On this page we will provide you copies of our recent printed articles and guides as well as tips and links to other useful resources to assist you on your job search.

How to find resume success

by Rebecca Fraser, Herald Sun July 24 2010.

Also printed with permission ‘Australian Career Practitioner’, Volume 21 Spring 2010

Believe that you have a fantastic resume´ but not getting the interview calls? Thinking maybe it is because there are so many other applicants applying for the same positions? Getting an interview is not easy in the current market, which means your resume´ cannot be just another document that passes through someone’s inbox. The need to stand out from every other applicant during this early stage is now more important than ever and with the following resume´ advice you will soon be on your way.

1. Use your career summary as a marketing tool MANY people include a career objective instead of a career summary on their resume´. However, many recruiters and human-resources professionals are seeking an understanding of what you will bring to a position as well as your reasons for applying before offering you an interview. Writing a powerful career summary that outlines your skills and experience, along with what you are seeking in your career, provides the reader with a greater understanding of why you are more suitable than other applicants. Ensuring your career summary reflects the requirements of a role, and where possible the vision and values of an organisation, will grab the attention of a reader and they will want more information about your experience.
2. Ensure keywords are included throughout SOME organisations are now using software applications to help shortlist applicants during the initial stage. These search for keywords that have been identified from both the job advertisement and position’s requirements. So if you use those keywords from the advertised position as well as industry-relevant keywords, you will ensure your document is identified during this process. The use of keywords will also highlight to the recruiter or human resources representative that you have taken the time to read and understand the requirements of the position and industry.
3. Include core information on the first page MOST resume´s are given only 30 seconds in the initial review. During these 30 seconds, it’s important to provide the reader with confirmation that you meet all the core requirements of a role. For this reason, having as much of this relevant information on the first page will help to get your resume´ through for a more detailed review. Core information may include qualifications, employment summary, key skills, career highlights or major career achievements. The job advertisement will identify the main requirements of a position and this is the information that should be made available immediately to the person reviewing your resume´.
4. Tailor your document to individual applications FOR many people, the requirements of a position will vary from advertisement to advertisement. It’s important that your resume´ is tailored to respond to the requirements of each individual role. With the focus on wanting to stand out from your competition, responding individually to all of the requirements of a position through your resume´ will demonstrate your commitment to the application process. Demonstrating commitment at this early stage will immediately gain the attention of the reviewer and positively reflect on your application.
5. Include achievements for each position RECRUITERS and human-resource professionals may review hundreds of applications for every advertised position. With many individuals using online templates it is common for the recruiter to see the same document over and over again. With the need to stand out more important than ever, using achievements and successes for each of your previous positions of employment will demonstrate to the recruiter what you have achieved while highlighting the reasons for wanting to know more about you at an interview.
6. Ensure there is a clear link between your previous employment and skills and the advertised position. It’s important to provide the reader with a clear understanding of why you have submitted an application for this role. For individuals progressing on a pre-determined career path the purpose for applying is usually obvious. For all others who may be seeking promotion or transition into another industry, it’s important that the reader understands how your previous skills and experience relate to the requirements of the role and the advertised position. Using achievements in each position and a clear career summary will assist while also ensuring that transferable skills developed during your previous employment will assist in the responsibilities of the advertised role.
7. Fill in all gaps of employment MANY of us have periods on our resume´ when we may have not been working. For many individuals this may have been during times of study, international travel or a well earned break. Having unexplained gaps on the document makes the employer question your stability in a position and for this reason all gaps should be explained. Whether you were travelling or on a holiday, give the reason for this in the document and fill all gaps with an explanation.

Great Web Links

www.seek.com.au

www.mycareer.com.au

www.careerone.com.au

www.hippo.com.au

www.cdaa.org.au

www.cica.org.au