Careers NSW

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Resumes

A Simple Resume

There are many types of resume, and everyone has their own ideas about what should go into it!

This page will show how to put together a simple resume for students looking for part time jobs and students who are looking for work when they finish school.

More complex resumes might be needed to apply for cadetships or after studying tertiary education.

Great resume advice and examples can be found at the JOB GUIDE or MYFUTURE. Links to those sites can be found on the Explore Careers page CLICK HERE.

A good Resume builder which gives a simple resume in Word format can be found at www.Skillsroad.com.au.

For an eResume go to iDlogik. "At iDlogik, we've taken a fresh approach to the resume… and personal career management with an innovative range of free on-line tools, specifically designed to get you noticed…and get you ahead!" www.idlogik.com

What is the Purpose of the Resume?
Not to get a job! To get an interview is the right answer.

So, someone is going to read it, compare it with perhaps lots of others, and decide if they want to meet you or not.

Therefore it has to say enough positive things about you, and nothing negative, to persuade someone to give you an interview.

Sections

A resume could contain the following sections:

Personal Details

Full name (with your prefered name in brackets if it isn't your first name. e.g. William (Bill) David Marshall)
Address,
Telephone,
Email address (If you have a silly email address - change it!)

Objectives (good reasons why you want the job)

Don't say:
you want the job to get money to go on holiday or to buy something. In fact don't mention money at all.
that you want the job because you like the time off or the holidays.

Do say:
that you want the job because you are interested in the work.
that you want the job because you think that you will enjoy it.
that you want the job because it will give you the opportunity to learn.
that you want the job because you think that you will become good at it.

Education

If you have good marks then list your subjects with the marks.
If your marks are not so good then list your subjects.
Then find at least one good thing to say about your school work. Maybe 2 or 3 things. Maybe enjoyed studying a particular topic in a subject or created something in a practical subject etc.
Have photocopies of your school reports.

Employment History (maybe just work experience, or if no work experience then maybe work that you have done for pocket money such as baby sitting, tidying up etc.)

Skills & Attributes

Think about the skills and attributes that the employer will be looking for.
Ask people that know you to tell you what they think that you are good at.
Have photocopies of certificates to show things that you have achieved.

Referees & References

Employers will usually want 2 referees: one from school and one from work or a sports team or club or a professional person who knows you. Make sure that you ask people before putting them onto your resume.

You may have a reference from school and others that have been written for you.

Below you will see a simple resume. Copy and paste it into a Word document and change it to suit you and the job that you are applying for.

Personal Details

David (Dave) Smith

14 High Hill Road, Notown, NSW 2345

T. 02 3425 6547, M. 0123 456 789, E. Dave14@hotmail.com

Objectives

I am looking for a position in retail as I intend to make my career in this area. I am planning on enrolling in a TAFE retail course which I hope will eventually lead to a career in retail management.

Education

2005 – 2009 Any High School

School Certificate 2008

Year 11 subjects: English, Maths, History, IT, PDHPE, Wood Technology.

Gave a 5 minute presentation to the class in English. Made a small coffee table to take home in Wood Technology. Learnt how to work with Microsoft Office in IT.

Employment History

June 2008 – present

Part-time work on Saturdays & Sundays at the local market for Smiths Vegetables. (12 hours per week)

Moving stock from the vans to the stalls, filling stalls, serving customers, handling cash, keeping area clean and tidy.

May 2008 (5 days)

School work experience at Jones Butchers, Fairway Road, Notown.

Cleaning surfaces, knives and pans, cutting up meat, preparing mince, travelling in the van to deliver meat to customers.

Work at home

Cutting the grass, cleaning the car, helping around the house, and babysitting nephews for pocket money.

Skills & Attributes

Good with customers, keen to learn new skills, always on time, hard worker, good team player (I play soccer at school sport).

Referees

Mr. David Smith, Smiths Vegetables, Long Road, Notown

Tel. 1234 5678

Mr. Ken Williams, Year Adviser, Any High School, Notown

Tel. 2345 6789