What makes a good resume?

Knowing what the potential employer is looking for is the first important step to successfully writing your resume.

As a recruitment consultant I come across a lot of resumes that are formatted without the candidate demonstrating their best qualities, skills and attributes for the position they apply for.

There are also times when a candidate has more to offer than what is seen on their resume and can easily be missed amongst the many applications seen by the employer. Your resume displays the initial criteria to make all the difference in whether you secure your dream job or miss out. Getting the interview from the professionalism of your resume is the primary focus, securing the position is then up to you.

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Read the position description thoroughly...

It is important to understand the position that you are applying for. Make sure that your experience lines up with what the employer is seeking. Most companies will detail the requirements for the position on their advertisement and explain the qualifications, skills and level of experience that they are looking for. Most employers, when viewing through the many applications, will simply be looking at a candidate’s job title, the industry they work in and the qualifications they have obtained. If there isn’t anything that you can show on your resume that matches up with what they are looking for, chances are you won’t receive a call for an interview.

Understand who the company is and what they are looking for...

Take some time to have a look at the company’s website. See what they are about and adjust your resume to the relevant experience that you've had, so that it matches the company profile and the position that you have applied for. It may take a few extra minutes to make your resume more accurate to the company, but it will make all the difference when the employer picks up the resume and sees that you have a common understanding and like-mindedness to the organisation. Most companies are seeking for their employees to be a great cultural fit to the company just as much as skills, experience and education are important.

Be professional & make a pass on unnecessary information...

It’s okay to put in your high school certificate under your education title if you have recently left school or are in the early stages of your career, but your future employer does not need to know where you went to high school when you've had 10+ years of recognised industry experience. Avoid including irrelevant information and keep the criteria of your resume to the point using clear, dynamic and direct wording, remembering that sometimes less is better; so be brief, but specific.

Make it clear and straightforward...

Resumes need to have consistent formatting, so avoid changing your font and the layout half way through. An employer will first glance over your resume to shortlist it before they delve into the details. It could be the final decision when they go over it again or place it in the discard pile. Make sure that they can read it clearly and get as much information in the initial 10 second glance. Your resume should not be boring; but in saying that, by frilling it up with sentimental flower arrangements, using unnecessary capital letters and lots of needless colourful and loud designs, can again be the determining factor for the final decision making process in whether you secure an interview. Make your resume eye catching by keeping it neat, easy to read and professional, but don’t overdo it.

Check it and check it again...

Make sure there is absolutely no spelling mistakes or grammar errors. Employers have a gift for looking at a resume and seeing the one word that you have spelt incorrectly. Word has an amazing tool called spell check; after viewing many resumes I have come to the realisation that most people don’t know the secret button is there. But I can assure you, it is!

Keep to the employer's details & submission requirements...

Once you have applied for the position, keep the details of the position and the submission requirements, in case you receive an unexpected call. Having the details typed and printed or written accurately on a notepad, will assist you in recalling the information relevant to the position. Having this information will assist you when the employer calls and you won’t need to spend the initial stages of the call trying to establish what the position was that you applied for.

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Remember if you are having troubles with your resume writing, give us a shout at JVR or follow the below link and one of our friendly team can assist you in getting your resume ready for your next exciting position.

https://www.jamesvale.com.au/resume-formatting