How to write a resume

Use job specific language or 'buzzwords' where possible witin your reusme, as well as action words to engage your audience and avoid ambiguity. Words that end in "ed" such as 'achieved, delivered and devised' help keep your resume brief, and when used in your responsibility and achievement section, convey a sense of power, influence, and level of accountability.

Use bullet points where possible to describe your responsibilities and achievements as these are easier to follow during an initial scan.

Sections you should include are:

• Contact Details – Start with your full name, address, contact phone number and email address.
• Objective or Summary – Use an objective when you know exactly what position you are looking for and have specific career goals. If you are unsure of your immediate career goals, use a summary to describe your previous skills and experiences.
• Education – List all your relevant school and academic training you have gained including high school and university degrees. Always start with your highest educational achievement, or current studies, and highlight projects or courses that will interest the reader.
• Employment History – List your previous job roles, including your current role if employed. Describe your key responsibilities and achievements within each job role. You may wish to include volunteer work here as well.
• Qualifications/Certifications – List professional qualifications and certifications that you have acquired. These demonstrate your willingness to further your education and gain valuable new skills that directly relate to your working career.
• Skills – Employers scan a resume looking for key skills, so take some time to describe your skills and areas in which you excel. Remember to focus on those skills that relate directly to the job you are applying for.
• Achievements – List achievements and accomplishments to add credibility to your resume. You may describe awards and special commendations that are outside your professional and educational experiences.
• Hobbies/Interests – Hobbies and interests give a valuable insight into the type of individual you are. Remember to only mention activities that you actively involved in.
• Referees – A referee is a personal or professional contact who can provide additional information to an employer to give an insight into your work ethic and work-related abilities. They may be a close family friend or a previous manager/senior colleague.

Your resume sections are automatically pre-formatted as you create your free resume with ConnectCV.