How to write a resume

Resume Writing Tips Guide

Your resume is often the first impression you make on a potential employer. Before you get the chance to interview, your resume needs to show why you’re a strong candidate and encourage an employer to learn more about you.

A well-written resume doesn’t need to be complicated. It should clearly highlight your skills, experience, qualifications and achievements in a way that is easy to read and tailored to the role you’re applying for.

Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time, returning after a break or looking for your next career opportunity, these resume writing tips will help you create a professional resume that stands out for the right reasons.

Before You Start Writing Your Resume

Before updating your resume, take some time to review the job advertisement and identify the skills, qualifications and experience the employer is looking for.

Your resume should be tailored to the position you’re applying for. A generic resume can make it harder for employers to see how your experience matches their needs.

As you update your resume, think about examples that demonstrate your achievements, transferable skills and strengths. These are often just as important as your previous job titles.

Resume Length: Your resume should be as concise as possible; two to three pages is the maximum length.

Font and Size: Do not use ornate fonts that are difficult to read; Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri are the best to use. Your font size should be between 10 and 12 points although your name and the section headings can be a little larger and/or bolded.

Resume Layout: However you decide to organise the sections of your resume, be sure to keep each section uniform. For example, if you put the name of one company in italics, every company name must be in italics. Keep your resume easy to read, you can use bullet points to help.

Information to Avoid: Do not include personal information such as birthday, marital status, children, etc., unless the position requires it.

Up-to-Date: Make sure that you regularly update your resume. This is important especially after completing a training course or work experience.

Accuracy: Be sure to edit your resume before sending it. Check spelling, grammar, tenses, names of companies and people, etc. Have a friend, family member or someone you know check over your resume as well.

Tailor Your Resume for Every Application

Employers can quickly tell when the same resume has been sent to dozens of businesses without modification.

Take the time to customise your resume for each role by highlighting the skills, experience and achievements most relevant to the position. Using keywords from the job advertisement can also help demonstrate your suitability for the role.

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Information to Include in Your Resume

Identification

• Include your name, address, phone number and email address.
• Use a professional email address (for example, johnsmith@email.com rather than soccerlover@email.com).

Objective (Optional)

If you choose to include an objective, keep it concise and specific. State the type of role you’re seeking and what you hope to achieve in your chosen field.

Profile (Optional)

A profile is a short summary at the beginning of your resume that highlights your skills, experience and career goals.

For example:

“Reliable and customer-focused professional with experience in retail and administration. Strong communication skills, excellent attention to detail and a passion for delivering positive customer experiences.”

Education

• List your education and qualifications in reverse chronological order, with the most recent first.
• Include the institution name, location and completion date (or expected completion date).
• Unless recently completed, high school education is generally not required unless specifically requested by the employer.

Employment / Work History

• Include your employment history in reverse chronological order.
• Include the company name, position title and dates of employment.
• Focus on key responsibilities, achievements and skills gained.
• Wherever possible, highlight results and accomplishments rather than simply listing duties.

Example:

• Assisted customers with enquiries and product selection
• Trained and supported new team members
• Achieved customer service targets and maintained high customer satisfaction ratings

Work Experience / Volunteer Work

List roughly three important tasks, accomplishments, or skills gained in each role, ideally, that relate to the job you’re applying for.

This section can include work experience and volunteer work. Recent school leavers might also include clubs and sports teams where applicable (where you have been the Captain, or a Manager or Coach).

Include the name of the organisation, the position, and the dates.

Don’t Forget Transferable Skills

If you’re changing industries, returning to work or have limited employment experience, transferable skills can help demonstrate your suitability for a role.

Transferable skills may include:

• Communication
• Teamwork
• Customer service
• Problem solving
• Time management
• Leadership
• Organisation
• Computer skills

These skills can be gained through employment, volunteering, study, sporting teams, community involvement or caring responsibilities.

Skills and Experiences (Optional)

• Include any computer systems with which you are proficient, particularly if they are related to the position for which you are applying.
• List any other skills you have that relate to the job but are not included elsewhere in your resume.
• Here are some Skills Lists to help you fill out this section of your resume:
  • Administration & Reception Skills List
  • Aged Care & Support Work Skills List
  • Childcare & Parenting Skills List
  • Construction, Traffic Control & Labourer Skills List
  • General Job Skills List
  • Hospitality Skills List

Referees

Include one or two professional referees who can speak positively about your skills and work ethic.

Always seek permission before listing someone as a referee and ensure their contact details are current.

Alternatively, you may choose to write:

“Referees available on request.”

Learn About Australia’s In-Demand Industries

Not sure what kind of job is right for you? Explore some of Australia’s fastest-growing industries and discover the skills, qualifications and career pathways employers are looking for.

You might even find that the skills you’ve developed in one industry can be transferred to a completely new career. Visit our In-Demand Industries page to explore career opportunities, industry insights and employment trends.