Writing and updating your resume can be a tedious task that we are all guilty of putting off from time to time. There are so many questions that run through our heads – one page or two? Is this skill relevant to this position? Is it eye catching?
At Campbell Page we are dedicated to transforming people’s lives through securing long-term employment, that’s why we have compiled the following Top 6 Resume Tips and Tricks.
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List your experience from most recent to least recent
There are hundreds of ways you can layout your resume, but the most popular is reverse chronological as it demonstrates clearly what position/industry/training you have come from.It makes it clear to your potential employer why you want the position and what skills you already have.
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Short and Sweet
If you want your skills, work experiences and achievements to shine, keep your resume to two pages. It keeps the information clear and concise, which is what an employer wants from a resume when shortlisting candidates. You need to catch the employers eye within the frst minute of picking up your resume.
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Keep your work experience recent and relevant
You should only include the last 10-15 years of work experience on your resume, and only include the experiences that are relevant to the position you are applying for now. If your have limited or no work experience that is relevant to the position do not stress. Skills that are transferable such as organisational skills, customer services skills, computer skills and communication skills can be the main focus of your resume.
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Use keywords
When you read the job description what were the keywords used? Those words can be the difference between getting an interview and not getting a interview. Make sure you take notice of what words are being used multiple times to describe the ideal candidate or the position responsibilities. This is important as some companies now use processers that scan attachments for key words they are advertising for.
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Keep your contact details visible
You no longer necessarily need to provide an address in your contact details, however you should have a personal email (not your work email) and a phone number that you are always contactable on. These details should be at the very top of your resume, so your potential employer can contact you with ease if your have been shortlisted. Your personal email should be professional, for example john.smith01@gmail.com.
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Style it like a professional
A resume with a lot of graphics and colours can be distracting from the content. White space on your resume will make the document easier to read and increase your chances of being put into the “YES” pile on the employer’s desk.
Remember, your resume is a tool to get you an interview. The interview is where you will go into more detail about your previous experiences and achievements in the workplace.
Looking for more tips and tricks about applying for jobs and interviewing? Click here to view our Job Seeker Resource Kit.
Campbell Page is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to making a difference in our communities. If you would like to find out more about what we do, please visit the About Us page on our website or contact us directly.
Words by: Tiarne Pattison
