These days no matter what sort of role you’re applying for you’ll be asked to send or ‘attach’ your resume for assessment prior to any interview.

How this is written, along with any covering letter, is crucial. A badly written resume or covering note will act as a reason not to interview you, whilst well composed details will expedite you to the next stage.

Here are some tips on ‘reviving your resume’ to ensure you stand out from the crowd and have a better chance of success:

• A word-processed Resume is essential (gone are the days when these needed to be handwritten!). Depending on the job there is rarely need for graphics, images, wacky fonts, intricate tables or charts.
• A photo of yourself is optional (and can also take up a lot of space - often turning a small file into the Megabyte range taking longer to transmit/download). Most agencies will actually not send photos to a client.
• Many word-processing packages like MSWord have sample template documents for you to base your resume on. (For instance MSWord ‘97 has 4 resume templates under the directory templates\other documents).
• You’ll need text well spaced and easy for the eye to read, with obvious headings to skim through. Do not use lots of different fonts and font sizes.
• Generally keep between 2-5 pages in length.
• Referees are appreciated but can also be supplied later.
• Be accurate. It’s a representation of you. Spell-check your resume and cover letter!
• A specific covering letter or cover note is recommended. It shows you care about the role and assists the recruiter in their initial assessment of your suitability. You should explain briefly why you are applying for the particular role; your relevant experience; your current situation any career objectives, any desired pay-rate or salary range, and, if appropriate, your Residency status.

Contact Details (Date of birth and marriage status are optionally provided)

Career Objectives (if not already included in cover letter)

Education/Training (highest attained qualifications first)

Employment History (Most recent position first. Try to devote most space to your most recent employment)

Skill Summary (outlining the number of months/years experience for each skill with a proficiency score where appropriate.)

Non technical skills (e.g., word-processing speed in wpm; key strokes speed in ksph; Excel or Word scores)

Computer skills (e.g., s/w, operating systems, email systems, h/w)

Interests (1 or 2 lines only. Include any organisations/voluntary work).

References (up to 3 work references, 2 personal, 1 academic. These can be supplied later if desired. Remember to get the permission of referees first!).

• Please ensure your Resume is in Word 6,7, or .TXT format, and that you actually remember to attach it!
• Also include a covering letter or cover note.
• If you are not applying for a specific job, please let us know what sort of job you are looking for (temporary/contract, part-time or permanent), what work you might currently be doing, and, preferably, what minimum pay rate or salary level you are expecting.
• Finally, please include the reference number and title of the role you are applying for, or in the case of a speculative application, your work area(s) of interest.

Now that you’ve applied for a position you should call the addressee to advise them of your application and ask them to look out for it. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and provides an opportunity to ask a few questions about the role and to provide a brief outline of yourself as a suitable candidate.

• Ask for the recruiter in person (if you know them) and have a copy of the job advertisement
• Have a copy of your resume handy to refer to
• Have a pen, paper and diary at the ready
• Have a brief list of relevant questions about the role
• Briefly outline why you are applying and your suitability to the role.
• Your aim is to either get the recruiter to look at your full resume when it arrives, or even better, to book an immediate interview. Time is always of the essence.
• Confirm your interview date, time, location, what you may need to bring, dress code, and what to expect from your interview.
• Treat all interviews with professionalism. Recruitment Agency interviews are as important as Employer interviews.

• Find out as much as you can about the company (if known). What are its products and services, target markets, locations? Most businesses have a web page as a good source.
• Know what skills and experience you have that are pertinent to the job so you can present them well.
• Have good questions prepared to ask in the interview. Re-read the job description so you know precisely what they’re after.
• Know exactly where you’re going, have a contact number in your pocket, just in case. Know the name and title of the person you are meeting. Arrive 5-10 minutes early. Much earlier is often an inconvenience. Under no circumstances should you be late - or even worse - not turn up to an interview!
• Take along written references or the names and contact details of referees

Handling Interviews - Look Sharp!