In today’s job market making a good impression with your resume is more important than ever. To help you navigate the world of resume writing we’ve put together a complete guide with expert resume advice. Whether you’re updating for a new role, changing industries or re-entering the workforce this guide has got actionable tips and strategies to help you improve your resume and get that dream job. From formatting to gaps in employment find out how to make your resume shine and get in the spotlight
How to Make Your Resume Stand Out?
A simple and to the point question, which unfortunately, doesn’t exactly have a simple response. But, if we had to break it down into format the resume, job position titles (relevancy), industry relevancy, qualifications, relevant content, and of course a clean and professional design that’s easy to read and looks good. For the best resume tips, focus on showcasing your skills effectively by dedicating a section to highlight them and incorporating relevant skills throughout the resume to enhance your appeal to potential employers.
What’s the best format for a resume?
Reverse chronological is usually best, and is the most commonly used format. Showcasing your employment history in the reverse chronological format highlights your most recent and relevant roles effectively. Using the reverse chronological template, you will be showing your most recent and relevant experience first. But if your experience is slightly more complex and confusing, functional or hybrid might be better.
Do I need a summary statement?
Yes, if you can write a strong focused resume introduction that tells who you are and what you bring to the table. But remember, keep it job specific not a generic blurb. Also, it should be an initial overview of your profile, and not a career objective.
How do I customise my resume for each job?
There’s many ways that you can supercharge your resume. Start with a copy of the job that you are looking to apply for, and then think about how you can customise the content for that particular role. Be brutal, looking and making real changes that align the job spec and highlight relevant skills. Minor changes here and there may not always make any difference.
How do I show achievements?
You can use a separate achievement section to the front of your resume, you can add an achievements section after each job discussion, or you can incorporate achievements into the content of your resume (the latter being the preferred method). Use specific, measurable examples to show what you’ve done in previous roles. Instead of saying you “increased sales” say you “increased sales by 25% in 6 months by introducing a new marketing strategy.”
Are keywords really important?
Yes, keywords are extremely important. Keep the keywords relevant to the industry, niche market you’re applying to. Try to avoid too many generic points, and integrate keywords into the content. Furthermore, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) use keywords as a way of scoring a resume. Therefore, using keywords appropriately will help with both human and ATS systems.
How far back should I go with work experience?
Usually three or four jobs will do it, and for those lengthier experience, up to around 10-15 years. If your contract, think about different formats to use and how to best display all your experience without going overboard on the number of pages resume.
What do I do about employment gaps?
In some cases, you can add a section in your resume, but in most scenarios, it’s actually best not to mention anything. It’s far easier to explain this in an interview than it is on the resume.
How do I quantify achievements?
Think in numbers and also use the STAR method. How much did you save? By what percentage did you improve? Quantifying your achievements makes them more tangible and impressive.
Do I need to include references on my resume?
There’s actually no need to include references or even say “References available upon request.” Employers know they can ask for them later so save the space for more important info. However, if you feel it could be beneficial to namedrop, by all means.
How do I improve my resume with no experience?
Consider using a skills-based resume. Highlight transferable skills and any relevant coursework, internships or volunteer work. If you have no experience, focus on what you’ve done and how that prepares you for this role. A well-crafted resume is a critical component in making a strong first impression on potential employers and can significantly enhance your overall job search outcomes.
How do I list my skills?
You should have a separate skills section at the very forefront of your resume. Make sure the most relevant to the job are at the top of each list. This makes it easy for employers to see what you bring to the table at an initial glance.
Do I list duties or achievements?
You need to include both, with the best possible scenario being the content written around achievements. As mentioned before, use the STAR framework. But also make sure that your key duties can be easily identified and are not buried.
How do I make my resume ATS friendly?
Most resumes these days are ATS friendly, providing you are using Word, Google Docs, PDF, etc (strictly not JPGs). There is a difference between ATS and ATS Filtering software, and to pass ATS filtering you need to use a greater focus on keywording, content, and also social media linkage.
