Your resumé is your chance to impress.
A winning resumé follows a very simple but effective outline. It should be clear and highlight you, your strengths, current work place and work place achievements.
Your resumé may be the document that helps you to progress your career within your current organisation or it may be required to introduce you to a new organisation and career path.
Ultimately it becomes the document that sells you, so it is very important that your résumé is a winning résumé!
A good resumé should have:
- 3 to 4 key strengths on the front sheet
- Tangible career achievements (supported by ‘situation, action and results’ at the interview)
- Your current or most recent role appearing on the first page
- Simple, clear and up to date
- No more than 4 pages
Page 1
Should include all of your most important information and key strengths. Page 1 should be a summary and clear snap shot that helps a recruiter or employer to make their decision about you.
Template – Page 1:
- Name
- Address / Telephone Number / Email
- (There is no need for any more personal information)
- Professional Qualifications – Education – School / University
- Key Strengths or Career Overview
- IT Systems
- Interests / Hobbies – can appear on first or last page
Page 2 and beyond
Template – Page 2, 3 and possibly 4
- Dates and Company Name – starting with most recent
- Job Title – these should reflect the market
- Description of Company – If it’s not obvious, include a very brief description of who they are and what they do e.g. Manufactures tables and chair and has a turnover of $50m pa
- Job Responsibilities
- Key Achievements – Make sure you can back up your achievements and make them tangible
- Referees on request
Resume FAQs
How long should my resumé be?
Depending on the length of your career it should be between 2 and 4 pages. This includes 3 – 4 key strengths on the front sheet, backed up by tangible achievements.
Is there a particular look for current resumés?
It is important to choose a font style that is easy to read. Calibri or Arial are good choices. Try to avoid using Times New Roman. Ensure as much white space as possible so your résumé is easy to read. Highlight company names and clearly label the years or timeframes you have worked. Make it easy to digest, don’t ask people to read between the lines.
Responsibilities vs Achievements
A good resumé needs both, but should be heavily weighted to tangible achievements, as this showcases your own specific skills and abilities. Examples include ‘Reduced reporting time from 5 to 2 days’ or ‘Undertook specific initiative which saved company $2m’.
Should I prepare a one page summary?
A one page summary can be an extremely valuable tool for informal situations and networking. Your one page summary should detail your achievements, your strengths and most importantly what you are looking for in your next role.
Cultural Fit
Cultural fit is vital. Nothing replaces meeting your contacts and networks face to face. Your network should include 2 – 3 recruiters with whom you feel an empathy. Keep in touch with them through your career. They are an important part of your network.
As your career develops, technical skills become a given. It is the cultural fit with the organisation and its values which becomes the key deciding factor in getting the job – which is right for the company and right for you.
Steps to find and win the right role
Identify the types of roles and organisations that interest you. Be frank with yourself and consider your own strengths and weaknesses. Play to your strengths and undertake specific training to address any important gaps. Prepare a career plan and remember – Stay positive and enthusiastic!
Key points to remember:
- Concentrate on the last 10 years. Keep earlier experience brief.
- Triple check your spelling, employment dates and grammar. READ and RE-READ!
- Focus on positives. For example, if you are not qualified, go straight to your experience and put your education on the last page.
- Be honest. Tell it as it is.
- Keep it relevant. Make your particular strengths/experience stand out, particularly in relation to the job you are applying for.
- Be ready to articulate your strengths. What are you good at? What are your career goals?
- Ask a friend or family member to check your resumé and give you honest feedback.
- During the application process, apply then ring to follow up.
A good recruitment firm will help you understand what companies look for, prepare you well for the interview, present your resumé positively and give you honest, constructive feedback.
At Moir Group we genuinely care about helping you find the right career move. Search our jobs or contact us to speak to our friendly Moir staff member for assistance.