Career Tools
Resume Tips
When developing your resume there are only a few simple rules to follow that will ensure you provide employers with the information they require and move your name to the top of the list:
- Style / Layout – we recommend keeping the layout and design of your resume simple. Avoid images and decorative borders. Employers are interested in the content not how it looks. Use a simple font like Arial, and clearly separate and label content so that it is easy for the reader to digest
- Tone – keep the information you include short and concise. Make sure that you use facts to support your experience and achievements where possible (i.e. sales/revenue results), use bullet points where possible and try an avoid using too many words.
- Personal details – make sure that you include your address, phone number, mobile and email at the top of the first page. Try to avoid personal / funny email addresses that may come across as unprofessional. You do not have to include your date of birth or marital status but there it is more common to do so.
- Career Overview – provide a summary of your career and highlights upfront.
- Key strengths – list the key skills that you have in bullet form.
- Key achievements – as above list the main achievements across your career in bullet form. Remember to try and include facts and figures to demonstrate these achievements.
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Employment history – list in chronological order (most recent first) your employment history. For each employer break the information into 4 main areas:
- Basic information (company name / role / duration / location)
- Overview of employing organisation
- Key responsibilities
- Key achievements
The amount of information will vary depending on the seniority and duration of the role.
- Education and qualifications – Include your highest qualifications first. Detail the qualification and where and when it was obtained. You can also include professional memberships in this section.
- Hobbies and interests – this is not an essential component on a resume and can be included or omitted as desired.
- Referees – ideally you should include referees, however you can simply insert the statement ‘available on request’ if preferred.
In summary, keep your resume short and concise (up to 5 pages maximum), keep the content relevant and factual, avoid fancy designs, and always tell the truth.
Interview Techniques
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Preparation
Before any interview take the time to research the company that you are interviewing with. Typically you should have a good understanding of:
- The company history
- The scope of services/products provided by the company
- The company’s financial performance, and where possible how the revenues are broken down
- Who the competitors are
In addition you will get a detailed briefing from your Ability People consultant before the interview.
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Getting ready for the interview
It is essential that before any interview you feel and are fully prepared. There are just a few quick tips:
- Identify the skills and experience you have that directly relate to the job you are being interviewed for
- Identify transferrable skills and competencies that can also be applied to the role
- Make sure you have answers prepared for the standard interview questions (i.e. strengths/weaknesses) and try to imagine what you would ask if the interviewer
- Think about what you want to know from the company, remember this is not just about whether they like you, it is also about whether it is the right company for you.
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The Interview
When the day of the interview arrives make sure that you make the most of the preparation you have put in. Here are just a few reminders and tips:
- Make sure you have the contact name, address and directions to get there
- Leave plenty of time – it is better to arrive early and have a coffee around the corner then turn up late or flustered
- Turn your phone off
- Be confident, keep eye contact, speak clearly but most importantly relax and be yourself
- Remember the interview is as much about whether they are right for you as you for them. Take your time to ask and answer questions.
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Feedback
Once you have finished the interview call your Ability People consultant to provide feedback. If necessary take the time to review the interview in your mind or on paper before calling. These notes will also prove valuable for future interview preparation.
Cover Letter Tips
The cover letter is what creates the first impression to the employer, it is your opportunity to sell yourself and personalise your experience to the job opportunity. Here are just a few pointers:
- Include the details of the job you are applying for, including reference numbers where appropriate
- Keep the letter short and concise, 2-3 paragraphs is ample
- State why you are interested in the role
- Outline your core skills and achievements that are most relevant and demonstrate your ability to perform the role
- Make sure your letter is bespoke for each company and role you apply for
- Don’t forget to use spell check!