How do I show soft skills?
Weave soft skills into your job descriptions with examples of how you’ve used them. Instead of just saying “teamwork” describe a time you worked on a team.
How do I handle short term jobs?
If you’ve had many short term jobs, group them together under a common heading like “Freelance Work” or “Contract Positions”. Focus on what you achieved rather than why the roles were short term.
Do I include a photo on my resume?
It’s totally up to you. More and more people are using photos to deliver a more personalised approach, and if done correctly, can help the resume stand out. But it’s not a necessity.
How do I make my resume modern?
Update the design with a clean template. Focus on concise language and remove outdated sections or jargon. Consider adding a link to your LinkedIn profile or portfolio. Use clean lines, and depending on your industry, avoid using too much graphics.
What should I avoid in the layout?
Avoid confusing layouts that have lots of different boxes. Avoid using premade templates that are difficult to manipulate, otherwise you’ll end up trying to populate the content around the template versus what content you should actually be including.
Do I include a hobbies section?
Only include hobbies if they’re relevant to the job or show unique skills. For example, listing “marathon running” could show discipline and perseverance, “gaming” could be relevant for a tech job.
How do I list my education?
Ideally, list education in date order, and depending on your market, you may want to choose to put education on the front of the CV or at the back. For example, someone who is a project specialist and has multiple qualifications in the same, may want to highlight this at the front of the resume, whereas a senior executive who just has a degree, will likely want the qualification at the back.
Is it okay to use colour on my resume?
Yes, but minimal. A little colour can make your resume more visually appealing but it should still look professional. Avoid using colour in the body of the content.
How do I order content on my resume?
Put the most relevant experience and achievements at the top. Use bullet points for key achievements and make each section flow logically to show your strengths.
What do I leave off my resume?
When refining your resume, it’s essential to omit outdated skills, irrelevant job experiences, and personal details such as your full address or marital status. Avoid using first-person pronouns like “I managed…” and exclude any information about past salaries. Instead, focus on highlighting your relevant skills and achievements to present a clear and professional image.
Do I include a career objective?
Only include a career objective if it adds value and is job specific. Otherwise, consider a summary statement that highlights your key qualifications and what you can bring.
How do I make my resume look clean?
Use white space, consistent fonts and bullet points. Keep margins wide and don’t clutter. A clean design makes your resume easy to read and looks professional.
What if I’m overqualified for the job?
Focus on how your experience is relevant to the job at hand and then consider adjusting the content accordingly. There is debate as to whether you should remove qualifications if you feel you are overqualified. It’s a strategy that you may want to consider depending on the results you are getting.
How do I list volunteer work?
List volunteer work as you would paid work, especially if it’s relevant. Highlight any leadership roles or significant contributions as they show valuable skills and experience.
Can I use resume templates?
Yes, in fact, many people do use a resume template rather than trying to build something from scratch. Avoid PSD format templates and those that have multiple boxes. Focus on content first, then choose the right template that works for you, not the other way round.
How do I make my resume more powerful?
To make a resume more poweful, use action verbs and focus on results, and always think about how you can make a particular bullet point stand out to the reader. Instead of listing responsibilities, what did you achieve and how did it benefit your previous employer?
What’s the best way to format job titles?
Most of the time, it’s best practice to ensure that the job title is set aat a larger font. Keep in mind, using job titles that are relevant to the position you’re applying for.
Do I include my exam results?
You can absolutely include exam results if you feel that it is a unique selling point and where you have gone above and beyond other students.
How do I handle career changes on my resume?
Embrace career changes, and think about how you can present the content you have learned in a way that is relevant and practical for the roles that you are applying for. Reduce down content where it’s not going to help your case.
What if my experience is all over the place?
Find a common thread or skills that link your experience together. Focus on what’s most relevant to the job you’re applying for even if it means leaving some roles out.
How long should a resume be?
For most people, 2 to 3 pages is absolutely fine. There will always be exceptions to the role, and thankfully it is highly unlikely any recruiter or employer will dismiss a resume based on its length.
