Writing resumes

Many people need help with writing resumes. My experience shows that a well written resume will boost your chances of getting an interview.

A well written resume  includes the following;

Your personal details
Give you full name and contact details, done forget to have a correct phone number and if you are going to use a mobile- Check your missed call message (nothing puts and employer off quicker then to hear some rude or offensive message), and most important -KEEP YOUR MOBILE ON!- you may miss out on an interview as some employers will NOT leave a message on a machine!

Career Objective
This states to the employer your career intentions, goals and dreams. The career objective should be aligned with the position you are applying for.
Example- “I am seeking a fulltime position within the Horticulture industry where I can obtain a certificate III in Horticulture, use my current nursery hand experience and gain on the job qualifications.”

Education Background
Starting with the most recent study, training courses, qualifications and any other courses completed.
NB (if you have not attended school for a great many years, I believe it is not necessary to put your full education on your resume)

Employment History
All the work you have done (paid or non- paid) in your life. If you have had many short term positions – then group them into years or towns in the order of most recent.

Start with most recent position and work backwards to your 1st job.

Include the Dates commenced and finished employment, example: 18/03/06 – 23/08/07
Name of position,
Company name,
Duties you completed whilst you were there.
Example: Customer service, cash handling, stock replacement and so on.

NB: Do not leave gaps in your employment history – if you did not work for some time, try to explain this so the resume flows.
 
Skills both work and personal
This is where you are selling your skills to the employer, such as in the above. Example- great customer service skills, can operate a register, excellence cash handling skills, current 1st Aid certificate, drivers licence, can work unsupervised, reliable, etc.

Interests
You may like to add your interests if they pertain to the position, example- enjoy working with and meeting people.

Referees
In today’s society most companies will contact referees before offering you the position.
Referees are a vital part of a resume, you need to clarify with your referee that they will give an honest, supportive and realistic reference.

Your will need to supply the name, company and contact phone number of referees. It is usual to have at least two contactable referees for future employers to contact.

Remember: Others will be writing resumes for the same positions, what will make yours stand out?