How To Write A Job Resume: Expert Australian Guide

Are you sending out job applications and hearing nothing back? You're not alone. Many job seekers struggle to get noticed. A poorly written resume is often the culprit. Let's fix that.

TL;DR: Write a job resume by tailoring it to each role using keywords from the job ad. Format it for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Quantify your achievements and highlight relevant skills. If you want to land interviews, your resume needs to prove you're the best candidate on paper.

Why is my job resume not getting interviews?

Your resume might not be getting interviews because it's not tailored to the specific job or ATS-optimised. Generic resumes are easily overlooked. Recruiters and hiring managers are inundated with applications. You need to stand out.

99% of employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS). These systems scan resumes for keywords. If your resume doesn't contain the right keywords, it may be automatically rejected. SEEK jobs regularly receive 500+ applications. Around 10 applicants are interviewed per role. Only one gets the job. Your resume needs to make the cut.

How do I write a job resume that gets past ATS?

To write an ATS-friendly resume, use a simple, clean format. Avoid tables, images, and unusual fonts. Incorporate keywords from the job description throughout your resume. This shows the ATS that you're a good match. Melissa Peacock, with 15 years of recruitment experience, explains: "If you are confident on paper, you have already won the hiring manager over. This is known as the Halo Effect. During the interview, they are more likely to overlook biases because they already believe you can perform the role well. Mentally, they have already hired you."

How do I choose the right resume format?

Choose a reverse-chronological format to highlight your career progression, listing your most recent experience first. Functional resumes focus on skills but are often viewed with suspicion by recruiters. A hybrid resume can combine both, but reverse chronological is the safest bet. If you are confident on paper, you have already won the hiring manager over.

What sections should my resume include?

Include these essential sections: Contact Information, Summary/Objective, Work Experience, Education, and Skills. You can also add sections for Volunteering, Projects, or Awards. Tailor these sections to the specific job requirements. Consider the sections most relevant to the target role, and optimise them accordingly.

• Contact Information: Name, phone number, email, LinkedIn profile URL (optional: address).
• Summary/Objective: A brief overview of your skills and experience, tailored to the role.
• Work Experience: List your previous jobs with bullet points describing your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.
• Education: List your degrees and certifications.
• Skills: List both hard and soft skills relevant to the job.

How do I write compelling bullet points for my work experience?

Start each bullet point with a strong action verb. Focus on your accomplishments and quantify your results whenever possible. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your bullet points. This provides context and demonstrates your impact. Numbers are powerful. "Increased sales by 15%," is much more compelling than "Responsible for increasing sales."

How do I highlight my skills effectively?

Create a dedicated skills section, listing both technical and soft skills relevant to the job. Tailor your skills section to match the job description. Use keywords from the job ad. Skills that are in high demand include communication, leadership, project management, and problem-solving.

Resume Checklist: Are you making these mistakes?

To avoid common resume mistakes, proofread carefully for grammar and spelling errors. Use consistent formatting. Ensure your resume is easy to read. Keep it concise and focused on the job requirements. Here is a quick checklist to avoid common mistakes:

• Spelling and grammar errors corrected
• Consistent formatting applied
• Resume tailored to the specific job
• Achievements quantified with numbers
• Keywords from the job description included
• Resume is concise (1-2 pages max)

Resume Examples: Before and After

Let's compare an example of a generic bullet point with a tailored, achievement-oriented one:

The "Improved" bullet point is much more compelling. It uses specific numbers and quantifies the results of the project management. This demonstrates the candidate's value and impact. Remember, ATS and recruiters are looking for achievements and quantifiable results. Let's compare two resume summary statements.

Should I include a cover letter with my job resume?

Yes! A matching cover letter significantly improves your chances of getting an interview. A cover letter allows you to elaborate on your skills and experience, and explain why you're a good fit for the company. Matching cover letters improve interview chances by 40%. 66% of applicants submit cover letters. If you're not including one, you're missing an opportunity to stand out.

The action sequence below shows how a cover letter and resume work together:

1. Read Job Description: Identify key skills and requirements.
2. Tailor Resume: Incorporate keywords and highlight relevant experience.
3. Write Cover Letter: Explain why you're a good fit for the company and the role.
4. Submit Application: Ensure both your resume and cover letter are error-free.
5. Follow Up: If you haven't heard back within a week, send a polite follow-up email.

Job Resume FAQs

What if I don't have much work experience?

Focus on your skills, education, and any volunteer work or projects you've completed. Highlight transferable skills. Show how your skills and experience can benefit the company. The skills section becomes even more vital. You can also include academic projects that show skills relevant to the target job.

How long should my resume be?

Aim for one to two pages maximum. Recruiters often spend very little time on each resume during the initial screening, so brevity is crucial. Prioritise the most relevant information. If you have extensive experience, two pages are acceptable. For entry-level positions, stick to one page.

Should I include a photo on my resume?

In Australia, it's generally not recommended to include a photo on your resume unless specifically requested. Some argue this could lead to unconscious bias. Focus on your qualifications and experience. The focus should be on your skills and experience, not your appearance.

Ready to land more interviews? Let The Perfect Resume craft an ATS-optimised resume and cover letter that showcases your skills and experience. We've helped 6,000+ job seekers secure interviews with a 96% interview success rate. From entry-level to Board-level positions across multiple Australian industries, we know what it takes to get noticed.