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5. Tips on Preparing Your Resume
Click
here to view our FREE resume pro-forma in MS Word format. (To download the
template to your hard drive, right mouse click the link and select "Save
Target As").
Tips to help you prepare your resume:
- We believe a resume should be
succinct and contain factual data only. Include comments related to a specific
job application (eg. relevance of experience related to the position of interest)
in a covering letter for written applications or outline verbally in face to face
interviews.
- You
may wish to include details about your marital status, dependants, health, etc,
however, whether you do this or not is entirely your choice. There may be other
details you wish to add to make your resume more personalised or different!
- If you have travelled
overseas or have had breaks in your employment history, it is advisable to include
this information to assist future employers in understanding the gaps in employment
dates.
- Some
people add a section to their resume to provide a "Career Overview"
or "Career Objectives". Again, whether or not you include this comes
down to personal preference.
- Employment
dates for work performed in recent years should show both the month and year,
while earlier years need only show the number of years. Providing your total business
experience rather than just recent years can be beneficial as this reflects the
culmination of your skills and expertise today.
- Job
changes within the one company should be shown along with the corresponding periods
of time - particularly for longer term positions - so that career development
within the company is highlighted.
- If
you are currently employed you can give a generic statement about the type of
company you are employed by without having to supply the company name - this provides
you more confidentiality, particularly if you are not supplying the resume in
person.
- Your
business phone number is best left off the resume to further protect your confidentiality.
However, you may wish to provide this number by phone or in a covering letter.
Likewise, private e-mail addresses maybe more suitable to use than work e-mail
addresses.
- Referees
- indicate in each case whether the reference is written or verbal (written ones
are usually attached). You may wish to state that referees' details will be provided
upon request.
- It
is in your best interest to seek the referees' approval prior to handing out their
contact details for verbal references. Be sure you are not adding names which
may jeopardise your present employment. An explanation of your association with
each referee is worthwhile if it is not obvious. Appropriate referees can add
credibility to any employment application.
Interested in more Resume and cover
letter writing tips? Check
out these websites: 
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