MACS Resume Writing
The Resume
When compiling your resume and letters you have one objective only - "to get an interview". It is very difficult to "sell" yourself on paper so here are some hints and tips to help you with the process.
What should a resume be?
The resume is a personal marketing tool presenting your qualifications, skills and attributes to the employer in a way that demonstrates your suitability for the job. As well as providing an insight into your previous qualifications and experience, it should show the employer the skills and qualities you have that will match the role being applied for.
Your resume must be:
- accurate, interesting and up-to-date
- presentable so that it makes the best impression possible.
- relevant - targeted to the needs of each particular position.
Your resume should be reviewed and, if necessary, revised regularly as your skills and experience are evolving all the time and you need to make the most of these.
To compile your resume you need to bring together:
- details of your qualifications - dates, majors and grades,
- details of the job itself - job description;
- details of the qualifications and skills required - person specification;
- evidence from your personal profile that matches the employers' criteria.
This information will help you to prioritize the detail that should be included in your resume.
Style and layout
The resume must be accurate, brief and clear. The layout and style should be neat and consistent with separate sections of the resume for particular topics. Aim to convey your skills and achievements positively. Always write in the third person, do not use the word "I". Use active power words to describe and maximize your achievements. Bullet points are used to present your main selling points concisely.
Format and content
For most students, a two/three page document is the most appropriate; employers will not read through many pages!
The most popular form of resume is the reverse chronological format, so that the emphasis is upon the most relevant information, your degree! All résumé’s should include the following information:
Personal data: Your name; term address (with dates when there) and telephone number, home address (with dates when there) and telephone number, mobile, e-mail. Please ensure the telephone numbers given have access to a message bank.
Only worry about stipulating gender when your first name does not indicate this. Nationality is only relevant when it indicates clarifying your work permit status might be a good idea. Date of birth is less necessary, as is marital status.
Career objective or personal profile. This is optional and short, but usually interesting and often helpful overall. It should tell something of what you are aiming for at this stage and what skills you have to offer in relation to your objective. Stating your career objective at the outset makes your job aspirations clear and may encourage the employer to read further.
Education: State clearly, starting from tertiary, this is important, when the job applied for is discipline-specific. Profile your course - its length, content and your performance. Grades are important but also projects. If you've spent time studying abroad, include the name of the university and the content of your studies.
Work experience: Include all relevant jobs whether casual, vacation work, voluntary or unpaid work. List your duties and skills or achievements you have gained, using active words. Use specific headings e.g. professional work experience, voluntary work experience or general work| experience.
Interests: Speak of these in an affirmative and confident way, by outlining your involvement and| the extent of your interest.
Referees: Usually two/three are given, one or two work related and one academic. Give their phone number and e-mail address along with their title. Always ask their permission first and remember to keep them informed when applying for positions.
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