How to write a winning resume

Start with the profile paragraph

A profile paragraph sits at the top of your resume and sets the tone for the rest of the document. Make it count by highlighting your key skills, experiences, and achievements.

What sets you apart from other candidates? Think about what makes you unique and then introduce yourself to the reader. Make it brief, to the point and memorable.

Include skills, education and contact information

Make it easy for employers to reach out to you and always include your contact details at the beginning of your resume. 

Outside of explaining your experience, you should also include an education section to highlight your academic achievements and qualifications. Remember to list out any awards or relevant milestones.

A skills section near the end of your resume is another important component to include. Here you can showcase key skills relevant to the job including any digital or software skills that you might use. Feel free to list these out in bullet points.

Outline your experience

Your professional experience is the heart of your resume and provides a timeline of your career journey.
Hiring managers often review resumes in a matter of seconds and use your experience to quickly determine if you’re qualified for the job.

Use clear and concise language in this section, focusing on the positive impacts you've made in previous roles. Instead of merely listing duties, aim to highlight your achievements and quantify your impact with numbers. You should use action verbs and bullet points here to help you describe your previous roles.

Great action verbs include words like ‘developed’, ‘managed’ and ‘increased’. Instead of saying “Wrote content for the website” you could say “Developed original content for X company’s website which increased traffic by 20%”.

Know your audience

If you’re applying to different roles, it’s important to tailor your skills to the job advertised. Highlight keywords from the job description then tweak your resume to include them.

Matching your language to the job description will help you pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS), which use keywords to field through large numbers of resumes.

Remember the power of proofreading

Imagine presenting a document with errors to potential employers; it definitely sends the wrong message about your attention to detail.

Don't underestimate the importance of proofreading – it's the final polish that elevates your resume from good to great. Take the time to review every word, sentence, and formatting choice before hitting submit.

Still need help with your resume?

If you find yourself needing assistance or a second pair of expert eyes, consider booking a one-on-one appointment with our skilled staff at the Skills and Jobs Centre.

We're here to ensure your resume not only meets but exceeds industry standards.

For further information on finding work or to book a free consult with our Skills and Jobs Centre, book an appointment here or sign up for our upcoming workshops by booking here.