1. Your Resume

2. What is a Resume? A resume is a brief summary of your personal details, educational and professional life. It covers aspects of your background relevant to the job you are seeking.

3. Four Major Uses Your personal record of education and work history First real contact between you and a potential employer Used to prompt questions at an interview Reviewed after the interview to refresh memories and make comparisons with other candidates

4. A Successful Resume has… A dynamic layout and a professionally designed front cover A marketing orientated approach to selling ‘you’ A personal profile A highly readable writing style

5. Layout Prospective employers like to see details of your qualifications, training and experience at a glance. Use of side or shoulder headings and the insertion of dates will give them a complete picture very quickly.

6. Information to Include Personal Details Career Goals Education Special Training and Skills Special Qualifications and Abilities Employment Experience Extracurricular Activities Referees References

7. Points to Remember Check for spelling, punctuality or grammatical errors Place most relevant information on the first page (if possible) List work experience either chronologically or in order of relevance Highlight your strongest points but avoid boastful statements

8. Presentation Folder Suggested order: Current resume (incl additional copies) Certificates and any educational quals References and details of referees Samples of your work

9. In Summary Your resume is possibly the most important document you will ever possess, and so it should contain the right mix of information to sell you in the most effective and appropriate manner. Professional assets, achievements, extracts from references and a personal profile are all proven marketing tools which can help you achieve your employment goals. Remember that employers need to know considerably more about you than your working history. Employees are selected on more than just their qualifications and experience, so you should give employers what they need to make a positive decision - in your favour.