Margherita Colley and her wonderful team at have certainly seen plenty of resumes while running this fabulous recruitment agency in the Illawarra, so they definitely know a thing or two about what makes a resume truly stand out from the job-hunting crowd.
If you’re starting your career, considering a career change, looking for a job after taking some time off, have landed a surprise redundancy, or you need to update your current CV, start with these top tips on how to write a crackin’ resume from the expert – thanks Margherita!
Your resume is the first impression your potential employer will have of you, so it’s one of the most important documents you will ever create.
Here’s some tips to get you started!
1 // Keep it short
1 – 4 pages maximum (preferably 2 pages). You need to articulate succinctly why you are the best person for the job.
2 // Cover the basics
Make sure you include your name, up-to-date contact information, education and work history. All details must be meticulously correct.
3 // List everything in chronological order
Employers are most interested in your most recent role, so list jobs in reverse chronological order, with your most recent position listed first.
4 // Add exact dates
Include the month and year you worked at your previous positions.
5 // Keep it simple
Your resume needs to be easy to read. Don’t experiment with unusual fonts or complex and colourful layouts. Use a clean white background and a well-recognised font.
6 // Use bullet points
Bullet points are essential to help the employer navigate through the document. Under each job listed, add your main day-to-day responsibilities as a series of bullet points.
7 // Proofread your resume
Have your resume proofread by someone else. Spelling mistakes or grammatical errors can be a nail in your recruitment coffin.
8 // Know what to leave out
Leave out
- personal preferences: race, nationality, marital status, children, religion or political preferences
- photos: you don’t need a photo
- computer skills: it is expected you will be proficient in computer software
- salary: in Australia you should not mention your salary on your resume.
9 // Customise your resume for each position
The difference between a good resume and a great resume, is how it is tailored. It is not enough to send a generic resume. It is important to personalise and optimise your resume to the role that you are applying for.
Good luck and feel free to contact Illawarra Recruitment if you need further help.
Thanks Margherita! You’re awesome.
Illawarra Recruitment is a boutique agency making the recruitment process as smooth and stress-free as possible for clients and candidates alike! Over the years, Illawarra Recruitment’s experienced team has helped clients in the Illawarra, create happy workplace environments by finding them the best possible employees. Find out more about this awesome local business here.
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