How to write a resume or CV

The objective of your resume or CV and application letter is purely to secure a meeting or interview with your prospective employer. Your resume and application letter is important in selling you to people who don’t know you. It’s their first impression of you and needs to be a positive one if you are to progress further.

Prepare

A powerfully written, visually appealing, impressive resume is the one most likely to win an interview. The best way to achieve this is with a stylish and concise resume that highlights you and your accomplishments. It should also emphasise your most favourable attributes and demonstrate the value you can add to the job and the organisation. Consider your resume as your personal sales document. The best way to write your resume is to use out extensive step by step guide on how to prepare a great resume.

Example Resume
IT Sample Resume Template
General Resume Template

Layout

• Your name and contact details
• Education – education and training are important to employers and so you should list your degree(s), relevant courses, date of graduation and the educational institutions for each
• Professional qualifications – your professional qualification(s) designation(s) (with full name if uncommon) together with date of admittance or qualification
• Technology skills – include advanced technology skills that could be relevant to the position in question or organisation, together with level of proficiency
• Language skills – include languages, with degree of proficiency on reading, writing and speaking
• Career summary/objective – this should be a short paragraph of 15-20 words describing who you are, what you have achieved to date in your career and what you are looking to achieve
• Dates of Employment – (From/To in months and years) with employer and job title
• Employer – With a brief description of their business
• Responsibilities – You should briefly outline the scope of your current job’s responsibilities, as this will describe to the reader the level at which you work
• Achievements – This is where you should put most of your effort as your achievements indicate the value you added to each role and employer and thus potentially can add to a future employer. You will be asked about your achievements in an interview.

Once you have structured your resume properly the next step is to learn how to sell you achievements and get those job interviews coming in.

Spelling and Grammar

Poor spelling or grammar can ruin an otherwise stylish and competent resume.

Update regularly

At least once a year you should review and update your resume, even if you are not actively seeking a new position.

Example Resume
IT Sample Resume Template
General Resume Template