Writing a great resume or CV
Key takeaways
- Include your name, email, and phone number on your resume, but avoid adding your home address, age, or a photo.
- Keep your resume to two pages, use clear and formal language, and tailor it to each job by using keywords from the job ad.
- Highlight your work experience, education, additional skills, and references, and ensure your social media profiles are professional.
Creating a strong resume (or CV) is crucial when applying for jobs. It’s your first chance to impress an employer.
What is a resume/CV?
A resume or CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a document that summarises your education, work experience, skills, and qualifications. It shows employers that you can do the job and convinces them to interview you.
Tips for writing your resume/CV
Name and contact information:
- Include your name, email address, and phone number.
- Do not include your home or postal address, your age/date of birth, or a photo
Length and format:
- Keep it to two A4 pages.
- Use one clear font and formal language (no emojis or slang).
Tailor to each job:
- Customise your resume for each job you apply for.
- Use keywords from the job ad in your CV. For example, if the job description asks for strong customer service skills, your CV might say that you are “experienced in customer service”.
Personal statement or career objective:
- Start with a brief statement about what you can offer the employer.
- Example: “I am an enthusiastic high school graduate with strong organisational skills looking to start a professional career.”
Work experience:
- List your jobs or other experiences, starting with the most recent. This can include any voluntary work you’ve done – for example, in the community, at your school, in a sports team, or other voluntary work.
- Include examples of skills mentioned in the job ad that you’ve developed during these jobs or voluntary work.
Education:
- Focus on your highest level of education relevant to the job. Include any VET courses (for example, if you have a Certificate I or II, or a VET ‘taster’ course or pre-apprenticeship) or any short courses you’ve done at school or outside of school.
Additional information:
- Include skills like speaking another language, relevant hobbies, and interests.
- Mention any licences or registrations, like a driver’s licence, a construction White Card, or a Working With Children check.
References:
- You can list referees or simply state “References available upon request.” Your referees could be a teacher, someone you’ve done voluntary work for, a sports team coach, or someone who can vouch for you. Ask your referee if they are ok with you putting them forward as a referee.
Professional email:
- Use an appropriate email address. If needed, create a new professional one, for example, yourfirstname.yourlastname@gmail.com
Why your digital reputation matters
Employers often check your online social media accounts. Make sure your social media profiles are professional and reflect well on you. Set your accounts to Private or delete any posts or photos that may not look good to an employer!
Using AI for your resume/ CV
AI tools like ChatGPT can help draft your resume, but they have limitations: they can make your resume look like every other job applicant’s resume and may include incorrect information. Use AI as a starting point, then personalise and edit the content to match your skills and the job you're applying for.
Transferable skills
Even if you haven’t had a job before, you have skills from school, volunteering, or hobbies that are valuable to employers. These are called transferable skills.
Examples of transferable skills:
- Communication: Volunteering at an animal shelter, where I dealt with staff and members of the public, helped me develop clear communication skills.
- Teamwork: Playing on a school sports team taught me how to work effectively with others.
- Problem solving: Group projects at school helped me learn to solve problems.
- Time management: Balancing schoolwork, part-time work, and care of family members taught me to manage my time well.
Digital skills
Mention your digital skills, like using Google Drive, Canva, Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint. Share examples of what you've created with these tools. Explore The Smith Family’s Digital Skills Hub to learn more about these tools.
Additional resources
Websites like myfuture and Workforce Australia offer examples of resumes and cover letters, as well as tips and templates. These resources can help you create a professional resume. Good luck with your job applications! Remember, a well-written resume is your first step towards landing the job you want.
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