Resume Tips

Realistically, the resume is aimed at securing you an interview. A brilliant resume may not win you the coveted position but a bad resume can prevent you from getting to the interview stage.

So do spend some time preparing a document which will immediately catch the prospective employer's attention - you won't get an interview if your resume doesn't stand out from the others.
Often, most people's resumes are more detailed than they need to be. Keep a simple uncluttered format as it is easy to read and source the relevant information. Use appropriate spacing and always use a laser printed resume if sending a hardcopy.
Do your research into the position / employer as you would want to highlight your relevant skills and previous experience directly relating to the position.
Generally, the resume should be structured in this form:
  1. Your NAME - this should always lead the resume. It is crucial for the potential employer to know WHO he/she is reading about.

  2. Your Personal Details - Keep this to a minimum but do include the necessary points as address, telephone number(s), e-mail addresses etc. You might also wish to include your date-of-birth. You do NOT include your details such as your religion, marital status and such. A second language is often a useful ability to add to this section.

  3. Education - Employers often like to see the progression of your education in chronological order. Start with the most recent (ie. University degree to high school certificate). Include any further on-going professional training, in-service seminars or skills which you have acquired along the way such as computer skills or clinical education skills. Employers appreciate a potential employee who has current professional skills and workplace knowledge.

  4. Employment History
    a. List past employment history in the reverse chronological order, again listing the most recent position first. Concentrate the most details on your most current / most recent position. Remember to list previous positions held, responsibilities and achievements noted during this time.
    b. It is essential to give the names of past employers with dates of appointments.
    c. NEVER include your current work telephone number and it is ill-advised to provide any information relating to your current salary. d. List any affiliations to relevant professional bodies.

  5. Non Work Activities

  6. Other general pointers include:
    a. Always A4 size printouts with matching envelopes
    b. Always type or word process resumes
    c. Always use laser printed quality prints for your resumes
    d. Use space between paragraphs and allow for margins - a well present document is easier to read and suggestive of a well organised mind.
    e. Proof read your document, to avoid spelling mistakes and inaccuracies.
    f. Try to keep your resume to 4 pages, although this is not always possible as some will require more due to the depth of work experiences).