Want to a resume that stands out? Follow these tips!

​Do you want to freshen up your resume for 2019? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Keep reading for WorkPac’s guide on crafting a great resume.

Use dot points instead of paragraphs

There is nothing worse than digging through an over-complicated resume to try and find what a person’s skills and experience are. Make sure your resume is straightforward and easy to read, and always lay out the information in dot points instead of paragraphs. This is so much quicker and easier for a recruiter or employer to read!

For example, instead of writing:
In my previous position at X, I supervised a team of 35 people. This experience means I have a wealth of knowledge on supervising for projects in construction, as well as strong leadership skills. I am also very organised, so I am able to successfully work to deadlines.

Put it into dot points:
• Previously supervised team of 35
• Strong leadership skills
• Knowledge on construction supervising
• Organised
• Able to meet deadlines

Make your work history count

It’s important to include the right information when outlining your work history. We recommend including the following:

1. The name of the organisation/business you worked for and your job title.
2. The month and year you started and finished in the role.
3. Make sure you include a list of your skills, experience and qualifications. For example, if you are an operator make sure you expand this and explain the types and sizes of machinery that you have experience operating. Don’t forget to include your RIIs and Site Authorisations with your application.
4. Duties: in dotpoints, list all your duties in that role and the work you completed day-to-day.
5. Achievements: you should also outline in dotpoints any great achievements you had in that role. For example, if there an instance where you were able to make the workplace more efficient or helped improve workplace culture, make sure to include it. Also include any awards or acknowledgements received such as employee of the month.

Laying out your work history this way ensures the person reading your resume is receives the details they need without information overload. Again, remember to use dotpoints here so that it is clear and concise.

Adjust your resume for the role

Instead of submitting the exact same resume for each role, modify it slightly for the role you’re applying for. Employers will outline exactly what they’re looking for in the job description, so if you really want the role you need to prove that have the skills and qualifications. For example, if the job advertisement asks for someone who is proactive and takes initiative, include under work history some brief examples of where you demonstrated that in previous roles.

Don't lie

This should be an obvious one, but don’t bend the truth on what your skill-set and experience is just to get a role. If there’s a certain ticket or qualification you don’t have, or a skill you haven’t learnt yet, just be honest about that and make it clear that it’s something you’d be willing to learn or obtain if you do get the role. You’ll be expected to talk about relevant skills and experience in your interview so if you’ve lied it will become apparent and make you look untrustworthy, which will hurt your chances of finding work with that company in the future.

For more tips on landing a role in 2019, make sure you also check out our other post which covers tips on finding a job from our 2018 recruiter of the year.