There are several key areas that you need to address in order to create an excellent Resume, and they include the following;

Presentation & Format

You need to maintain consistency throughout your Resume, whilst also not trying to overload it with too much content- be precise and direct. Recruiters sift through many Resumes and simply do not have the time to read each one in detail, so use dot points where possible.

Professional Experience

As mentioned above, the best Resumes are brief and direct so choose your words wisely, and as a general rule include more information about your current job than your previous employment. In terms of how far back you go with your employment history, the past 10 years is generally accepted as sufficient.

Job Summary

Do not just simply describe your jobs and duties, highlight your achievements and use factual evidence such as 'increases in sales figures' or 'reductions in costs' as a measure of your success. Mention other particular skills that you have exemplified in your current position that would be beneficial to the role you are applying for. Also, tailor your job summary towards the skills and knowledge required for the position.

Optional Extras

You can include the following if you believe it would improve your Resume in relation to the position that you are applying for:

• Professional training
• Professional affiliations and memberships
• Licenses and accreditations
• Knowledge of foreign languages
• Other interests
• Publications
• Special accomplishments and awards

References & Referees

We prefer it that candidates list three referees, but make sure that you have obtained permission to use these people before listing their details. When finalising your referees it is important that you choose someone whom you have reported to directly, and has a strong understanding of your skill set and abilities. Nowadays it is common to list one personal (unrelated family member) and two professional referees.