RESUME FEEDBACK

AREA NEEDS TIPS FOR IMPROVEMENT.

WORK Remember, there is not ONE way to write a resume. The following are suggestions.
Overall Presentation
Name & • Your name positioned at the top
Contact details • Your name should be the largest title on the front page.
• DO NOT write “resume of”…
• Remove Date of Birth / Religion / Marital status /Age details/Passport info
• Remove small headings: Name, Address, etc..
• Limit to ONE professional sounding e-mail address (the one you will check)
Standardised • Aim to stand out favourably from the crowd. Do NOT use gimmicks.
• Too much reliance on templates - need to customise
Length • Ideally 2-3 pages for Graduate resumes. 10-12 font.
Crowded • Create more “white space” on each page (less text)
• Separate sections using white space
Formatting • Use consistent formatting throughout – font size, justification and position of
dates & headings is the same
• Need to include page numbers eg. P2 of 3 (in footer usually best)
• Limit the use of highlighting techniques (eg. Italics, bold, font changes,capitals)
to most relevant info. Avoid upper case, underlining and multiple fonts
• Use a combination of brief text and dot points
• Make relevant points easy to find….use subheadings more effectively
• Use constant width fonts to avoid formatting problems in transfer
• Use same font size combinations throughout- 2 font sizes + NAME in larger
font should be sufficient.
• Limit the use of boxes and tables to limit formatting problems
Grammar & • Use formal English & correct grammar.
Punctuation • Ensure correct spelling – use people to check spelling.
• Use clear, concise and relevant language. Avoid repetition
Specific Content
Relevance • Effective resumes require relevant & targeted information- Judge what isn’t
relevant then leave it out. Make most significant information more accessible.
Prioritise • Place your most impressive information closest to the front.
• Place most relevant information early in the entry.
Targeting • Address selection criteria more closely. Use evidence and examples to support
your claims.
Info incomplete • Include more detail and information to support your claim for the position
or too • IT: list computing skills under: Languages, Applications, Platforms, Operating
generalised systems and include URL’s where applicable.
Dates • Ensure all dates are correct. Use months & years or years only.
inconsistent
Sequencing • Enter most recent information first. Then enter chronologically back to least
recent eg Education would start with UTS degree then high school/TAFE
Language • Use dot points, brief phrases, & achievement statements– limit full sentences
& long explanations.
• Start dot points with “active verbs” eg. Managed, Reported, Developed etc
• Use consistent tense throughout to enhance the flow and readability.
Repetition • Avoid duplicating information. Use varied examples / experiences
Key skills / • No key skills statements or poorly worded statements
Core • Statements not targeted to relevant aspects of the field you wish to enter
Competencies • Need to include evidence of using the skill / quality in question
Section • Include outcome of using the skill / What you learned from using the skill
 ELEMENTS OF A RESUME – KEY POINTS
Contact Details • Brief and to the point – they need to remember your name and how to contact you as
indicated on first page
Career Objective • This is optional, but very effective if clear and concise.
• This section should consist of brief, factual sentences. Maximum of 3-4 lines.
• Start by giving the potential employer an idea of your aspirations & preferred work
environment; motivate them to read the rest of your resume.
• Indicate short and long term career goals, if appropriate.
• Highlight 1 or 2 competencies that you can bring to the position/organisation.
• Tailor the statement to each position you are applying for – refer to the job
advertisement for clues of what skills or qualities are valued in the organisation.
• Change this heading to ‘Career Summary’ or ‘Career Highlights’ if you have significant
professional experience.
• State your availability, if appropriate.
Education • Degree (full title, include Majors) on first line (in bold).
• University (full title) on second line.
• List the year you graduated or your expected year of completion.
• Indicate your overall academic results eg distinction average, credit average etc.
• List the key subjects and major projects or academic research relevant to the vacancy;
this information helps you to stand out from the crowd.
• Attach a copy of your Academic Transcript – don’t list all subjects & results in resume.
• List other educational achievements (eg previous degrees, diplomas) after your most
recent education.
• Change this heading to ‘Qualifications’ as soon as you complete your last exam.
Skills Summary • Identify and list in priority order a minimum of your key 4-6 skills.
• Include context & outcomes for skills used – achievements, capabilities & application.
• Concentrate on professional skills to match the vacancy or organisation.
• List generic skills and provide examples to add credibility to your claims.
• List relevant IT skills.
• Skills Summary on first page or take up all of second page if extensive.
Employment • Split this section into ‘Professional Experience’ and ‘Other Experience’.
• Position (full title) on first line (in bold).
• Company name on second line.
• Give a brief description of the company (size, location, type of business).
• Indicate on what basis you were employed (eg FT, PT, casual, voluntary, placement).
• Give the dates you were with the organisation (Month Year – Month Year).
• List your key specific responsibilities, starting each with an active verb eg manage,
produce, develop, test, provide, present.
• Avoid copying the Duty Statement in full – it is too general and does not clarify your
individual responsibilities.
• Tailor each resume so your relevant experience is given suitable emphasis according
to the vacancy or organisation.
• List your achievements – outline your personal accomplishments and contributions to
the position or organisation eg what you improved, provide the outcomes achieved,
skills you developed, positive feedback or awards received. Try to be original but
truthful
• Include in this section any industrial placements, Cooperative Program Research
Awards, voluntary or community work or leadership positions held.
Professional • List any relevant short courses or conferences you have attended.
Development • Give the date (the year is usually sufficient), the institution and the location.
Professional • List the relevant Professional Association/s and your membership status (student,
Membership/s associate, full member).
Interests • List 2-3 interests or social activities that demonstrate a balanced and active life.
Referees • Follow advertised application requirements (usually 2 maximum).
• Should be current, and be able to comment on your workplace or uni performance.
• Ensure referee contact details and relationship to you is made clear in the resume.