A resume/CV is used by employers to gauge if you’re a suitable candidate for their role, but a common question we get asked is “what constitutes a ‘good’ resume/CV?”
Start with the Basics:
- Personal/contact information
- Always include personal details at the top of your resume/CV. Information such as, name, phone number, email address, and mailing address are essential so that employers can contact you
- Cover letter/personal statement
- Not all job applications require a cover letter or personal statement, but they do give you a chance to explain more about your interests and achievements. Important elements to include in a cover letter:
- What is your interest in the company/role?
- Relevant experience that correlates with job description
- How would the company benefit from hiring you?
- Not all job applications require a cover letter or personal statement, but they do give you a chance to explain more about your interests and achievements. Important elements to include in a cover letter:
Preparation/presentation:
Employers only require a quick glance at your resume or CV to form an opinion on your suitability for the position. It is crucial to keep your resume/CV simple and succinct, the length will depend on the number of years of experience you have. As a benchmark, for those with 3-7 years, we’d suggest two pages.
- Font/size
- Keep it professional. We recommend using Arial or Calibri, these are the most frequently used fonts in business
- Keep the font size between 10–12
- Proofreading
- Proofread your resume/CV and then ask a friend or coworker to help, a second set of eyes is helpful when proofreading
Putting it together:
Only add relevant information, and avoid over-sharing. You’ll be able to expand on points during the interview stage. The resume/CV is an overview of your achievements. So, how do you arrange the information?
- Ensure that your experience and education are in descending order, starting with the most recent information
- Always include past/current role titles, accomplishments, and dates of employment/education
- Understand the role you’re applying for
- Tailor the information you present, different roles will require different skills. Customise your resume/CV based on the job description
- Keep your resume/CV up to date
- Make sure all information is accurate, including your current position
- If you have a gap in your timeline, employers will enquire why, so be prepared to respond
For further advice and support on crafting your resume/CV contact us at [email protected] and one of our consultants will be in touch.
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