A resume is a written summary of your qualifications, skills and work-related experience.
It's an important tool in your job search efforts.
Employers will require a copy of your resume when you apply for a job.
Your resume is your first chance to impress an employer and show them that you’re the right person for the job.
Resume Do's
Details to include in your resume
- Full Name
- Phone and email address
- Work history experience
- Education and training
- Skills and abilities
- Referees
Resume Don'ts
Details to avoid in your resume
- Personal info - date of birth, marital status, home address
- Qualifications which are out of date or not completed
- Reasons you left your previous job
- An unprofessional email address
- Exaggerations or mistruths
- Jargon, slang or negative language
How to write a resume that works for you
Here are some qualities of a good resume:
- A simple format that is easy to read and not too long
- Tailored to the job you’re applying for
- Your strengths, abilities and achievements are described
- The spelling, grammar and punctuation are correct
- Your contact details are up-to-date
- The format is appropriate e.g. Word Document or PDF
Use your resume to showcase your strengths and achievements, while displaying a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn the stuff you don't know.
Check out these resume templates to get started!
Building a resume using your strengths and achievements
You might worry you fall short of the job criteria, but don't let that stop you! Try turning a weakness into a strength.
Here are some examples:
“I'm only young!”
I'm keen to work, willing to learn and looking for an entry-level position.
“I don’t have any skills.”
I've played a lot of sport and have great teamwork skills.
“I don’t have qualifications.”
I'm great with computers and I'd like to do a traineeship in IT.
“I don’t know what I have to offer.”
I'm a reliable young person with a positive attitude and I'm available to start work immediately.
“I've never had a proper job.”
I did babysitting for friends and family to earn pocket money while I was still at school.
“I didn’t do well at some of the theory-based subjects at school.”
I'm a “hands on” learner who loves practical jobs.
“I just finished school and don’t have any experience.”
I did woodwork at school and I know how to use power tools safely.
I did a work experience placement at school and really enjoyed it.
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