Top Tips To Write A Killer Resume

The most important part of the recruitment process is to have a compelling resume, without it you will most likely not make it through step one of the hiring process. 

Handy tips to create this work of art;

1. Ensure the resume is clear, concise and comprehensive of your working life - including your work experience, skills, education, training and achievements.

2. A summary statement is more valuable than your objective - here you can highlight what you are looking for although more importantly how you can add value to a company based on your track record and relate it back to the job advertisement.

3. Limit the personal information you include - you only need your name, email address, phone number and a LinkedIn profile if that make sense for you. Do not include your home address, age, or any reference to your personal life. This is due to biases that can be considered by a recruiter.

4. Unless you are applying to be a model or an actor I would suggest no photo - same reason as above. How you look should not impact your application.

5. Keep the information in chronological order - 2021 and work backwards - it’s all about the latest experience.

6. Unless applying for a senior executive position keep the resume short and sweet and no more than 3 pages. Recruiters receive so many applications these days they do not have time to read a storybook.

7. Talk about your achievements versus the tasks that you do. Show how you can add value with tangible examples.

8. You do not need to include references, they take up valuable space, if you are succesful you can supply them at a later stage.

9. Let your personality shine through.

10. Use a template that has a clear lay out and is easy to read. Use a font and font size that is readable, along with appropriate spacing.

11. Be careful not to overuse “buzz words” - do a Google search and you will find the skills/capabilities that they recommend to include and words that are used to death and do not have any impact. Obviously only include what relates to your ability.

12. Review, review, review - check for grammar and spelling. Then have someone else review for you.

Now off you go and reach out if you have any questions along the way or need support to create your killer resume.

The Best Outfit For A Job Interview

What to wear to a job interview - is one of the most asked questions I receive. It is important that you take the time to prepare for the interview and put your best foot forward - therefore the outfit you choose needs to meet the brief.

You can only make a first impression once. Think about each interaction you will have with this company to reflect the best version of you. It starts from the moment you send in your application -

• Is your resume reflective of who you are and why you are the best candidate?

• Are you easy to contact via email or phone if they want to discuss your application?

• If they leave a message or communication - how quickly will you respond back?

• When you do meet in person or virtually; consider your body language, the tone of your voice, the energy you bring and how you look.

Let’s dive deeper into the ‘how you look' part. Depending on the type of position you are applying for consider the following;

• Make sure your hair is brushed and tidy.

• Clean and well kept finger nails.

• Dress for the role, it is better to be over dressed than under.

• Keep accessories to a minimum unless the position you applied for is in the creative/fashion space where it would connect.

• When in doubt ask the recruiter what is appropriate to wear. For example if you have applied to work in a sports store - are they expecting you in active wear or smart casual.

• Simple and professional options can include; pants and a shirt or collared polo top, jeans and a blazer style jacket or if you know the expectation will be professional and corporate consider a suit or coordinated pieces that work well together.

• Make sure your shoes are clean or polished.

• Keep the attire appropriate so stay away from slogan tees, ripped jeans, lounge wear, anything too revealing and all items you wear are clean and presentable.

• Interesting note; the colour blue conveys feelings of calm, trust, and confidence—great qualities for an interviewer to sense in you. Blue is also many people's favourite colour.

How you look is more than just the clothes you wear - bring your A-game and consider your overall appearance and be confident on preparing before hand and knowing why you are the best candidate for the role.

Image: Smith & Archer