{"id":26337,"date":"2024-08-19T13:45:36","date_gmt":"2024-08-19T03:45:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/explorecareers.com.au\/?p=26337"},"modified":"2024-08-19T13:49:41","modified_gmt":"2024-08-19T03:49:41","slug":"write-the-perfect-resume","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/explorecareers.com.au\/write-the-perfect-resume\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Guide to Writing the Perfect Resume"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you\u2019re getting ready to dive headfirst into the workforce, there\u2019s one tool that will help you more than any other: a truly stellar <\/span>resume<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Writing a great <\/span>resume<\/span> is an art, but if you familiarise yourself with the formulas, preferred templates and necessary sections, it doesn\u2019t have to be hard. Thus, we\u2019ve dedicated today\u2019s blog post to helping you craft the perfect <\/span>resume<\/span> (and, subsequently, land the job of your dreams)!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Write a Resume<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Trust us, sitting down to write your <\/span>resume<\/span> is one of the hardest parts of the job-hunting process (especially when you haven\u2019t written one before). However, learning a few key rules of thumb before actually getting to it makes the whole thing a lot easier! The following tips are our non-negotiables when it comes to <\/span>writing a resume<\/span>, so you\u2019ll want to take them seriously!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tailor Your Resume to The Job You\u2019re Applying For<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

We know, we know. This tip probably isn\u2019t one you want to hear. However, if you <\/span>really <\/span><\/i>want to land the job you\u2019re applying for, your best bet is to tailor your <\/span>resume<\/span> to the unique job listing. By inserting keywords from the posting into your <\/span>resume<\/span>, you\u2019ll demonstrate your commitment and position yourself as an ideal candidate.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Only Use 1-2 Pages<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

There is absolutely no reason why any <\/span>resume<\/span> should be longer than 1-2 pages (especially when you\u2019re in high school or university). By keeping it short and concise, you\u2019ll keep the hiring manager happy while demonstrating your prioritisation skills and ability to identify what\u2019s important.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In fact, <\/span>the only people who should use three or more pages<\/span><\/a> in their <\/span>resumes<\/span> are senior professionals or academics. For most of you, this should come as a welcome tip. However, if you need to cut down on words, try fixing your formatting, re-editing, or removing unnecessary sections.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Be Honest<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

While it\u2019s always tempting to embellish the truth a little when you\u2019re going for a job that you <\/span>really <\/span><\/i>want, when it comes to <\/span>resumes<\/span>, honesty is always the best policy! Imagine if you\u2019d been hired for a skill that the hiring manager <\/span>thought <\/span><\/i>you had, and when the time came to use it, you had no idea where to start. A bit embarrassing, right?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Instead, if you think your <\/span>resume<\/span> is lacking that <\/span>je ne sais quoi, <\/span><\/i>the best option is to just invest time in actually learning a new skill. That way, both you and your future employer are winning: it\u2019s a true win-win situation!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Choose the Right <\/span>Resume Format<\/span> For You<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

However, if you haven\u2019t quite managed to lock down any work experience just yet, it might be best to use a functional <\/span>resume format<\/span> where your skills and education are listed first. Basically, the <\/span>resume format<\/span> you use depends on where you are in your career journey.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Nail Your <\/span>Resume<\/span> Sections<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Once you have those top tips under your belt, it\u2019s time to start writing! There are four main sections in any <\/span>resume<\/span>; a personal summary, a list of work experience, a list of volunteer experience and an education section. Knowing how to write each of these well is key for constructing a successful <\/span>resume<\/span>!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Personal Summary<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

The personal summary is widely regarded as the trickiest <\/span>resume section<\/span> to write. Supplying this statement can feel similar to being asked to introduce yourself at the start of the school year and having all coherent thoughts escape you. However, if you stick to a formula, it really isn\u2019t that tough.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The purpose of a personal summary<\/span><\/a> is to grab the hiring manager’s attention and explain why you\u2019re the perfect candidate in three sentences or less. Try to integrate keywords from the job listing and start with a great hook to capture attention!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Personal Summary Example:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I am a proactive individual with one year of experience in the customer service industry and a proven record of hitting sales targets. Through my professional and personal endeavours, I have gained strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills that have proved extremely valuable in the workplace. I aim to progress in my career by undertaking a full-time role in the service industry where my abilities can be fully utilised.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Work Experience<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you have work experience to list, it should definitely be placed above everything else (besides your personal summary, of course). While some <\/span>resume templates<\/span> encourage you to simply list your job title and where you worked, it\u2019s much better to be descriptive and explain your responsibilities. That way, your new workplace will know exactly what you\u2019re capable of and how it relates to the job listing that you\u2019re applying for.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For those of you with more than one work experience listing, you\u2019ll want to remember that reverse chronological <\/span>resume format<\/span> we talked about before! Trust us, it makes a world of difference!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Work Experience Example<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Coffee Room Caf\u00e9 | Melbourne, VIC<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Barista\/ Coffee Specialist<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

JAN 2023- MAR 2024<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Reverse chronological order<\/span><\/a> is generally regarded as the preferred <\/span>resume format<\/span> in this day and age. This type of format doesn\u2019t just showcase your professional and academic experience, but it also lists your most recent (and thus, most impressive) role first. That way, you\u2019ll be impressing hiring managers from the get-go!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n