What’s a resume – and why have one?

If you want a job, you’ll want a resume and if you are new to this try out our easy step-by-step Skillsroad resume builder and we can help you create a fantastic resume.

Your resume (sometimes called a CV or curriculum vitae) is a marketing tool – a way to sell yourself. It has one main purpose: to win you an interview.

Writing a resume may seem like a complicated and difficult task. Here’s where the Skillsroad resume builder comes in – we make it easier for you. We take you through each step and provide tips and examples along the way.

Our resume builder is designed specifically for students

If you can’t complete it in one go, you may need to do some research, check names or contact numbers, get advice … no problem! You can save your resume and come back later to complete, revise or update it.

What if I don’t have much work experience?

If you don’t have much work experience, you can still create a good quality resume. It's not just about experience and qualifications: employers are also very interested in personal qualities like reliability, honesty, enthusiasm, teamwork, a willingness to learn and good communication skills. You can demonstrate these by outlining your special interests, sporting activities or volunteer work, for example.

What makes a kick ass resume?

A kick ass resume is well presented and appealing to read. It highlights your individual experience, skills, achievements and education. Generally a one or two page document is best.

First impressions count

Remember that your resume represents you – spelling mistakes and other errors could make your employer think you are careless.

Here are some tips for writing an effective resume:

• Accuracy counts: get spelling, names and phone numbers right
• Be honest in order to build trust. There is no chance of a job interview without it and if you get caught out being dishonest, you definitely won't get the job
• First impressions count! Have a polished, professional look to your resume
• Review your work carefully. Have others review it. Does it say what you want to do?
• Emphasise achievements and relatable skills
• Emphasise your strengths: if you're having trouble with this, start by asking your friend and family what your strengths are, they will give you honest and helpful answers.

Basic formatting rules

• Keep it brief and to the point
• Make the headings clear
• Keep your paragraphs short and space them out
• Use positive, action words
• Enlarge and bold your name at the top
• Use an Arial or Times New Roman font (or similar)
• Font size no smaller then 11pt or larger then 12pt, except for names and headings
• Avoid using “I, He, She, His, Her” in any sentence, and never list salaries
• Don’t use pictures and graphics unless you are in the creative field
• Leave out photos and unrelated hobbies
• Focus on your acheivements
• Use volunteer and community activity if you have limited work experience
• Review, review, and review again!

Your resume should include the following

Contact details: include your name, address, telephone number and email address.

Your skills: include examples of the skills you have that relate directly to the apprenticeship or traineeship occupation. Remember to include generic skills such as communication skills, ability to work with others and in teams, problem solving skills, ability to work under pressure, ability or accept responsibility and computing skills. Try to include examples where possible.

Work history: list any work you have done while you were at school, such as work experience and any part time work you have had. Start with the most recent experience first. Include the job title, company name and location, dates of experience/employment and a brief description of your responsibilities and duties.

Achievements: don’t forget, the most important thing the employer will be looking for is your achievements in each particular job. Outline if you saved your employer money or time and where you showed your initiative.

Education: include the name(s) of your school(s), the years you attended and the subjects you have completed or are undertaking

Other qualifications: list any units of competency your have completed as part school or outside school.

Awards: list any awards, certificate or statements of attainment you have achieved from your school or outside training providers such as TAFE.

Interests/hobbies: list particularly those where you are required to work in a team or where they are relevant to the apprenticeship or traineeship

Referees: include their name, title, the name and address of the organisation, and contact details (telephone number and/or mobile telephone number and/or email address). Call them first and tell them about the job you are applying for so they know to expect a call.