Resume
What is a resume?
A resume is an outline of your personal details including name, address, telephone number, email address, education levels, qualifications, employment history and interests.
A resume should:
- be typed on a computer and printed on white or light coloured A4 paper
- follow an accepted format and have correct spelling and grammar
- be concise
- Include voluntary and part-time work in your employment details
- give details about what you were doing during times when you were not working
- include a description of the skills you have gained from your employment experiences
- avoid contractions (don't, I'm, we're etc)
- include your involvement with community and sporting groups
Why is it important to include life skills in my resume?
Life skills are transferable skills and can be used in every occupation. They are the universal skills - you can take with you and apply them regardless of the type of work you are doing.
Many employers know if you are able to use a skill in one situation, you should be able to use that skill in another job. For this reason, your transferable skills are just as important as your job-related skills.
Do not overlook the skills you have gained from everyday living.
Referees:
Include the names and contact details of 2-3 referees. A potential employer can contact them to learn more about you.
The best referees:
Have a close and recent involvement in your work
Are not friends or relatives
are your current (or most recent)
Are good communicators
Remember to make sure you ask your referees before you provide their details
Cover letter
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is a one page letter sent with your resume to potential employers. The purpose of the cover letter is to introduce yourself to potential employers and to let them know what position you are interested in and why you would be a good fit for the job and the company.
Format
First Paragraph
The first paragraph is when you introduce yourself. It is important to include:
- Information about the position you are applying for
- How you heard about the job
- Why you? Include your current position and/or studies and why they should want you to work there
- Why them? Mention something about the company and why you want to work there
Middle Paragraph
The middle paragraphs should provide information about:
- your skills, strengths, education, qualifications and/or experience and personal characteristics
This paragraph should be concise (not too long) and give specific examples of why you are the ideal candidate.
Refer to the attached resume (and anything else you have included with the cover letter)
Last Paragraph
The final paragraph should close up the letter. You should:
- Let the receiver know the best way and time to contact you (provide your contact email and phone number)
- Reconfirm your interest in the job
- Indicate that you are available for an interview at the employer's convenience
As well, you can let them know that you'll follow up the letter with a phone call in several days. You should thank them for their time to close up the letter.
Cover letter Tips
Each cover letter that you send should be unique and tailored to the specific company and position you are applying to
- One page is long enough
- Demonstrate a positive and enthusiastic attitude to work
- Keep your sentences short and to the point. Use action verbs whenever possible (e.g. organised, coordinated) and key words that relate to the work (e.g. construction)
- Check and re-check spelling, grammar, neatness, format and overall appearance
- Keep copies of everything you send and the job advertisement. You'll need to refer to them if you are selected for an interview
- If you do not receive a reply within 2-3 weeks following the closing date for applications you can contact the employer to follow up on progress of the recruitment process. This can show your enthusiasm and desire to work for the organisation
Interview tips
Interviews can be very nerve-racking for many people and, to help you overcome these nerves there are a number of things you can do:
Finding out as much as you can about the position and organisation
- Research the organisation in which the vacancy exists as well as the position itself
- Talk to people in similar positions in similar organisations and read any company brochures and documents
Anticipating some of the questions the panel might ask and preparing general answers to these
- You will be asked at least one questions in relation to the Job Description or Selection Criteria
- Prepare dot points about the key information you want to tell the interview panel
Preparing questions that you would like to ask the panel
- These may be about the job, the way the organisation works, future prospects for career development or opportunities for further training
Being Punctual
- Be 5-10 minutes early so you can use this time to compose yourself and run over in your mind the major points you want to make in the interview.
Improve your performance during the interview by:
- Listen carefully to the questions you are asked
- Take your time to think about a question and how you want to phrase your response
- Speak primarily to the panel member who asked the question, but include the other interviews by maintaining appropriate eye contact
- Be positive about your previous employer
- Wear appropriate clothing: Office job - Office dress, Outdoor job - smart casual
Non-verbal communication
Non-verbal communication (or body language) is your second language and can communicate more than 90% of any message. Below are some non-verbal communication tips:
Positive non-verbals:
- Sitting comfortably in a chair
- Body leaning slightly forward
- Eyes alert
- Nodding in agreement
- Hands resting in lap
- Relaxed, audible tone of voice
- Confident posture
- Frequent eye contact
Negative non-verbals:
- Scratching, squirming in a chair
- Fiddling with objects
- Frequently swallowing
- Inaudible tone of voice or rapid speech
- Drumming on the table
- Tapping feet
- Doodling
- Staring blankly/glancing at the ceiling