What to Include In Your Resume

Making a great first impression in just six seconds is not an easy task!

But, this is exactly what you are trying to do when you apply for a job with your resume according to The Ladders study !

To ensure your resume is clear, concise and attractive to future employers, here are a number of points, which you should always include, no matter what:

1. Your contact details

  • Name
  • Location – no need to include your full address, your suburb or city is enough
  • Contact Number
  • Email Address – make sure this is suitable for a job search

2. Employment History

  • Job title – i.e. Receptionist
  • Company Name
  • Dates of Employment – including month and year
  • Responsibilities – bullet point what YOU did in your position, include any significant IT systems. Keep this concise. I would suggest 5 or 6 points on what you did within the role on a regular basis
  • Achievements – any noteworthy accomplishments which YOU made during your time there – an example could be an award or training certification​

3. Education

  • Title of Qualification– i.e. Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Criminology
  • Name of School / University / College
  • Year of Completion

General tips:

  • I recommend that you tailor your resume to the job you are applying for – use this template as a guideline but include any additional information which may be requested within the job advertisement you have seen. For example a cover letter or an outline of particular skills relevant to the role
  • Make sure your employment and education history are in reverse chronological order, ie the most recent is on the top of your list
  • Ensure your resume is only 2 or 3 pages long
  • Include details of any significant periods of time off so there are no lengthy questionable gaps
  • Ensure that your resume is consistently formatted. Use one font throughout and make headings clear to read
  • Use the correct past and present tense for your employment and education. For example “I answer all incoming calls” if you are still in the role, or “I answered all incoming calls” if you no longer work there.

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Emma Edwards Test • January 10, 2018

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