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Your resume is an important tool in your job hunting and significantly,
the first impression potential employers have of you.
Your resume highlights what important skills and experience
you have and your attention to detail – you would be surprised
how many are sent to prospective employers with spelling mistakes,
in correct use of grammar and on sub-standard paper.
But producing a resume is not about putting together a flashy
document. In fact, at Gel Group we suggest you use good quality,
A4 white paper and avoid graphics and flowery fonts which can
distract from the content. |
It is also our advice
that you leave plenty of white space on the page and ensure
the end result does not look cluttered, but professional, and
refined – just like you.
A recommended approach to compiling a resume is to address each
of the following criteria against which most employers will
be assessing your suitability for a career opening –
Personal details – Your name, address, age
(we suggest you also list your date of birth) and of course,email
address, telephone number/s (so they can ring and tell you
that the job is yours!).
Educational background – What schools; primary
and secondary, you attended. Also, any tertiary qualifications
and where you obtained them from.
Professional qualifications – Supporting documentation
from a recognized training provider to highlight you proficiency
in your chosen career industry.
Career Aspirations – Why you chose your particular
career path and your proposed future direction.
Employment Record – A listing in reverse chronological
order of your work experience and specific achievements in
each role. Include in this section details such as the employer’s
name, length of employment and your role at each organisation.
And, where appropriate, include an indication of salary level
achieved and reason for leaving each position.
It is in this section that you would clearly and concisely highlight
what key components of your previous achievements were pertinent
to the position you are currently seeking.
Your aim should be to give greater emphasis to your key skills
and future potential while at the same time playing down any
experience short falls or lengthy gaps in your employment history.
Training and Development – An ideal opportunity to show
your true commitment to your chosen career by listing any
on-going industry specific training you are currently undertaking
or are enrolled to commence.
Supporting Data – Any documentation you have to enhance
your marketability and highlight your desire to participate
in lifelong learning specific to your industry.
Above all, ensure your resume is accurate, easy to
read and capable of verification.
The Covering Letter
In simple terms, a covering letter is your means of self-introduction.
And because it speaks volumes about you, it is important your
covering letter is succinct, specifically tailored to the
career opening you are seeking and professional in its appearance
and writing style.
The covering letter – even more so than your resume
– is your first chance to capture the attention of your
potential employer and demonstrate the qualities that set
you apart from other applicants.
With a covering letter you should be aiming to put the spotlight
firmly on you and enticing the reader to review your resume
for more specific details on your professional history and
successes.
It is important that the covering letter complements your
resume and highlights the same core messages.
Typically, a covering letter is no longer than one page and
addresses, quite succinctly –
The ideal correlation between what skills are required for
the career vacancy you are seeking and how you are competent
in each of these areas.
- Your high-level industry specific qualifications or on-the-ground
experience relevant to the business you are seeking employment
with. (Use strong verbs which demonstrate action and accomplishments
and explain how your background can be translated into specific
and tangible benefits for the particular business you are
seeking employment with).
Personal traits – such as remaining calm in a crisis
situation – which would be advantageous in the career
vacancy you are seeking.
As with any formal correspondence, ensure your letter follows
a logical structure and is personally signed; signatures scanned
in electronically are simply not acceptable.
Your introduction letter should also include where or how
you heard about the career vacancy, applicable reference number
if given in an advertisement and clearly state your reasons
for applying.
Remember - if you show you meet the essential criteria
for a specific vacancy, you increase your chances of an interview. |
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