CaS Personnel
CV/Resume Do’s and Don’ts
Part 1
It is a crying shame to see a resume from an extremely well qualified person that does not represent that person in their best light. In actual fact; whether you are extremely well qualified or otherwise if you are applying for paid or voluntary employment you should look to represent yourself as best you can and avoid basic pitfalls.
STEP ONE
If you are not familiar with resume writing use an online “resume builder” tool to help you with your formatting. A couple of links to useful sights are at the bottom of the article.
STEP TWO
Ask for HELP!!!
If English is not your first language ask a friend or colleague, ask a tutor or lecturer, please ask someone, anyone who may have a better grasp of written English to look over your resume before you send it.
I am seeing college and university graduates that are struggling with a format, well educated young people with limited work experience who apparently do not have the first clue about resume writing. Remember they could be a relation or a friend; so don’t let them become a victim of the delete button or the circular filing cabinet (desk waste paper bin).
If English is your first language and you have any friends that may be looking for work or a change of career be a friend and don’t let them flounder, give them a helping word of encouragement and advice.
I am aware that any Tom, Dick or Harry can put something like this together and also that many have, however I really think this is worth a look. I shall offer some real examples that I have personally come across that should never ever be repeated in a cover letter or resume.
Step Three
“The Do’s”
Do include a COVER LETTER, keep it short and on subject, engage the reader with brevity while staying to the point.
Do include your name address and contact details.
Do include if you can a CAREER PROFILE, tell your prospective employer what it is you do i.e. experienced game keeper with 15 years experience in estate game management; experienced and bonded widow cleaner with 10 years experience working on commercial projects.
Do include KEY STRENGHTS or KEY SKILLS detailing what you are really very good at i.e. excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability etc. Natural team leader, persuasive and influential etc.
Do include if you can CAREER HIGHLIGHTS giving examples of when and how you may have excelled during your career.
Do include a CAREER HISTORY starting with your most current position working your way back chronologically to your first position or job.
Do include but only where appropriate a EMPLOYMENT SUMMARY this would be a one or two line snapshot of the dates you were working for the company, your position i.e. General Manager and a brief description i.e. responsible for etc
Do include your entire EDUCATION again listed chronologically and again going from your most recent achievement.
Do include PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS where appropriate.
Do take your time, it is not a race it’s a resume; potentially the beginning of the rest of your life.
Step four
“The Don’ts”
Don’t extend the truth beyond belief, if it is a requirement that you are adept at computer programming you had better know where to locate the on/off button. Apply for the jobs that you know you will be able to do.
Don’t, unless it is a total last resort and you have just been born send a one or two page resume.
Don’t include your date of birth or age, your marital status, your gender although in most cases this will be obvious, your passport size photograph or your religion. There would always be exceptions but unless you are applying for a position as a male or female model in which case a portfolio may be more appropriate the above are NOT USUAL REQUIREMENTS and will not enhance your resume or your chances of securing the role.
Don’t forget what job you are applying for i.e. if you are applying for a position as a train driver do not have a career objective outlining your desire to be an office manager.
Don’t use language you do not understand.
Don’t use MULTIPLE FONTS! This sounds like a very basic tip but you would be surprised; along with this comes don’t CUT and PASTE often the cause of multiple fonts.
Don’t have UNEXPLAINABLE GAPS in your resume between employers; this is like having salad stuck between your teeth on a first date.
Don’t put your referee’s on your resume, instead write “references available upon request.”
Don’t forget to use SPELLING and GRAMMAR check, it’s a free mouse click and it really does make a difference when someone is reading your resume that there are no glaring errors or mistakes.
Don’t leave anything on the bus, a metaphor for giving it everything you have got, if you don’t’ make it past the bin you won’t get a second chance. In the world of job applications there is no “Oops I forgot to tell you.”
RESUME BLOOPERS
Career FocusBecoming an eternal part of an esteemed organisation to upgrade my skills, gain extensive knowledge and develop a professional career.
Responsibilities:
§ Bookkeeping
§ Banking
§ Performing international marketing tasks Achievements:
§ Developed 4ttention to details
COVER LETTER BLOOPERS
On a recent cover letter; the position was not advertised on this site, and not the best grammar.
I am writing to apply for the position of accounts receivable which advertised at the Seek website.
“Here with, I had attached my resume for your perusal. I am a fresh grad who just completed my post graduate diploma in information systems management and bachelor degree in accountancy. I am looking forward to hear from you.”
(I think it is very important not to mix tenses)
I would like to state I am not posting these mistakes to mock or humiliate anyone, I am posting them in the hope that people may learn from the mistakes of others!
Useful Tips/Links:
If you should require the services of a “Professional Resume Writer” we would suggest you contact:
Bernadette Innes
Mobile: 0408 807 466
Fax: 03 9742 7735
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