Make a first draft
Write down your current job title and list down all the things you do and are responsible for on a day to day basis. Think about the skills you have that help you do what you do. Do a similar list for all the jobs you’ve had that relate to the position you are applying for. This will not only get you in the frame of mind to write a resume, it will also give you the information you need.
Once you have the content for your resume, you will need to work out a structure for your resume. Resumes come in many different kind of formats and are generally all accepted by employers. The most important thing is that a resume must grab the employers’ attention within 30 seconds.
The two most popular resume formats are:
- The chronological resume format
- The functional resume format
The traditional and most commonly used resume format is the chronological format- it is called this because it provides a chronological review of your employment history. The advantage of this resume format is that it highlights your past work experiences and duties performed in those previous jobs
Chronological resume format
A chronological resume has the following format:
Personal information
The contact information should be written at the top of your resume. It should include your name, address, phone number and email.
Job objective
This is optional. The job objective shows employers the direction you want to go- eg. “While I am currently a product manager, my career goal is to move into general management".
Employment History
List the jobs you have held, from most recent (current) to oldest job. For each job you have held, list the following information:
1. Dates of employment
2. Name of the company you worked for
3. Position title
4. Description of the key duties you performed
Education
Include your degrees, where you studied, certification and awards
Skills and Abilities
This is the place to put important and/or interesting information that does not fit anywhere else. For example:
• High level computer skills including Excel, Word and Powerpoint.
• Excellent communication skills.
References
References or referees are people you know that can attest to your personality and reiterate your skills. Preferably you should have at least 2 professional people (not friends or family) who can serve as your referees. It is important to contact your referees to let them know that you are looking for work (and to also confirm their contact details) so that they are aware an employer may contact them.
Functional resume format
The functional resume should be used if you have had frequent job changes or significant periods of unemployment (perhaps due to family responsibilities).
This type of resume does not list employment dates or company names, but rather focuses on skills and responsibilities.
A functional resume has the following format:
Personal information
The contact information should be written
at the top of your resume. It should include your name, address, phone number and
email.
Job objective
The job objective shows employers the direction you want to go. It also gives you a chance to reiterate your interest in seeking employment- eg. "my career goal is to gain full time employment in an area that utilises and enhances my skills and experience in Customer Service"
Skills and Abilities
This is the place for you to emphasise the skills/experiences you have gained from previous employment/training.
For example:
• Five years experience in customer service both face to face and phone based.
Education/Training
Include any taining or course you have completed, where you studied, and any certificates and awards that will show your commitment to developing your skills
References
Preferably you should have at least 2 professional people (not friends or family) who can serve as your referees. If you have not worked recently and/or do not have an appropriate work-related referee, select a referee who can attest to your personal character and your enthusiasm to seek employment. It is important to contact your referees to let them know that you are looking for work, and to inform them of the kind of jobs you are applying for so that they are aware an employer may contact them. This will also gives the referee the opportunity to consider the skills and experiences you have to do the job.
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