Job Search Series: Write a Resume that Suits your Individual Needs

Global Skills understands that navigating different websites and services online to assist with job search is not always easy, which is why we created our Job Search Series.

Resume is a word you’ll hear a lot during your job seeker journey. A resume is a document that lists your experience, education, skills and achievements and is considered essential information to give to an employer so they can weigh up whether you’re suitable for a role.

The third in our Job Search Series will show you how to write a resume that best suits your individual needs.

The video below will explain what you should include in your resume:

Your resume is often the first impression a potential employer has of you. To make a strong first impression and increase the chances of landing the job, start with a resume type that will emphasise your strong points.

There are two main types of resume:

  • A Chronological resume: Puts the emphasis on your work history
  • A Functional resume: Puts the emphasis on your skills and abilities

Read on to learn the differences in how you should list your experience, education, skills and achievements in each type, including links to examples and templates.

Chronological resume
A Chronological resume is like a time line outlining your education and work history. It should be structured in reverse order with most recent listed at the top and work backwards from there.

It’s best to use a chronological resume when you have a consistent work history and experience similar to the job you are applying for.

Don’t use a chronological resume if you have large gaps in your employment history, you are starting your first job, or you have held many short-term jobs.

A Chronological resume should include the following sections in this order:

  • Name and contact information
  • Objective/Summary (include if you can tailor for each application)
  • Employment history
  • Education and training
  • Skills and abilities
  • Referees

For Chronological resume examples and templates go to: https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/chronological-resume

Functional resume
A Functional resume is structured around your skills and experience. This structure is good if you do not have much work experience, have had breaks in your employment, or you are changing careers. There is less focus on your work history and job titles and more focus on your actual skills and experience.

A Functional resume should include the following sections in this order:

  • Name and contact information
  • Objective/Summary (include if you can tailor for each application)
  • Skills and Abilities: Organise by theme and provide specific examples of projects, tasks, and assignments you have completed that show you have those skills.
  • Brief employment history: If you have gaps in your employment or have frequently changed jobs, you can leave out your employment dates.
  • Education and Training
  • Referees

For Functional resume examples and templates go to: https://resumegenius.com/blog/resume-help/functional-resume

When identifying skills and abilities to include in a resume it is important to have a broad perspective. If you have little or no work history you can include skills gained outside of work that may be relevant. The following video will show you how to write a resume when you have no experience.

The number one thing to remember when writing your resume is to always be honest. Lies may help get a job but chances are it won’t last.  It is difficult to demonstrate skills or experience if they do not actually exist.

Also ensure that your resume is easy to read. Use short sharp sentences and a font that is easy to read. Use a spell check or get someone to proofread your resume to ensure the spelling is correct. 

And our last tip, have different versions of your resume for different jobs and tailor them for each application. The video below will show you how.

We are only a phone call or email away. Our staff are more than happy to help you create, update and/or tailor your resume to help you get the job that’s right for you.