Top 5 hot tips to a great resume

There is a load of information available on how to write a good resume, from accessing templates and samples from the internet, to standard knowlegde and prior experience.  I have observed that many internet examples are “American” in culture and perhaps not the best style to suit in Australia. But, there is no better teacher than sucess, in fact, nothing beats success!

Here are my top 5 hot tips for creating a resume

1. Be concise and relevant to the job you’re applying for
2. Keep resume to two pages maximim
3. Dont use fancy fonts and tables
4. Make sure there are no spelling errors or typos
5. Page one is your lead and has the best real estate value

1.Be concise and relevant to the job

Often “cookie-cutter” resumes are gathered out of the dust or off the shelf and sent to various job adverts without any prior scrutiny. Make sure you read over the job description carefully and insert yourself into the role. Once you can visualise the job and you in it, then start to mold and edit your resume to read similarily. The reader must feel that there is a strong alignment between you and the role. This may mean you delete irrelvant facts and highlight the items that are more important to the employer. This is clever and it works! Naturally, you must remain truthful and authentic.

2.Keep resume to two pages

Unless you are the Prime Minister or have to submit a lenghly acedemic style resume, keep your document to 2 pages. This also helps you to ascertain what is really important and assists you to remain concise and to the point.  Studies have shown that readers often are time poor, and sometimes (often) are read by inexperienced HR personnel who are responsible for culling and shorlisting. Make it easy for them to distinguish the good applicant by providing a concise and relevant document.  They need to read relevance and need to feel that you could be a great match.

3.Ignore fancy fonts and tables

Using smanchie styles is fine if you are applying for a role in a creative industry. If this is the case, then go wild. If however, you are in the mainstream, go for the simple, clean lines. As a general guide, use a maximum of 3  fonts (size and style variations) only. Many employers may not have advanced software so often fancy fonts and tables are not compatible. Use bullet points to help the reader through your material. Keeping it simple means that the reader is not struggling to find the information they seek.

4.Check for spelling errors and typos

Sounds simple but many don’t review the document prior to pressing “send”. If you are too familiar with the document, you can often miss simple errors. Ask a friend to read it if that is the problem. Whatever you do, proof-read a few times and different intervals that way you can review with fresh eyes. The reader WILL judge you on this, as they figure if you were “sloppy” in the application, you may be also a sloppy worker.

5. First page is the best real estate

Page one is the best page. Don’t mess it with irrelant facts like hobbies etc. It needs to highlight YOU.  The front page should tell me all I need to know about you. Your last job being one of the important items as well as a career statement that descibes you best. Often the readers do not not have the time or the inclination to read much further than page one so make it count.

In conclusion, your resume should be an easy read, it should tell the reader all about you in 30 seconds and it should get you shortlisted  to an interview! If it doesn’t then take a hard critical look at it and adopt the 5 hot tips to see if that will get you the success you deserve.

Ivana Agapiou

FIGJAM RESUMES – your best resume writer

0404056278

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I’m sometimes asked to create a one page resume document that tells all. A page that contains just enough information to capture the reader’s attention. Clients may request that all their work history and vital information be summarized for a quick read. It’s believed that a one pager is very effective in selling their skills in seconds.  Whilst its true that a single page can be useful to tell your story succinctly, it is also selling you short.

The length is important

It’s selling you short because the front page of any resume is prime real estate and should capture the reader’s attention fully. It should entice, engage and be a catalyst for the reader to turn the page and curiously continue to your second and third page.  The document should lead the reader to explore further. This captivation and may lure the reader to shortlisting your application.  In fact, there is no need to have a resume that is more than 3 pages. Two pages is the ideal length, unless you are applying to be the Prime Minister. The important factor here is that you have them at “hello”!

Many recruiters and HR departments are busy, lack time and really want to read a resume that connects you to the job they have advertised. They want to connect the dots without having to read a deluge of information. Therefore, it is imperative that your resume reads well, with simple settings and without fussy tables and pretty colored patterns. Personal photos are for Facebook only!

Match your experience,skills and knowledge

Most importantly, you want to match your experience, skills and knowledge to the job description and the selection criteria. Read the advertisement carefully and ascertain where you’re a match.  Keep it simple and clean, with limited fancy headings. It should flow and be easy to read. Avoid technical terms that are specific to your previous work and that hold no relevance to the advertised job.

In summary, make your resume stand out by including 2/3 pages that are streamlined and tidy and most importantly, easy to read.

Forget the one pager and stick to the tried and true resume sample.

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The new reality is unpredictable.

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Ten secrets to a great resume

The secrets to a great resume has taken me years to develop. I have been writing resumes for over 15 years and have helped many clients get that all important job interview. The mere process of discussing; analyzing and working on your resume helps to engender confidence and can I say, a bit of FIGJAM. Some of us forget how awesome we can be.

There is a fine line between arrogance and confidence. The resume has to brag, but not too much. Easier said than done. How can you sell yourself without seeming cocky? This article will address that very question, because your resume must read well. It must capture the reader’s attention for all the right reasons. Here are my ten top tips for writing a resume that works.

Ten top tips to a great resume

1. Resumes are really a passport to the job you want.  Is your resume current? It must include relevant qualifications and  recent experience to be up to date. Resumes are a living and breathing document and need regular attention and upgrades.
2. Keep it simple. Unless you going for a graphic artist role, remove any fancy fonts, colors and tables. Remember, that not all computers are compatible. You also do not want to bombard the reader with distractions.
3. Two pages in length is the ideal. Develop a way to say what you want in a succinct and clear manner. Utilize the content from the job advert to help bulk up content (provided it’s the truth).
4. Avoid acronyms especially the ones that are specific to a trade or skill that most people would not understand
5. Check that your referees are current and ready for that call. Contact them each time you make applications so that they are aware of what job you’re applying for
6.  Adapt your resume to suit each and every job application. YES! One resume does NOT fit all. If you are changing careers, it’s imperative that you adapt the resume to fit your new direction
7. The front page is the best real estate in town, so make sure it is effective. It must have all the  information pertaining to the role immediately available to the reader. It should entice them enough to read the 2nd page
8. Before you apply for a role, make sure you meet at least 80%of  the criteria
9. Use effective headings to hep guide the reader
10. Use a career statement that explains who you are and describe your best skills and how these will suit the new employer

It’s not easy, but a great resume will save you stress and time. It will be an effective passport to perhaps a new career or a better job. It needs to align with the job advert and tell the reader quite loudly that you are the perfect person for the job.

If you’re still tentative, phone Ivana on 0404 056 278 at FIGJAM resumes and she will help you make the right decision for you.

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