Develop resume content
1. Assess your skills
Build content for your resume by creating specific examples of your abilities. The skills worksheet below lists a range of skills and attributes regarded very highly by employers.
- Download the skill worksheet (2 MB)
- Identify the top four skills for the positions you will apply for
- Brainstorm examples which will show your ability with those skills and attributes
- Prioritise which examples to include in your resume
Tip: Once a week add examples of other skill areas to your worksheet to create a "bank" of examples for future job applications.
2. Refine your content
Think about who will be reading your resume and why.
An employer will assess your resume using the requirements they listed in the job advertisement. Your resume must quickly show you match what they need as they may receive hundreds of applications.
Organise the first page of your resume to include sections that are the strongest match, to make the best impression in the shortest time. All the information you include must be relevant and offer value to the employer.
Highlight special opportunities, experiences or achievements you have had that might benefit the organisation. This will interest the employer and make your resume memorable.
3. Tailor for specific jobs
Carefully research each job you plan to apply for.
- Highlight the selection criteria and employer's preferences in the advertisement or job description carefully.
- Also note key words or ideas the employer uses in the job ad and their company website. This will give you an idea of the organisation's culture.
- Take some time to work out how you can show that your experiences match the skills, experience, knowledge and personal qualities needed for the job.
Save and clearly label each resume copy you tailor for a specific job so you can easily locate it to prepare for interviews.
