Writing a winning resume
Making the right first impression is key to securing an interview…. You must think carefully about your resume and covering email for every application.
Make the best possible first impression on every potential employer. Present yourself and your work history in the best possible light with a carefully constructed resume and engaging covering email.
Securing an interview is a crucial step in selling yourself to a potential employer, so we’ve got a few tips to help you catch their attention.
The Covering Email
Address the letter to a specific person. Make the effort to find out who you are approaching – no generic Dear Sir/Madam
Every email you send should be tailored and targeted towards the company, project and roles for which you are applying
Choose your words carefully and make your point succinctly. Often the reader gets hundreds of these, so yours needs to stand out for the right reasons.
The Resume
Make sure grammar and spelling are correct and the layout is neat and easy to read.
Keep the resume brief, and include only basic details, no more than 3 pages.
Include a brief paragraph as a value proposition, outlining how your unique skills and personality will add value to the organisation.
The education section should include institution, qualifications and dates.
Your employment history should be in chronological order and should include the following
Dates you were employed
Company and Division
Duties & Responsibilities
Projects and Values
Job Title
Key Achievements
Tailor your resume to reflect the position you’re applying for. You must alter it EVERY time. Use the job specification to help you add or select information in your resume to make it relevant. Don’t stretch the truth, you will be found out!
Additional information you could include:
Specific computer skills
Licenses and tickets
Language skills
Residency status (if relevant)
Interests (only as they relate to the position, no need to get too personal)
Flexibility for relocation or travel
If you have any specific achievements you are proud of, this is a great way to differentiate yourself such as industry involvement, charities or sport