances of success. Your BEST Employment Advisor can help you to carefully read the job description and align your experience and skills with the employer's requirements. Using keywords from the job posting in your resume will also help your resume stand out.

Formatting and Organising Your Resume

A clean, professional layout is essential. Use headings and bullet points to organise information clearly. Aim for a length of 1–2 pages, depending on your level of experience. Choose a simple, readable font, such as Arial or Calibri, and ensure there is ample white space to make your resume easy to read.

Using Action Verbs and Quantifiable Achievements

Action verbs can enhance the impact of your resume by showcasing your responsibilities and achievements clearly. Consider using verbs like "innovated", "coordinated", and "analysed" to convey your contributions. Where possible, quantify your achievements with numbers or percentages to provide context and demonstrate success. For example, "improved sales by 20% through strategic initiatives".

Proofreading and Using Templates Wisely

Your resume must be free of spelling and grammatical errors. Carefully proofread your document or ask your BEST Employment Advisor to review it. Additionally, while resume templates can provide a useful starting point, ensure that you personalise the design to suit your style and the industry you're targeting. Don't forget to remove any content from the template that does not relate to you.

Be Careful If Using AI to Write Your Resume

AI crafted resumes are growing in frequency, and it's easy to see why. In just a few minutes you can go from having nothing, to having a complete resume, tailored to a particular role. But there are many pitfalls, and recruiters and employers alike are on the lookout. A resume that has obviously been created by AI and submitted is unlikely to get an interview, with employers likely to think that the applicant either doesn't have the skills for the role or was too lazy to put in the effort - not the ideal first impression.

You can use AI to help write your resume, as long as you:

1. Use AI as a tool to create the first draft only. Sometimes it can be difficult to get started, and AI can be a fantastic help. The right tool will provide headings, bullet points and structure so you don't forget anything.
2. Remember that AI stands for Artificial Intelligence, with a heavy lean towards artificial. In developing your resume AI will mine the internet for similar content, mash it all together, and spit it out onto the page for you. It is not guaranteed that it will make sense, use the correct tone of voice, or even the correct spelling.
3. Never use quotes, testimonials, website addresses, email addresses, or phone numbers generated from AI without double checking that they are accurate. AI will create most of this content, and if your prospective employer attempts to fact check, you will be back to the bottom of the pile of candidates.
4. Personalise the created content. Your resume is your story, so you should know it like the back of your hand. By reviewing the information and changing the tone, word usage and elements, you put your stamp on it. It also means that you know the information you've provided, so if an employer asks a question about your resume, you can provide further details.
5. Ensure that the quality of your resume is still up to scratch. Don't rely solely on AI to write your resume - use it as a tool, but also put in the effort to tailor and personalise it for each job application. Your BEST Employment Advisor can help you with this process.

Remember, your resume is a reflection of yourself and your professional abilities. Take the time to carefully craft and tailor it for each job application, using keywords from the job posting, action verbs, and quantifiable achievements. And while AI can be a helpful tool in creating the first draft, always review and personalize its content to ensure it accurately represents you. With these tips in mind, you will create a resume that effectively showcases your strengths and potential.