How do I show promotions within the same company?
This should be naturally shown through position titles and the job descriptions that you are writing that accompany those titles. You don’t necessarily need to add special mention to promotion unless you think it worthwhile.
What’s the best way to list certifications?
Create a separate section for certifications if they’re relevant to the job. List them in reverse chronological order or by relevance, with the most important certifications first.
Do I need to include my address?
No need to include your full address. City and state are generally sufficient, and include the country if applying internationally.
How do I address employment gaps?
You can address employment gaps in your cover letter or in a brief note within your resume if it’s a significant gap. Focus on what you did during the gap that is relevant to your job application.
How do I make my resume stand out to hiring managers?
Tailor your professional resume for each job, use clear and concise language, and highlight achievements with measurable results. Use a professional design and ensure that your resume aligns with the job description.
Can I use creative resumes?
Creative resumes can be effective, especially in fields like design or marketing, but they should be professional and appropriate for the role you’re applying for. Ensure that creativity does not compromise readability.
Should I include job duties and achievements for every job?
Include both job duties and achievements, but focus more on achievements. For each role, describe your key responsibilities and highlight specific accomplishments with quantifiable results.
How do I handle multiple job roles in a single company?
You can list them separately with dates and job titles or as a single entry with details of each role under it. Make sure it’s clear how each role contributed to your career progression.
How do I address a lack of experience?
Focus on transferable skills, relevant coursework, internships, and volunteer work. Highlight your enthusiasm and willingness to learn, and tailor your resume to emphasize how your background aligns with the job. A
How do I update my resume for career advancement?
Focus on recent achievements, new skills, and any additional qualifications or certifications. Update your resume to reflect your career progression and the new responsibilities or roles you have taken on.
How do I address poor performance in previous roles on my resume?
If relevant, focus on the improvements you made or lessons learned. Frame any negative experiences positively, highlighting how you have grown and what you have learned from those experiences.
What’s the best way to list technical skills on a resume?
Create a separate section for technical skills, and list them in a clear and organized manner. Group related skills together and include proficiency levels if relevant. Make sure to match these skills with the job requirements.
How do I tailor my resume for different job industries?
Research the industry and tailor your resume to highlight the most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements for that field. Use industry-specific terminology and emphasize experiences that align with industry standards and expectations.
How do I handle job roles with limited relevant experience?
Highlight transferable skills and any relevant accomplishments. Emphasize how your experience, even if not directly related, has prepared you for the role you’re applying for.
What’s the best way to list skills on a resume?
List skills in a dedicated section with a mix of hard and soft skills. Use bullet points for clarity and prioritize skills that are most relevant to the job. Include specific examples of how you’ve applied these skills in your previous roles. Additionally, here are some resume tips: ensure your skills section is concise, avoid jargon, and tailor your skills to match the job description.
Should I include a cover letter with my resume?
A cover letter is often recommended as it provides an opportunity to explain why you’re a good fit for the role and to showcase your personality and enthusiasm. Tailor your cover letter to the job and company to make a strong impression. Additionally, consider these resume writing tips: ensure clarity, enhance visual appeal, and use specific strategies to make your resume stand out, especially in competitive job markets like Australia.
What do I do if I don’t have a lot of professional experience?
Emphasize internships, volunteer work, and projects that showcase your skills. Highlight relevant are
How do I write an effective resume headline?
Write a headline that captures your professional identity and key skills in a concise way. It should reflect your expertise and be tailored to the job you’re applying for, such as “Experienced Marketing Manager Specializing in Da
Can I used a professional resume writing service?
A resume writing service can be beneficial if you need professional assistance in crafting a resume that effectively highlights your skills and experience. So yes, it’s okay to hire a resume writer. The resume creation process is crucial, and a resume writing service can guide you through it, employing specific resume tips and tools to enhance your resume’s effectiveness. They can offer expertise in resume formatting, keyword optimisation, and tailoring content for specific job applications.
